First Ride: Ducati’s Scrambler aims to combine design and performance

What is it?

The scrambler-inspired motorbike scene has exploded over recent years, with several key manufacturers producing modern bikes which have a look and feel influenced by off-roaders and flat-trackers. There’s one brand which has been in this modern scrambler segment for longer than most, mind you – Ducati.

Its aptly-named Scrambler is one of the bikes that could be seen to kick off this modern-day phenomenon and can track its history back to the late 1960s with the original Ducati Scrambler, but how does it fare in 2025? We’ve been riding a new Full Throttle version to see what this Ducati has to offer.

What’s new?

While the modern-day Scrambler may have first launched in late 2014, it has gone through several big design changes to end up with the bike you see here. Personalisation is a big factor in this area of the bike market, too, which is why you’ll find the Scrambler offered in an impressively large number of specifications and colourways, ranging from brightly coloured Icon to the more classic Full Throttle that we’ve got here.

All versions are tied together with the same basic scrambler-inspired design, with a sharp tail and upswept bars. Interestingly, the Scrambler could be a genuine choice for those who want to go off-road – we tried a version at the recent ABR off-road festival designed for tackling rougher terrain and it did very well.

What’s it powered by?

The Scrambler gets an 803cc air-cooled engine with 72bhp and 65.2Nm of torque. They’re not tremendously high outputs, of course, but right for a bike of this size and weight. In fact, without fuel on board – but with other fluids such as oil – the Scrambler weighs in at just 176kg and you can certainly feel this lack of bulk when you first move the bike around.

There’s a six-speed gearbox – with quickshifter on this Full Throttle model – and a fruity Termignoni exhaust system which, again, comes as standard on this particular model. You’ve got a 41mm Kayaba fork, too, alongside a rear shock which is also supplied by Kayaba. Four-piston brake calipers on a 330mm disc sit up front, matched by a one-piston and 245mm disc setup at the rear.

What’s it like to ride?

As we’ve already touched upon, the Scrambler feels like a lightweight bike from the moment you first push it along. It’s a very approachable motorcycle, too, thanks to a low seat height and bars which rise up towards you. As a result, it’ll be a very good option for first-time riders, or those after a bike which doesn’t require too much handling.

The engine is also spot-on in terms of character. While the upgraded exhaust might not be the most vocal that we’ve tested, there’s a pleasant-enough soundtrack to it all while the brakes and gearbox inspire confidence

How does it look?

Design is a big factor in this portion of the market and, to our eyes at least, we reckon that the Scrambler looks great in Full Throttle specification. With its contrast gold wheels and variety of gold-coloured elements, it has a slightly more premium aesthetic than other models within the Scrambler range, yet while keeping that off-road influence. We’re also big fans of the compact LED indicators, which streamline the Scrambler’s design and give it the appearance of a bike that has already been customised.

Of course, there are so many colour options to go for that you can really make the Scrambler look just as you want it. There’s also plenty of scope for further customisation – this Ducati is a popular option for those who want a reliable bike which works as the base for a project.

What’s the spec like?

As with other Ducati models, there is a bit of a premium with the Scrambler. Prices start from £9,495, which is considerably more than you’ll pay for something from the likes of Royal Enfield, but in line with bikes like the Triumph Bonneville T100, which has a more classic design overall.

You are getting a decent level of equipment for the money, mind you, with the 4.3-inch TFT display on the Scrambler being clear and easy to read. It’s a little tricky to navigate, but once you’re all set up, it’s not too bad. There’s also a USB socket under the seat to charge devices or power external equipment.

Verdict

The Ducati Scrambler has a broad number of plus points. It brings the design and character that you’d expect from the Italian manufacturer, yet it’s backed by solid performance and handling attributes that you’d want. We’re also big fans of how light it feels to move around.

Of course, it comes at a premium, but you almost expect that of a bike from Ducati. The good news is that whether you’re a first-time rider looking for that ideal ‘big’ bike or someone more experienced after a no-frills riding experience, the Scrambler is likely to suit.