When Ducati first revealed their retro Scrambler range, the brand’s return to their iconic machine of the same name was met with applause – but now that Team Red has put out yet another fleet of updated models, debuted the all-new Desert X and begun sponsorship of bikes for the MotoE circuit, the question remains: Will Ducati evolve this Scrambler Range at the same speed as everything else they’ve been tackling?
Apparently, the answer is no; Ducati’s going to keep building upon their Scrambler heritage by staying true to a ‘60s vibe… although the Head of Ducati’s Scrambler program, Rocco Canosa, does impart that there is always room for evolution.
“The Nightshift was born by looking at how clients customized their own Scrambler,” explains Canosa in an interview with MCN.
“We hope that maybe, in the future, we can look at what the next generation of clients wants and think of a different version. Why not!”
The drive to give Ducatisti a stylish bike that may impart a “classic flavor” but retains important componentry and modern technology will always, it seems, play a part in Team Red’s ranges; in the new Ducati Scrambler Range, every bike has been outfitted with a refreshed frame and new swingarm, as well as “lean-sensitive electronics and a new TFT dash.”
“Seventy percent of the bike is completely new compared to the first generation, so for us, it’s a big change,” Canosa continues.
“Maybe for the public, it’s not so evident, but there is a lot of work behind the new Scramblers… [and with the Icon] you can choose nine different bikes. It completely changes the bike itself – it’s not just a matter of color. It’s a matter of personality and a matter of style.”
“On top of this, we have the two other 800 versions – the Full Throttle and the Nightshift – so, in the end, we have 11 bikes, plus the three 1100 versions in the family.”
With many now wanting a revival of Ducati’s Sport Classic range (and waiting on that electric production bike that may or may not be eventually moseying to markets), it’s clear Ducati’s roster is brimming with new ideas to toss into the lab.
Which bike do you think Ducati should bring back?