More new model news, as filings with the California Air Resources Board (CARB) suggest that we will see two new Scrambler models debuting, later this year.
We come to this conclusion because emissions papers from CARB state that “Scrambler CR” and “Scrambler DS” models are coming from Ducati for 2017, in addition to the models we already have from the Italian manufacturer.
The two-letter designations imply that we are likely to see a café racer (CR) version of the Ducati Scrambler, as well as a dual-sport (DS) version of the machine, which we have already seen in spy photos.
This news isn’t surprising, since Ducati has made no secret about its desire to expand the Scrambler lineup.
Ducati insiders have also intimated to Asphalt & Rubber that the Ducati Scrambler brand does not need to be only comprised of scrambler-styled motorcycles, with a café racer model mentioned as a possible point of expansion for the air-cooled v-twin motorcycle collection.
With 75hp of peak power, and 410 lbs wet, the base 803cc Scrambler model has the makings of an adept dual-sport, just add some longer suspension, and slap on proper crash protection.
As such, we have already seen positive responses on the spy photos of the machine, which have been circulating on the internet with these exact changes visible.
This should make the Scrambler DS a very welcomed addition to the Scrambler Ducati brand. The café racer model is hard to judge though, especially without a visual reference.
The custom café scene is noticeably losing steam in the motorcycle industry, with every permutation of the Honda CB350 having already been explored – we kid.
In seriousness though, the café racer aesthetic seems to be on the downslope of the heritage motorcycle zeitgeist, something which can be seen by the posts to social media and bellwether sites like the esteemed BikeEXIF.
What this bodes for OEMs, who are looking to cash in on the post-authentic motorcycle movement, remains to be seen, but it’s possible that the development time it takes to get motorcycles to market could mean that hesitant motorcycle manufacturers will have a hard time staying on-trend with the fickle aesthetic tastes of millennials.
Ducati has always excelled at making motorcycle segments their own though, with the company’s unique Italian flare often distinguishing it from its competitors.
As such, it will be interesting to see what it brings to market in the coming weeks, not only with these two machines, but with its full 2017 lineup.
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