The 2015 Ducati Scrambler has officially debuted at the INTERMOT show in Cologne, Germany today, in case you missed the news. Before today though, Ducati North America invited us out to get a sneak peak of the new Scrambler Icon, along with a little time in a photo studio.
As a result, we have a bevy of our “up-close” photos for you, as well as some first impressions of the machine.
Perhaps the most striking feature of the Ducati Scrambler is how bare bones the motorcycle is. Ducati did a good job of not over-thinking the Scrambler, leaving the model true to its name.
The dash is a tastefully small round unit, which sits nestled between the high and wide handlebars. This gives the rider a good open feeling from the seat, though the exposed wires and cables are a bit distracting, with nothing else to hide them.
Artfully exposed is the air-cooled v-twin DesmoDue engine, which is borrowed from the Monster 796, and thus is a confusing 803cc. The header shape should look familiar as well, as it mimics those found on the Ducati Diavel.
The seat seems practical for two-up riding, and the Scrambler Icon is fitted with passenger pegs. The cheapest ($8,595 for the yellow one) of Ducati’s four Scrambler variants, the Icon is perhaps the most vanilla model. That’s not a bad thing, but the other three models are clearly present to appeal to certain niche riders.
Fit and finish is what you would expect from Ducati, and it doesn’t surprise us to hear that the Italian brand will debut a slew of lifestyle apparel themed after the Scrambler models. Ducati is cultivating a very particular aesthetic and vibe with the Scrambler, which caters to a customer who is equally interested in their own look.
With reactions seemingly being a mixed bag, it will be interesting to see how this entry-point machine does for Borgo Panigale. As always, time will tell.
Photos: © 2014 Jensen Beeler / Asphalt & Rubber – Creative Commons – Attribution 3.0
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