In an effort to keep its best-selling bike fresh, Ducati is updating the Scrambler for 2019, owing much of the new look to the top-of-the-line Scrambler 1100.
In an effort to keep its best-selling bike fresh, Ducati is updating the Scrambler for 2019, owing much of the new look to the top-of-the-line Scrambler 1100. Most of the updates are merely cosmetic, but it’s a clear indication of where the styling is headed for the rest of the inevitable variants we’ll see over the coming months.
As with the last generation Scrambler, Ducati is keeping the swappable tank panels to keep that customizable feel, but this time around the panels more prominent, akin to the 1100. Aside from the tank changes, the seat is lower than the predecessor. The headlight gets a new surround, the exhaust gets an improved heat shield and the foot and hand controls are all new as well. To go with the redesigned cast wheels, Ducati added ‘Atomic Tangerine’ to the color pallet.
The electronics department holds the most significant update to the Scrambler with the introduction of the Bosch 9.1MP Cornering ABS. Until now, the Bossch system was something you’d find on high-performance bikes like Ducati’s Panigale and V4 superbikes, but as is the way of things, The new Scrambler will benefit from the technological trickle-down effect. The system takes into account more factors than just wheel speed to adjust braking pressure to prevent lockups. The new ABS will take into account the bike’s lean angle and yaw rate while working in tandem with the traction control factoring in grip levels too — or simply put, the bike is a hell of a lot safer, especially in the hands of newer or inexperienced riders.
In 2015, its first year, the Scrambler sold 16,000 units, or double the amount of the next best-selling Ducati. Then Ducati turned the Scrambler into its own sub-brand, launching variation after variation to make a fairly complete lineup including the beautiful Cafe Racer and lovely little Desert Sled. Now that the base-level Icon is new and improved, a refresh to the entire lineup is no doubt on its way. It’ll be interesting to see if Ducati rehashes the same bikes or adds more to the family.
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