Ducati Scrambler Café Racer
There’s no doubt it’s a really good looker but, oh, our backs…
LAND OF JOY? The marketing spiel around Ducati’s Scrambler range suggests that it should be a perfect fit for a don’t-take-it-too-seriously group test. The new for 2018 Café Racer version (Scrambler Café Racer? An oxymoron, surely?) of the 803cc model looks great. The rounded lines of the tank and seat, the swirling sweep of the exhaust system, the fat frame tubes, the minimalist instrumentation and the lovely gold wheels all work well. Just seeing this thing brightens up your day. Even if the faux race number boards are just silly. The engine is another reason to smile. ‘At first I thought this was a new 1100cc model,’ said Ben after his first ride. ‘The engine feels grunty and eager, especially after the Brough. It spins up fast from low revs.’ He’s right. The two-valve per cylinder 803cc air-cooled Ducati V-twin is a wonderful device that delivers a creamy response and encourages spirited riding, all the way to the rev limiter at 8000rpm. It drinks fuel at around 60mpg too, so although it’s only got a 13.5 litre fuel tank, range is 175 miles. The chassis spec is basic, with only pre-load adjustment on the rear shock, and just a single 330mm front disc, albeit with a Brembo four-piston radial caliper. But on a smooth twisty road it works fine; the fundamental handling balance of the bike is good. The steering is quick, but not to the point of instability, and there’s enough braking power. Bumpy corners upset it though. Especially at speed. ‘It feels like the suspension can’t cope with the stress,’ said Ben after an enthusiastic session on local roads. ‘It shrugs its shoulders and gives up. The front goes light over bumps and you get wobbles through the ’bars.’ Unfortunately the package is properly let down by a stupid riding position. Either Ducati pressed ‘Go’ on the production plan without anyone having sat on a prototype, or they’ve got Torquemada on the Scrambler design team. The handlebars are low, wide and surprisingly close to your body, and the ’bar end mirrors accentuate the sense of width. It feels odd even when you are stationary. Then you get going, and pick your feet up to find that the footrests are too far forward, bending you into a Spanish inquisition pose. Buy one of these and you’ll need to pay for Yoga classes too. Of course, when you get to a great road you forget the discomfort and start to enjoy the sweet handling, rich power delivery and engaging feel of the bike. With wind pressure to take the weight off your arms and the distraction of the B724 it’s a hoot. Until you come to a 30mph limit, slow down, slide forward on the sloping seat and realise that you’re in agony. Frustrating? I’ll say. Great engine, good chassis and smart looks let down by ill-considered ergonomics. The more upright members of the Scrambler range are better bikes.
‘Buy one of these and you’ll need to pay for Yoga classes’