Ducati concept reveals new direction for Scrambler family
New Ducati Scrambler concepts show exciting new direction
Amidst all the new 2020 production machines being unveiled this week in Milan, Ducati have revealed two concept bike drawings that’ll set Scrambler fans’ hearts racing. The first – and the one we’re really hoping makes it into production – is the Desert X (main picture) which is based on the Scrambler 1100 and is inspired by the Lucky Strike-liveried, Ducati V-twin powered, Cagiva Elefant 900 which Italian Edi Orioli powered to victory in the 1990 Paris-Dakar Rally. Effectively a ‘suped-up’ version of the existing 800cc Desert Sled, it’s powered by the 85bhp, 1079cc V-twin from the standard bike and is likely to come with all of that bike’s associated goodies, like cornering ABS and traction control. It also looks to have 21/18in wheels, which would make it quite handy off-road when paired with longtravel suspension. It’s even got a rally spec carbon fibre sump guard. Although only a concept sketch at this stage we are almost certain to see the bike go into production. The scrambler segment shows no sign of slowing and Ducati are struggling to keep up with Scrambler demand, even in the face of increasing competition from the likes of Triumph’s Scrambler 1200 and even Italian compatriots’ more low-tech Moto Guzzi V85TT retro adventure bike. We wouldn’t be surprised if Ducati reveal a production version of the concept sketch this time next year. In addition to the Desert X, Ducati also unveiled the Motard concept (right), which is a more modern machine seemingly based on the Café Racer but with upright bars and sculpted plastics. Are we going to see this go into production, too? That seems less likely. It’s already similar to existing Scrambler models and just doesn’t seem as ‘on trend’ as the Desert X. Also, the joy of riding a Scrambler is bumbling along with a burbling soundtrack. If you want an extreme apex-hitting supermoto, there are better options available.