Ducati Scrambler Icon
Ducati’s feel-good Scrambler gets safer, smarter and more sophisticated
DUCATI’S SCRAMBLER ARRIVED with much hype and fanfare in 2015 and became an overnight success for the Italian factory. Designed to appeal to new or returning riders, its carefree and affable personality has delivered 55,000 sales worldwide to date.
For 2019, Ducati has refreshed the bike that launched the family: the Icon. The headline change is the addition of Bosch cornering ABS, a significant first in this category. There’s also reworked suspension, a hydraulic clutch and a redesigned seat, plus self-cancelling LED indicators. Switchgear and multimedia connectivity comes directly from the bigger Scrambler 1100, as does inspiration for a new, machine-finished wheel design.
There are a number of subtle styling tweaks: beefier tank panels, blacked-out engine cases, a darker and more protective exhaust-header coating, plus a fresh design for the silencer. Adjustable levers as well as a new headlight design with LED DRLS join the party, as does a fuel gauge and gear indicator. It’s a significant set of upgrades.
All of these changes reflected well around Tuscany’s tight and twisty tarmac. The most noticeable is the suspension which has a much plusher ride and a more premium feel. The seat is wider, flatter and more supportive and the clutch action is lighter, making town riding that bit easier. The engine and gearbox remain almostexactly the same as before and sadly that means you’ll still find the odd false neutral between fifth and sixth gears.
Evolution over revolution is the theme for the Icon in 2019: the fundamentals really didn’t need to change much, but the overall look and feel, not to mention safety levels, just got a very well-judged upgrade.