Trendy tearaway
It might have classic looks but the Ducati Scrambler 1100 has been a hoot to ride
What’s the best thing about the Ducati Scrambler 1100?
It’d be easy to say the engine is the best bit. Yank the throttle open in any gear and let it do its thing. But for me the original-equipment Pirelli tyres top the list, purely for their “I wasn’t expecting that” factor. They’re semi-knobbly, so they’re supposed to be crap on the road — but they’re not. There’s enough grip that even when it’s really cold I can still lean the Scrambler ’til the pegs scrape.
What’s the worst thing?
It’s just a shame that those great tyres are fitted onto these ugly cast wheels. Gross. I reckon it’d be much nicer wearing the wire wheels found on the 1100 Special model.
What was your defining moment?
That’s easy. I attended the Mach motorbike festival in Wales, and participated in a mass ride-out. While riding the narrow mountain passes I completely clicked with the Ducati. It became clear that the proper way to ride the Scrambler was either with the throttle wide open, or the brakes fully on, and never anything in between. It was amazing fun.
What have you learned?
It’s an entertaining, great looking road bike, that works well for chilled out, as well as spirited riding. But by simply taking the mirrors off, it totally transforms into a beautiful thing. We wouldn’t really recommend riding without mirrors on RIDE, but there are plenty of sexy aftermarket alternatives for the Ducati, especially from companies such as Rizoma.
If you had £10,838 to spend on a new bike, would you buy it?
I know there’s plenty of tech hidden behind the Ducati’s good looks, but ten grand is a lot of money to spend on something like this. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Scrambler. It’s awesome and I will fight anyone who tells me different. But with that budget, there are plenty of other good retro nakeds. Make sure you at least try a BMW R ninet and a Triumph Thruxton before you buy. Both deliver a slightly different experience to the Ducati and look almost as good too.