2017 Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer – First Look

Cafe style bikes have definitely come back and are currently all the rage, and as such it would seem the bigwigs at Ducati have taken notice with their latest addition to the Scrambler line-up. The “Cafe Racer” is their newest addition to an already impressive brand, expanding their range further than ever before.

The Ducati Scrambler was originally designed to be a ‘dual-purpose’ bike, meaning it could go on and off road with fairly equal agility. Of course, variants were subsequently built to suit the bike more towards the street, but none quite like this new model. Cafe bikes are instantly recognizable for what they are, and Ducati have absolutely hit the nail on the head this time.

The Cafe Racer has all the elements for its name, starting with clip-on handlebars, aluminium wheels, shorter front and tail fairings, all new black paint, with big side number boards, and bar-end mirrors to finish the look. Overall, the bike looks lower, smaller, lighter, and more defined than the original Scrambler.

The motor is still the same 803cc air-cooled L-twin, with 6 speed gearbox. The front suspension has been slightly tweaked with less rake and trail, to improve steering response. Also, sticky Pirelli Diablo Rosso II tires have been fitted to the lightweight wheels for better traction through your favourite back road, along with a new Brembo Monobloc front brake caliper will help stopping duties. The short Termignoni dual exhaust pipes are sure to sound awesome, with black heat covers matching the rest of the paint.

In my opinion, the bike looks awesome, it ticks all the boxes to live up to its name, and still retains the Ducati cool factor. I get the feeling it would be equally at home parked outside the local Starbucks, or echoing off the hills along a twisty coastal road.

It certainly has character, even standing still.

 

NZ Release Date – end of June
Price (NZD) – $19,990 (+O.R.C.)
Power – 75hp @ 8250rpm, 68Nm @ 5750rpm (at the wheel)
Weight – 188kg Wet

 

– Scott

 

Image credits: Ducati Motor Holding

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