Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special: it becomes great from all points of view [ROAD TEST VIDEO]

An expanding family, with a brand within a brand that has achieved success that has gone beyond all expectations. The range was created around the first 800, then the 400 arrived and new versions were gradually added, such as the successful Desert Sled, for example. Now it grows in displacement up to 1.100, with an engine that offers a handful more horsepower (11), but above all torque and output of a completely different level. The dimensions then grow (wheelbase +69 mm), but above all the level of finishing, truly refined, together with the technological equipment, which even boasts an inertial platform and the Cornering ABS.

A bike that therefore resembles its smaller sisters only in terms of look, because the substance is completely different and justifies, at least in part, a price that becomes premium, as Ducati wants it to be for the prestigious Scrambler 1100. Here we go from 13 thousand euros approximately, up to almost 15 thousand of the Sport, equipped with refined Öhlins suspensions and the sporty exhaust with double side-by-side muffler. In the middle is the Special of our tests, with around 14.300 euros and with details such as the alloy wheels with black channels or the chrome exhaust system manifold.

Aesthetics and finishes:

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Scrambler also becomes premium

It's a fact that Ducati got all its moves right with the Scrambler. It did so with many actions, such as creating a brand within the brand, with a parallel world characterized by some distinctive concepts compared to the rest of the range. A separation that is also found on the website or in the stand setups at the latest editions of Eicma, just to give some examples, but which is above all the result of a different approach, the one that goes by the name of "Land of Joy”, just to quote the slogan of this philosophy and which also includes clothing and accessories, in addition to motorbikes.

Now the Scrambler family is expanding, in every sense: in terms of number of displacements available (rising to 3), in terms of performance and riding fun, but also in terms of audience. Yes, because the 1100 is not a more powerful 800, but a new concept. Aesthetically, in fact, they may seem similar, but the 1100 is not the revised and correct 800, but rather a completely new motorbike, which presents itself with a look with the same retro flavor and taste, but made for a more demanding clientele, both in terms of performance that of finishes and equipment. In essence, with the 1100 the Scrambler increases in everything: displacement, power and torque, but also dimensions, it has a more refined chassis and every element has been improved.

The Scrambler 1100 appears "vitaminized", with a newly shaped 15-litre tank (+1,5 compared to the 800), the saddle placed 810 mm from the ground (+20) and a triangulation of the footrests that manages to accommodate comfortably even the tallest ones, it is not for nothing that the wheelbase is 69 mm more. The handlebars are very wide, perhaps too wide and this makes the arms a little tiring in the long run, while the instrumentation is new, all digital and the beautiful headlight with LED signature. The front brake hose is deliberately left in plain sight, with a twist that could have been studied otherwise, but which is intended to be a reference to the '60s and '70s, which the Scrambler 1100 did not want to give up.

La Special tested by us, it differs from the standard on an aesthetic level, among other things for the spoke circles with black channel, i aluminum fenders, a saddle with dedicated finishes, low handlebars and beautiful chrome exhaust. It makes the attention to detail and the very high level of finishing even more evident. Little plastic and a lot of metal, but not only that, because here nothing seems to be left to chance or to the economy.

Engine and performance:

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More than power, it is the delivery and electronics that make the difference

Moving on to the engine, it goes without saying that on that Sunday evening when, live on television, Ducati announced the innovations that we would then see a few days later at Eicma 2017, we too thought that 11 more horsepower seemed too little to make the Scrambler 1100 something really different, compared to the 800. Actually those 86 horses they are combined with a whole other supply, as demonstrated by the 88 Nm at 4.750 rpm of maximum torque, compared to 67 to 7.750 of the 800. More torque and much lower, so the Scrambler 1100 has a very full-bodied back, which offers a decidedly more satisfying driving experience, as well as a full and highly satisfying sound, which offers the added bonus of exhilarating pops on release.

The engine is an evolution of the historic "L" twin-cylinder, with 2 valve distribution and cooling air and oil, appropriately revised and updated compared to the Monster 1100 of a few years ago, for example with the transition to the Euro 4, but also with a high-end electronics package. In fact, there is no shortage of Riding Modes, thanks to'“By Wire” type accelerator, with 2 full power modes, Active and Journey (the second is softer in delivery), while City reduces the horsepower available to 75. We then also find the traction control, on 4 levels plus the possibility of excluding it. It is anything but superfluous, because the push of the "pompone" to the bass is consistent and the help of the electronics is decidedly useful. The clutch is a multi-disc type in an oil bath with hydraulic control and is equipped with a system slipper. The adjustable lever is notable, as is that of the front brake.

Driving is a decidedly tasty engine, never demanding, but with an incredible kick, which brings smiles right from 2.000 rpm and upwards. It pushes hard up to 6-7 thousand rpm and can extend up to around 8 thousand, when the limiter intervenes. You drive by ear, rather than by looking at the instruments, which in fact leave a marginal role to the rev counter. In full "Scrambler spirit", which leads to a fun ride, but not exasperated by seeking the limit.

Ride and handling:

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The inertial platform for having fun in safety, also thanks to the right chassis

The Scrambler 1100 is based on a new tubular steel trellis frame with a double upper beam, in which the engine is set and which is completed by an aluminum rear subframe. A completely new configuration in terms of sizes, which grow and become suitable even for taller motorcyclists. The diameter of the fork legs also increases, up to 45 mm, adjustable and combined with a Kayaba rear mono, also adjustable. On the Sport we even find a prestigious 48 Öhlins. The Pirelli MT60 RS tires are also enlarged, with a 120 on an 18" rim at the front and 180 on 17 at the rear.

Traction control is not the only interesting component of the electronics available on the Scrambler 1100, which also features, for the first time in this segment, a refined inertial platform, thanks to which the ABS becomes Cornering type. The Brembo calipers grip two 320 mm discs at the front (the system is the same as that found, for example, on the Monster 821) and therefore offers powerful braking (some might find it too impetuous), made more effective and safe by the 'ABS Bosch 9.1 MP Cornering, even with the bike folded.

Once in the saddle, the 1100 is a completely different bike, more satisfying in more dynamic and sporty riding, where the limits of the chassis (which in any case remain not extreme) make themselves felt only if you exaggerate, while on the road you can keep pace with much sportier bikes, without much effort. Satisfying, but never difficult and, for those who want something even more, the Sport offers Öhlins suspension and the exhaust with double muffler on the right side. Finally satisfying the finest palates and a more demanding and mature clientele, motorcycling speaking, than that touched up to now by the Scrambler, the "Land of Joy" is increasingly expanding.

Price and consumption:

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Everything has a price, will the Scrambler 1100 be the right one?

Defects? The 1100 is not exempt from them, but they are part, in a certain sense, of his philosophy, which would be debased by the perfection of a modern motorcycle. For example, the front braking is a little lacking in modulation, but in all sincerity we like it a bit aggressive as it is here, while in the city the reduced steering angle, with the handlebars so wide, certainly doesn't make the tires comfortable. maneuvers. The exhaust is nice, but it heats up on the right side quite a bit. Not even consumption is praiseworthy, because the charm of the 2 air valves is paid for with varying values from 15 to 18 km/l, depending on the driving style, not a little compared to the performance offered. No harm some might say, because the 15 liters of the tank always guarantee adequate autonomy.

We close with the prices. The Scrambler 1100 debuts with three versions: starting from the standard with a price of 12.990 €, which become 14.290 for this Special, up to 14.990 from Sport. Challenging, undeniable, but the quality is high, especially in the finishes and equipment, while the competition is there and isn't there. Finding a true direct rival is in fact practically impossible, both for the contents and for the charm and value of the two brands it represents, Ducati and Scrambler.

PROS AND CONS
We like it:
Quality, level of finish, technological equipment and driving pleasure
We do not like it:
Challenging price

Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special: the Motorionline Report Card

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Tester clothing:
Gloves: Dainese Blackjack
Jacket: Dainese Bryan Leather Jacket
Pants: Dainese Bonneville Regular
Shoes: Dainese Street Rocker D-WP
Helmet: Cast MTII