Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled

Directly from the desert and mountains of California comes the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled: a new version that draws its inspiration from the off-road bikes that, back in the ’60s and ’70s, made US motorcycling history.

Desert Sleds were American-born bikes that appeared in South-West California and in Mexico’s Baja California in the ’60s and ’70s. These were road bikes with engine displacements of over 500 cm3, stripped of any non-essential accessories, fitted with off-road tyres, wheels and spokes and given modified suspension systems and engine skid plates. In fact, it’s the engine skid plate – indispensable in shielding the bike from rocks, stones and the unforgiving desert terrain – that gave the Desert Sled its name.

Over the years these bikes became a motorcycle category in their own right: until their arrival, no comparable style had ever been seen.

The Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled faithfully revives that spirit – but without abandoning the unique Scrambler lifestyle values – and extends the new Bologna built brand into the “easy off-road” sector. Thanks to the modified frame and suspension, the spoked wheels (19″ at the front) and ground-breaking lines, this bike is simply perfect for those who want to be able to get off the asphalt and take a less-beaten track. The off-road capability of the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled is also evident in the type-approved headlight mesh guard, the high mudguards (specially designed for this version) and, of course, the engine skid plate.

Thanks to a higher seat (a 20 mm lower one is available as an optional), suspension with extended travel (now 200 mm) and off-road style footpegs with removable rubber pads, this Scrambler is also characterised by a new riding position. The passenger pegs – separated from the rider’s – are removable.

The Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled inherits its logo from the Urban Enduro and is a natural evolution of the latter towards a more off-road style.

An off-road-inspired chassis set-up
The Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled features an all-new chassis set-up, perfect for “soft off-road” adventure riding.

Compared to other Ducati Scrambler 800 versions, the Desert Sled frame has been reinforced to take the punishment meted out by off-road terrain. It’s also been equipped with two side plates that hug the engine and support the new swingarm, itself reinforced and longer than those on other Scrambler 800 versions. The swingarm also gets a new chain guard and, as you’d expect with an off-road bike, a rear sprocket protection fin.

Even the fork yokes are new on the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled, boasting wider inter-fork clearance and an augmented offset.
The suspension has been designed to ensure comfort and control, even when you put the asphalt behind you. That’s why front and rear suspension now have a full 200 mm of travel. At the front, the upside-down 46 mm Kayaba forks offer spring pre-load, compression and rebound damping adjustment; at the rear the Kayaba shock absorber allows for adjustment of spring pre-load and rebound damping and is equipped with a separate gas cartridge.

This new set-up gives the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled a seat height of 860 mm and a wheelbase of 1505 mm.

19″ front wheel: fun everywhere
The spoked wheels on the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled – a beefy 19″ up front and 17″ at the rear – mount the new Pirelli SCORPION™ RALLY STR tyres, 120/70 R19 M/C 60V M+S TL at the front and 170/60 R 17 M/C 72V M+S TL at the rear.

The Pirelli SCORPION™ RALLY STR is the new “enduro on/off” tyre specially designed for the latest generation of adventure, dual purpose and enduro street bikes. The SCORPION™ RALLY STR revolutionises the tyre world as it successfully combines the performance of a top-flight off-road tyre with that of an enduro street one.

The Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled mounts a Brembo braking system featuring a Bosch 9.1 MP ABS system with pressure sensor. Combining maximum stopping performance with minimalist styling, the front wheel has a single 330 mm disc (a good 5 mm thick) and a 4-piston Brembo M4.32B monobloc caliper with radial attachment. This decision to mount a powerful single-disc front braking system was taken to leave a clear view on the right side of the wheel. At the back, instead, a 245 mm disc is gripped by a caliper with a 32 mm diameter piston.

Engine
The Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled mounts the EURO 4-compliant, twin-cylinder 803 cm3 air and oil-cooled engine taken from the Icon. Together with the new homologation comes a new throttle control and an all-new engine calibration that has made power delivery even smoother, especially at the bottom end of the rev range.

Equipped with a 6-speed gearbox, the twin-cylinder Desmodue engine on the Scrambler has been designed to favour smooth running and fluid acceleration throughout the rev range, delivering 75 hp at 8,250 rpm and a torque of 68 Nm at 5,750 rpm.

Designed to be simple and accessible, just like the Ducati Scrambler itself, it also features 12,000 km (7,500 miles) maintenance intervals.

Dirt, Fun & Style
In perfect Scrambler style, the Desert Sled comes with a dedicated accessory and apparel line, including a pad for the handlebar strut, an extra pair of front spotlights (a must on more adventurous routes), hand guards and a type-approved high exhaust.

Moreover, anyone preferring a lower seat can order an optional version with a height reduction of 20 mm.

The Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled line includes an eye-catching off-road Bell helmet designed by legendary Los Angeles customiser and designer Roland Sands, plus an all-new collection of off-road style gloves, sweatshirts and T-shirts.

Ducati Scrambler is not just a new motorcycle but rather a new brand, a new approach to the motorcycling world that offers not only performance and technology but also freedom of expression, fun and sharing of positive emotion. Ducati Scrambler is a new brand, offering a whole new world made up of bikes, accessories and apparel that provide the last word in self-expression. Anti-conformist, accessible and essential, the Ducati Scrambler is a perfect mix of tradition and modernity, a step towards the pure essence of motorcycling: two wheels, wide handlebars, a straightforward engine and endless fun. The Scrambler world – the latest addition to the Ducati universe – is one of authentic creativity and free expression; the lead-up to its official arrival has generated an unprecedented buzz, as has a captivating launch campaign of outstanding originality.

This is more than just a new bike: it’s a whole new world, one that expresses itself via a range of versions that provide a starting point for satisfying the different needs and wants of individual motorcyclists. “Post-heritage” design gives a contemporary take on the iconic bike built by Ducati back in the 70s. This Ducati Scrambler, though, is not a retro bike: it is, rather, intended to be just how the legendary motorcycle would be today if Ducati had never stopped building it.

In 2016 the Ducati Scrambler family is set to grow. The Icon, Urban Enduro, Full Throttle and Classic versions will soon be joined by the Flat Track Pro, inspired by the world of oval track racing, and the new Sixty2 which opens the way for a new two-wheel segment that meets the requirements of those seeking a smaller-engined bike that is easy to handle and has low running costs but not wanting to miss out on the unique Scrambler spirit.

Moreover, thanks to a vast range of apparel and bike accessories, called “ingredients”, the Ducati Scrambler offers a virtually unlimited range of exclusive personalisation and lifestyle options.

Named after the English word “to scramble” (mixing up, blending), the Ducati Scrambler is a form of expression of the rider’s identity and lifestyle. The four motorcycle versions (Icon, Full Throttle, Classic and Urban Enduro) are just a starting point to create an absolutely unique, personalised model. Thanks to a wide range of ingredients, each Ducati Scrambler can be customised to suit any owner tastes.

A vast array of Ducati Performance ‘ingredients’ can be used to personalise the Ducati Scrambler. For example, chrome, matt black, or even carbon fibre tank side panels are available. Then there are a variety of solutions regarding the front mudguard, high plate holder, tank bag, canvas and leather panniers, high and low Termignoni slip-on exhaust, headlamp rim and grille, instrument panel rim, vintage grips, rear-view mirrors plus spoked wheels, four different seat versions and the low-slung tapered handlebars.

Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled

Colours
o White with black frame and spoked wheels with gold rims
o Ducati Red with black frame and spoked wheels with gold rims

Equipment
o Desmodue twin-cylinder engine, EURO 4-compliant with black finish
o Exhaust with dual tail pipe and black covers
o Reinforced off-road frame
o New aluminium swingarm
o Spoked wheels, 19″ at the front and 17″ at the rear, with Pirelli SCORPION. RALLY STR tyres, 120/70 R19 M/C 60V M+S TL at the front and 170/60 R 17 M/C 72V M+S TL at the rear
o Dedicated seat with a height of 860 mm
o Tapered handlebars with reinforcement strut
o Adjustable Kayaba upside down fork with 200 mm of travel
o Adjustable Kayaba rear shock absorber with separate gas cartridge
o Steel teardrop fuel tank with interchangeable side panels
o Front headlight with type-approved mesh guard
o High front mudguard
o Extended rear mudguard
o High plate holder