Ducati Scrambler 1100

To keep the things interesting, the Italian bike maker Ducati has launched Ducati Scrambler with a bigger 1100cc engine ahead of the festive season in India. The bike will be available in three variants - Standard, Special and Sport. The prices of these variants starting at around Rs. 11 lakh (ex-showroom).

On the design front, the Scrambler 1100 resembles its 800cc sibling to a large extent, but it gets an all-new twin-spar steel-trellis frame, which helps it house a bigger engine. The bike comes with a new stylish headlight and circular daytime running lamps adorned with LED ring around. The bike also features classic-looking twin exhaust pipes that sit under the pillion.

The new Scrambler 1100 is longer and heavier than its 800cc version, and saddle height is also 20mm higher off the ground. This larger displacement bike runs on 18-inch wheels at the front and 17-inch wheels at the rear, which is shod with Pirelli MT dual-purpose tyres.

Powering the Ducati Scrambler 1100 is a 1079cc, L-twin engine that discharges 86 bhp of peak power at 7500rpm and 88 Nm of peak torque at 4750 rpm. This is the same engine that also powers the Monster 1100 EVO. The 6-speed gearbox works in sync with the slipper clutch for assisting downshifts. The bike also features Ride-By-Wire technology, which makes on and off throttle transitions much smoother.

Braking is performed by 330mm discs and 4-piston Brembo M4.32 callipers at the front and a single 245mm disc brake at the rear. The brakes are further aided by Bosch Cornering ABS. The braking performance is excellent and the bike is able to shed speed with a load of confidence.

The Scrambler 1100 will take on the likes of Triumph Bonneville T120 and the BMW R nineT Scrambler.

It would be too early to comment on the fuel efficiency of the bike. However, we can expect it to deliver a mileage of 18-19 kmpl.

The seat of Scrambler 1100 looks sportier as compared to the smaller 800cc Scramblers, and it is also well cushioned for long and short rides. The ergonomics have been designed to ensure a comfortable riding position. The instrument cluster displays the variety of information, like riding modes, distance to empty, gear indicator, traction control settings, etc.

Ducati Scrambler 1100 is very agile and performance-oriented bike. Though it looks like its 800cc sibling, it offers a different feeling once your mount on it. Riding this bike on the highway is an absolutely wonderful experience. The bike feels very composed on high speed and can cruise all day long without breaking into a sweat. Stability around corners is also outstanding. There are three riding modes to choose from – Active, Touring and City. The bike also comes with a five-level traction control system and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU), which controls the cornering ABS.

The Scrambler 1100 absorbs bad roads in its stride well with only sharp bumps unsettling the bike. The bike comes with Marzocchi 45 mm USD forks as front suspension while the rear comes with Kayaba monoshock. The top-end Sports variant comes with adjustable Öhlins suspension. The tyres grip really well and are also one of the reasons the bike feels good to ride around corners.

The Scrambler 1100 will satisfy the needs of bike enthusiasts, but for the rest, the current Scrambler 800 is more than adequate.