DUCATI SCRAMBLER 800 (2015 - on) Review

all day comfort for trips, brakes ample for the bike as very lightweight.

old air cooled v twin but does all it has been asked to do, so no complaints.

very reliable, done 12000 miles with no issues. still looks like new so good quality.

not too dear to service so far, but need desmo service next.

got fiited grips added when new, added rack for topbox nad rails for panniers. for short trip use a baglux harness nabd tank bag.

Brakes - good feel from the standard Brembos and good power for a single front disc. However the power you feel on a good twin front disc setup is lacking in extremis. But for regular riding single finger operation is entirely possible. Rear brake feels soft but doesn’t lack power. At slow speeds (manoeuvring and stop/start traffic) I use the rear brake only and despite the seemingly excessive pedal travel there’s more than enough power there and modulation is good.Ride/handling - suspension is generally good for A and B roads and occasional motorways that I do. Deals with poor surfaces pretty well. However on a couple of difficult-to-spot raised tarmac ‘lumps’ nearby (now committed to memory) the rear suspension kicked (50-60mph) which was disconcerting. Felt like slightly over-zealous compression damping to me. That said, maybe any bike would struggle with it, and I mention it as it’s the only real negative aspect to stand out. I’ve not hit those two features on any other bike and nor do I intend to. Most road features are dealt with pretty well for a non-adjustable setup. Good grip in all weathers from the OE Pirelli MT60 RS but they’re visibly worn after 1600 pretty gentle miles. I will look at other options when I change them for greater longevity.Seat - I don’t ride with a pillion but I’m not a fan of the standard seat. Low seat height is a boon (I’m 5’ 9” or 176cm and can easily flat foot both feet) is good but the seat lacks support and becomes uncomfortable much after an hour for me. I also find I imperceptibly move forward until I’m up against the tank. Not terrible but it is an added factor in finding a comfortable position. I’ll be looking at a seat mod or the raised OEM accessory seat. This version is supposed to be more comfortable than the older bike. If that’s the case I’m glad I didn’t have one of those! The seat is also quite short so if, like me, you carry a Kriega US5 or 10 for lock, waterproofs etc, that further restricts space and ability to get comfortable. I may fit a Hepco and Becker rear tube rack to enable me to move luggage further away from me.Rider triangle - coupled with the seat, legs can feel a little cramped after a while in the saddle. Stopping every 90 mins or so seems the order of the day. The Icon has the highest bars, which I prefer, the Full Throttle has lower risers and the Nightshift has flat, drag-style bars. Bear in mind when buying. For me it’s a nice upright riding position with no weight on the wrists. Plenty of room to get weight forward when putting the power on. And for leg stretching, standing is pretty natural with the Icon riser bars.

A cracker. Lots of character, sounds great, even with the stock can. However a Termi end can might be in my future, just because… There’s adequate torque but it’s not thump-in-the-back strong. Plenty for A road overtakes and the engine doesn’t mind being revved. Linear delivery means, however, that there’s not too much power benefit in doing so. Sounds great up there and it’s fun, but the meat for overtakes or winding it on for the fun of it, is in the mid range.

Thus far (5 months and 1600 miles) it’s been reliable. However the black paint on the front cylinder head (previous versions were silver and perhaps I now see why) has started to fall off. Bike has been fastidiously washed, using Muc-Off cleaning products (which are sold in my local Ducati dealer). A warranty claim has been submitted to Ducati UK, which I sincerely hope will be honoured, as there’s really no excuse for a road-only bike of this age to be suffering this issue. It’s *apparently* not uncommon either. Notwithstanding the engine paint, fit and finish is of sound quality for a bike in its price range.

Cost quoted was for first service (621 miles) done at Ducati dealer. Servicing is known to be costly on the red bikes, but at least Ducati have transparent service schedules, so you can see how much labour is involved for each operation and calculate cost accordingly hand save up!) Valves at 7500 miles and Desmo at 15000, so while those will be expensive, they’ll at least be few and far between. Annual services (c£200) and periodic brake fluid, fork oil etc in addition.

New TFT and rider aids are good, and all standard. As it’s my first bike and I wanted to learn to shift gears properly, I didn’t spring for the quick shifter. I did add OEM heated grips and they’re worth every penny. Didn’t add connectivity (see below).Only issue for me, which is a personal gripe and I feel the same with cars, is I don’t like having to push and prod buttons around to make my way through endless menus on a screen. Sadly it’s a fact of life nowadays but it’s not something I’m fond of. At least Ducati limits what you can do on the move, so you’re not too distracted, but I’d feel better without having to glance at the TFT any longer than for checking speed or revs. I prefer a physical button for things: they’re easily learned and you don’t have to look at them to complete a function. Heated grips for instance are only accessible from the screen.

Have actually upgraded to Nitron suspension which is smoooth. Standard is an actually good enough, but this is a much more controlled over potholes and the crap roads around Gloucestershire. Brakes are good. Have done 4 hr stints with just fuel stops no problem. Tend to avoid motorway driving as very boring, but even at 80 wind buffet is not an issue.

Plentiful low down grunt. Pulls well in all gears. Gearing spot on compared to KTM 690. Gearbox good, clutchless changes no problem. Overall relaxing to ride but with a whoosh of power from 6000 rpm if you need it.

Paint flaking off cylinder heads, replaced under warranty

There is a big service to check valve shims on the desmo system, probably £800 at 15000 miles. However just learning from some experts in the 800 monster engine, and basicallly if you keep an eye on compression then you will be able to see if they are getting too tight and do the adjustment then. It a low stress reliable engine should be good for 100k miles.

Added heated grips at purchase, also have extended the stupidly short front mudguard in both directions. I live in the country and would get plastered in mud over the headlight and engine.

Brakes and suspension are very good. As noted above the seat is terrible, discomfort sets in at half an hour and I stop at an hour. I don't know anybody skinny enough to be able to fit on the pillion seat. I have removed the pillion footrests and use the mountings for hooking bungees to for carrying stuff.

I have to change gear more often than I am used to. I decided to treat it like i did my T140V and that seems to work. It does pull surprisingly well at what you think is low rpm and I think is mid rpm! I don't think I will get to 9000rpm very often.

Ducati Nottingham warned me they could corrode easily ridden in winter. I will lag it up with grease like I used to do on my Panther. The bike arrived with the front indicators wired backwards by the factory!

Too soon to say but the quoted service costs are reasonable. I fitted the Ducati Soft Pannier brackets. Quite an introduction to the Ducati way of doing things! They are fiddly to work on and do not suffer fools gladly. No wonder the servicing costs for the fast Ducatis are high!

The SatNav is very good. The Ducati Configurator say £58 or so. Great! It forgets the Bluetooth Media Module at £250 or so. I was asked about mobile phone and music setup. No. I just want the SatNav. My phone is turned off when I ride and real bikers sing so no tunes are required. The LCD display is OK. It has far too many features. I keep it in Sport mode, I know how to handle a throttle, no need for Road mode...

BSA's, Panthers, T140V, Hardleys. I mean, the Ducati wipes the floor with them! Plan A was to buy a Velocette MAC or a pre-unit 500 Triumph. My mates persuaded me to have a test ride... Very nice indeed. Stunningly good suspension. You can find reviews claiming it is poor. I suppose it depends on what you are used to.

Mechanically quiet. Can throw a bit of heat off that rear cylinder. Surprisingly torquey for a modern whizzy thing. Having to learn to change gear more often after 25 years on Hardleys. I pretend it is my old Bonnie - that works.

The fasteners are all a size smaller than Harley (or Panther!) would use. Can be a bit fiddly to do anything on it. Currently half way through fitting the soft pannier set.

Trying to get to the 600 mile first service so no idea of actual costs. Claimed costs look reasonable. Don't ask, it is a long story but Ducati UK have been very helpful and the 2 dealers I have dealt with have gone under!

The Ducati SatNav is not bad at all. The Ducati Configurator prices it at £58 or so. Bargain! But neglects to add the £250 Bluetooth module. I have fitted a Hagon shock that lowers the seat height by 20mm. The Sargent Cycles seat should lower it another 20mm. The rear sets are OK. My knees may yet demand I move the foot controls forward a bit... Forward controls on a Ducati? Oh yes, I do not bend to the machine, the machine bends to me.

Ride quality good over poor road surfaces.Brakes reasonable however not the strongest as expected for a single front with dirt in mind.My bike is set up firmer however this suits the character and my style of riding.Ride quality can be adjusted to suit with decent suspension.

Suits the bike.Not blisteringly quick however enough to have fun.Nice and tractable with progressive response.Will not set hair on fire.

Touch wood no issues yet.Stick to the service schedule and factor in the belt service when due, and reliability should be good.Ride quality is very good.Rides like a bigger supermoto and gives good ride quality on poor UK roads.Bike feels well built and can be made better with selective aftermarket parts.

IMO find a decent Independent mechanic for servicing as Ducati are OTT.Running costs otherwise good.

Limited equipment however I think this suits the bike.ABS and ride modes (on later bikes).My 2018 has none however these are not missed.

The bike takes off on full throttle great fun for a few seconds. As above it is a perfect all rounder. Only pillioned for an hour at longest so far. They didn't have any complaints.

So smooth with the quick shift.

No issues yet

It's Italian🤷‍♂️

Led lights, exhaust and quick shift are a must for me.

Excellent gives you confidence going into and out of corners and stops you when you need it. Don’t use aftermarket levers - I had problems getting the brakes to bleed - stick to the originals.

Lots of low down grunt so you don’t need to use the gears as much as you would on other bikes

Find a good garage and stick with it. Many think that main dealers are more expensive - not necessarily so.

Typical old school - no fuel gauge or gear indicator. Can be a little frustrating but I’ve learnt to live with it.

Rear brake, "what rear brake", braking consists of good use of the front brake over the rear which is soft at best, yet you get used to this real quick and ride accordingly.

I cannot fault this much proven 803 engine, its so responsive, and packs some good mid range punch. Surprises many bigger bikes !

In 4 years, nothing has gone wrong, fallen off or perished. However, top tip, wash and clean before putting the Sled back in the garage.

Annual services costs are not expensive, but remember that every5th year its belts and every 15k desmo service. These can be costly, but worth while getting done to save your engine.

Switch gear can be a little fussy and not as direct as it could be.

Comfortable ride with great riding position. Great stopping power with ABS, which can be turned on and off to suit.

Great torque and power delivery, obviously not the fastest bike but has plenty to give a great experience.

For it's age, it has been well looked after, feels like a solid well built machine, nothing flimsy.

The desmo valve services are crippling. Luckily, I have a local garage with a young guy who was a race team mechanic, he really knows his stuff, full service, belts and desmo cost £800. To get this done by ducati Leeds would have cost £1000 plus getting the bike there (150mile round trip). This service on this model is every 7.5k, later models I believe are at 15k.

Basic instruments, but has everything you need, just lacks creature comforts of other bikes. There are plenty of after market options.

Nice street and b road bike. If you want speed buy a sports bike! I have a tail tidy and aftermarket exhaust and the bike looks and sounds much better. Brakes not bad for single disk.

A bit more power would be nice but as I commented earlier if you want power look elsewhere. It's enough for most and I find I can stay with much quicker bikes.... But this engine is nice on twisty lanes all day long.

Had the bike from new, some fasteners and bolts have corroded but nothing major. Paint has started to flake from rear of engine. Had a chain guide snap and chain marked engine cases as it come off. Went at 5000 miles.

I do the maintenance myself, but I am told service at dealer not too bad. I find ducati parts expensive, so stuff like chain and sprockets I use renthal, great quality and well priced

No much, fairly old school. Adjustable suspension would be nice but not a deal breaker. Two up is not fun, for me Its a single seater really.

If you're above average size and weight you definitely need to up the pre load front and back especially if you ever carry a passenger but there is lots of fine adjustment on the preload and damping. That big Brembo on the front stops it very well, haven't triggered the ABS yet and you can turn it off easily for off road.

Its got a nice spread and delivery but the the throttle is quite a long slow action now that I've had it a while. However I had a go on the Hypermotard 939 recently and you dont want that kind of delivery when you're my age. Only tiny gripe is the (very) occasional flase neutral between 5th and 6th.

Nothing gone wrong at all even surprised how well battery holds its charge if I haven't ridden it for a few weeks in the winter

If you cared about this you'd buy a moped

Its a dirt bike/dual purpose so not looking for a load of gizmos. Highly recommend the optional tail tidy as the standard plate holder is very big and ugly and the gold alloy Renthal rear sprocket is a third of the weight of the ugly black steel standard one.

After a couple of hours seat gets a bit sore and front forks are a bit hard on the slow bumps

Decluttered

Suspension on mine has been upgraded to Maxton which is great but I didn't mind the standard set up. The brakes are mega.

Enough power to have fun, 124mph top whack, 0-60 3.5 seconds, again not sportsbike power but the same fun at slower speeds. A bit 'vibey' further up the rev range (fingers tingle after a good thrashing) but uber smooth up to 4,500rpm. Makes the most beautiful music.

Only issue was a dodgy fuel connector. Quality of finish is excellent, bike still looks great apart from usage marks by me (tank bag etc).

I have to knock it for this as it is expensive, £450 for the valve service (just been done) but will do my own oil changes in the future.

Missing only a fuel gauge and gear indicator.

Stop...Go...a blast!

Spread of power, gear selection not so critical.

Left me roadside, failed Kill Switch, shorting preventing engine to fire-up. Ducati Rosso Dublin, ordered part in advance, fitted under warranty, issue has not returned...100% reliable since.

Quality throughout.

Lovely ride quality great to throw around and the brakes are excellent

A great L twin air cooled 800cc that packs plenty of punch and runs very smoothly.

Excellent Ducati build quality and overall finish not let me down once.

It’s a Ducati so not the cheapest to buy and own.

Has everything you need really including the ability to turn off the ABS when going off road.

Some people complain about the suspension but I don't see a need to upgrade it. It's good for carving corners. If the road is too bumpy you just stand up. Brakes are great. Gearbox was pretty bad in the begining but broke in real good after 2000 miles.

Perfect.

At 5000 miles nothing has fallen off or corroded. I once had an engine error due to very bad fuel but after changing fuel it was resolved.

It's great value for money.

Yeah, the suspension isn't perfect, and it's definitely not set up for offroad action. Never had any issue with brakes.

plenty of low ent grunt, but could do with a bit more top end (like most bikes)

I'm pretty meticulous about cleaning and maintenance and I've had no issues. After 2 years it still looks good as new.

It depends on how extortionate your dealer is for servicing. The Ducati badge seems to be a licence to charge like a wounded bull. The tyres are a bit pricey - you're probably buying them yourself and getting the dealer to fit.

lose the handlebars and replace with flat track bars. A termignioni or after market can will change your life.

The seat look good but so uncomfortable making long journey painful buy a comfort seat for touring available from Ducati.

Not Honda quality but all good so far

Love the look and the ride ability however a fuel gauge be a plus you need to keep track of your miles all the time only 13.5 liters tank so 100 miles and the light is on

Excellent brakes. Rear suspension harsh. Transformed with Hagon shock with linear spring. £300 inc vat well spent. Fully adjustable damping

Just the right amount of power for the chassis. Great torque and clips on nicely

Very good build quality

Standard tyres good but wearing quickly

Simple without gizmos.

120 miles before the reserve light comes on is perfect time to rest your tushy. My pillion never complains but 2 hours is enough. The bike excels on windy Cornish A roads keeping it in 5th and using all that lovely low end torque. Brakes are ok but dont improve with a pillion....... Brake early ladies and gents. Change the bars to the FT lower ones or you'll dislocate your shoulders. Oh, and dont believe those who take them off road. Not a good idea.

With after market can the engine sounds addictive. Low end torque is a pleasure and cruises at 70/80mph no problem. Throttle can catch you out in traffic or over bumps. It's not a sports bike so dont look for much power after 6000rpm

A couple of the screw heads are a tad orange and some of the shiny bits are furring up, but then I have ridden it in all weather and could/should have cleaned it more obsessively. The stock equipment feels a little, well stock. Seat, can, shocks, mirrors all feel a bit bargain bin but that is simply all to do with the ethos of the bike and encourages personalisation (if you have the cash). No engine issues and nothing has fallen off.

600 mile service £150. 7,500 mile service £300ish. Tyres £280. If you dont ride all year then these prices are no issue. Having done 10,000 miles in 6 months it's starting to hurt. Stock tyres look nice and grip ok but are made of tissue. Get some Pilots on there and you'll see plenty of grip for long periods (stock tyres were shot after 3,500 miles, current Pilots are still grippy after 6,500). 55MPG cant be sniffed at.

Change the tyres, as mentioned earlier. Change the bars, as mentioned earlier. Change the can, as mentioned earlier. Dont pay any attention to the forums or you'll bankrupt yourself, and look like a tw*t.

Handling is almost as good as my Triumph Tiger Sport (and that is saying alot) it just handles so well and brakes are very good for the size and weight off the bike, but pushed very hard you can find there limits.

SWEET! nothing like tbe sound of a Ducati its a great smooth engine (but standard pipe needs to go as is 3.5 kg in weight and stops to sweet sound - invest in a after market pipe!

Iv done just over 5000kms and it hasn't missed a beat , and at least 300kms off that has been off road. Build quality is fairly good but paint finish on tank isn't the best and scratches easily.

The first service was fairly reasonable cost, its 15000 km service isn't supposed to be that expensive, as all components are easily accessible, e.g plugs oil and filter etc Also running costs I get around 260kms on a tank running 95 octane fuel. So thats as good as a current model Suzuki 650 V-Strom

ABS and 12v socket under seat only options, does have brembo brakes but ! You can make it into whatever you want regardless on the type of Scrambler you have , from Adventure accessories for a Urban Enduro to carbon fiber bling for the Icon and variants.

Great brakes. Ride is on firm side of sporty.

Has power on paper but fails to deliver on the road. Torquey and characterful below 6000 rpm then loses momentum. Reluctant to rev with enthusiasm above that to reach peak power and torque levels above 7000 rpm. Has a harshness to match lack of sparkle which makes speeds above 68mph not pleasant enough for the money. If it was smoother and revved sweeter the lack of outright power would not be an issue.

Very nicely made and finished, just a few omissions and cheaper details.

Probably £750 too expensive.

Just lacks a gear position indicator and USB socket.

Reminds me very much of the old Bonnie - but hugely better. Brakes a little soft, and seat becomes uncomfortable after an hour or so. I'm not a fast rider, but it is just so predictable round corners, even with those odd tyres. I've take it down a few green lanes and it's quite happy there.

Exhaust note is gorgeous, especially on a trailing throttle. Response at low revs in low gears is quite sharp, but overall really, really nice.

I've replaced the hugger and put on a tail tidy & rack which improves the looks. . Could do with a gear indicator and a larger tank - best range so far has been 120 miles before reserve light flicks on.

Relaxed and enjoyable. Easy to throw about, enjoys the corners. Comfy to sit on, haven't had the sack of spuds on the back as yet, but presume it would be okay for short trip.

fueling and tuning exactly what you expect. no issues (apart from the oil pump seizing). enough torque to play with and a great soundtrack to boot

oil pump problem caused the motor to be swapped out after 35km. apart from that, no issues as yet.

easy to work on, simple

Basic as it should be - no rider modes, although could have had a fuel gauge. Got the termignoni high level exhaust - awesome, need to put the dB killer in though as it is very throaty once the cat has been removed. Bar ends, frame plugs, clock surround, all X-rated - it's nice but would have got them if the bike wasn't already fitted. Got the bar bag - handy for keeping stuff on the run without the need for a tank bag.

the ride is great, the throttle response is fine not too sharp like the reviews say and the gearbox is one of the best, clutch is nice and light and a really comfy riding position.

plenty enough power and torque but this bike is not about speed

no issues so far

not cheap but worth the extra

enough