DUCATI kicked off Intermot 2018 with a three-bike reveal – the new Scrambler Café Racer, Desert Sled and Full Throttle machines.
We had a clue that they were coming, following the launch of the 2019 Icon late last month.
The stylish trio share the Icon’s 803cc L-Twin powertrain, which makes 72hp and 67Nm of torque at 5,750rpm. They also all share the model’s 2019 updates, which comprise Bosch cornering ABS, a softer-feel hydraulic clutch control plus adjustable levers, a new headlight with daytime running lights, auto cancelling LED indicators and plush new switchgears. The LCD menu has also been updated and shows gear and fuel level info and hosts Ducati’s multimedia system, through which riders can listen to music, view messages and answer calls.
But while the three bikes share the same Scrambler DNA, they each boast a unique identity.
The Café Racer was the first to be unveiled on Tuesday’s press day, with its Ducati 125GP Desmo-inspired ‘silver Ice Matt’ graphics and blue frame drawing a gasp from onlookers. Seventeen inch spoked wheels, aluminium bar-end mirrors, a short dual pipe, nose faring and stubby mudguard give the bike the look of a 1960s racer, while a modern radial front brake pump brings it back into the 21st century. Lateral number holders bear the number 54 in honour of Bruno Spiaggiari, who raced for Ducati in the 125cc world championship in the late 50s and 60s.
The Desert Sled, meanwhile, brings a throwback from across the pond. Its tall stance, rugged off-road character and stylish design are reminiscent of the Bruce Brown off-road era. And allowing the performance to live up to the looks is a dedicated riding position, adjustable Kayaba suspension and a new Off Road riding mode, which deactivates the ABS to allow for infinite skids. For 2019, the Desert Sled has received a new red frame and contrasting white tank, a new seat, spoked wheels with black rims, a mesh headlight guard, high mudguards and a decent-sized skid pan.
Finally, the new two-tone Full Throttle is inspired by the flat track Scrambler ridden by Californian Frankie Garcia in the 2018 American Super Hooligan Championship. The Full Throttle mimics that competition style with an all-new rear end with dedicated number holders, a low-slung tapered handlebar, stubby front mudguard and a dual-silencer – similar to that of the Café Racer.
