Ducati India rolls out updated Scrambler motorcycle family

Ducati India, which had recently discontinued few BS III-compliant models from its portfolio including the Scrambler variants, has now re-launched the Scrambler family of motorcycles with necessary updates.

While the Scrambler Desert Sled, which is positioned for the off-road enthusiasts, now comes with a starting price tag of Rs 932,000, the Scrambler Classic and the Scrambler Icon will retail for Rs 848,000 and Rs 723,000 (all prices ex-showroom, India) respectively.

The Italian premium motorcycle manufacturer has opened bookings for its new BS IV-compliant Scrambler variants in India. The models are available across dealerships in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bangalore, Pune, Ahmedabad and Kochi.

The Ducati Scrambler motorcycles are powered by the BS IV air- and oil-cooled, twin-cylinder, 803cc, 75bhp engine. According to the company, the updated homologation in the new Scramblers introduces 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.

Sergi Canovas Garriga, who has taken over the charge as the new managing director of Ducati India from Ravi Avalur a few days ago, said, “We have introduced, for the first time in India, a motorcycle in the easy off-road category. Staying true to the Scrambler family and inspiration from the '60s and '70s California motorcycle scene, the Desert Sled reinforces the pure essence of motorcycling: two wheels, wide handlebars, a straightforward engine and endless fun. The bike is perfect for the city and to get off the tarmac and explore the road less travelled.”

Interestingly, the Desert Sled variant in the Scrambler family features an all-new chassis set-up, which the company says is suitable for soft off-road riding applications.

“The modified frame and suspension, high mudguards (specially designed for this version), type-approved headlight mesh guard and engine skid plate lend to the off-road capability of the Scrambler Desert Sled,” quotes Ducati India’s note on the product.

The Scrambler Desert Sled will be available in red and white shades, and will have a dedicated accessory and apparel line. 

How the 800-1000cc category stacks up

Ducati’s midsized street motorcycle (Scrambler family) falls in the 800cc to 1000cc category, which reported total sales of 1,250 units in FY2016-17. The category saw a decline of 37.28 percent YoY on the back of the fall in the volumes of Harley-Davidson, the industry leader in this segment of the big bike market.

In FY2017, while Harley-Davidson stood as the leader, India Kawasaki Motors and Triumph Motorcycles India were the second and third largest players respectively in the 800cc-1000cc motorcycle segment.

Notably, with the relatively affordable (and updated) Scrambler variants, Ducati India looks at making its mark in the premium motorcycle category.