2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled Fast Facts, Photos & Video
But there was something missing–a Scrambler that tuned into the off-road Scrambler lifestyle that came out of the 70s, and wore the Scrambler title with pride. Ducati has seemingly answered that call with the Desert Sled, a true to form on- and off-road machine. Pricing is a bit higher than the others, the MSRP set at $11,395. Until we get our grubby hands on it, we’ll hit you with the fast facts.
1. It’s the real deal – the Desert Sled is ready to shred off-road with spoke wheels. A key component to the Desert Sled’s looks and off-road potential are the wire-spoke wheels, 19 inch in the front and 17 inch in the rear. That’s a far cry from the wheel that we’ve seen in the piror Scrambler line, but a larger diameter front wheel should allow a lot more stability off-road, while also dealing with ruts, rocks and gullies. When it comes to looks, I think this is where Ducati knocked it out of the park; the gold rims give it a classic vibe that is still completely relevant today.
[Read more 2017 Motorcycle Previews]
2. On or off-road, you’ll be ready to go with suitable tires. Off the showroom floor, the 2017 Ducati Desert Sled will arrive equipped with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 120 front, and 170 rear tires. You’ll be able to ride your favorite canyon road, and hit some trails if you suddenly feel the need to become closer to nature.
3. More than paying homage, the Desert Sled has all the hallmarks of 60s and 70s Scrambler style. Between the classic front mudguard, headlight grill, and skid-plate, it seems that Ducati designers did their homework and tapped into that Steve McQueen mojo that permeated Southern California popular culture in days gone by. All of that is accentuated by the white, red and gold trimmings found on the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled.
4. Suspension woes be damned–the Desert Sled has travel and adjustability to match. Featuring 7.9 inches of front wheel travel, the Desert Sled with feature 46mm, fully adjustable forks. That’s noteworthy because previous scrambles didn’t allow for such adjustability, and off-road minded machines need all the help they can get when it comes to suspension. In the rear the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled has a Kayaba rear shock, complete with pre-load and rebound adjustment.
5. The engine remains the same, but that’s not always a bad thing. The 2-valve, air-cooled, 803cc powerplant is arguably one of the most accessible twin engines on the market. Producing a reported 75 horsepower @ 8250 rpm and 50 ft/lbs. of torque @ 5750 rpm, the loveable 803cc has more than enough power to scoot around town or carve some canyon roads while doing a bit of traveling in between. Though the 803cc engine remains unchanged, it should be more than enough to get your heart racing.
7. Stopping power will be available when needed. Borrowed from the Scrambler line will be the same single 330mm rotor, and 245 mm rotor in the rear. Adequate? Completely, if other Scrambler’s are a point of reference.
8. The little scrambler has grown; both in height and weight. In stock trim, the Desert Sled will have a seat height of 33.9 inches. Shorter riders shouldn’t fret; this is a narrow twin motorcycle we’re talking about so it still should be accessible, even if you happen to have a shorter inseam. Most likely thanks to its off-road trimmings, the Desert Sled now sits at a claimed wet weight of 456 lbs.
Ducati seems to be focusing in on the potential of the Scrambler with the Desert Sled, providing a bike to match the personality and needs of every rider out there. And if this particular reviewer is honest, I’m quite enamored with the looks, as well as the potential of the sporty little Desert Sled. But let’s put it to the reader–you’ve heard what we think, what are your thoughts?
2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled Photo Gallery
The New Scrambler has a rugged appeal and very sharp looking motorcycle!!!
Ducati did a very good with the paint and graphic choices.
Couldn’t agree more, Haskell. Whether you settle for the red or white variant, they’ve done an incredible job when it comes to looks.
I’m ready to start selling all my bikes and even my plasma to get one. How about a kidney anyone? I loved riding scrambler on the road but it needed more off road ability and this sled is perfect.
Damn Ducati now has my attention..This looks like a killer middleweight bike. I FEEL MY CHECKBOOK MOVING.. Suspension,taller seat maybe now those of us taller than 5’9″ won’t feel like a circus bear..
mmm … Killer Motorcycle. Now if Ducati could introduce a Scrambler that weighs under 350 pounds wet … ;-)
I’ll be honest. I love the looks. I hope that there is a rear rack option for those of us that like to camp off of our bikes.