Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special

Table of contents

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Painted Buls

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special

54 pictures

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Painted Buls

1/54
Andrea has had a driver’s license for a year and drives a KTM 390 Duke.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Black Head

2/54
Andrea is on tour with the test scrambler, her husband and his Monster 1200. The scrambler wins the sound comparison.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Black Head

3/54
She unwound around 500 kilometers in the first week of testing.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Black Head

4/54
“Since the bench is quite wide, I can only touch the floor with my toes at 1.69 meters.”

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Painted Buls

5/54
Christoph has driven 420 kilometers with the Scrambler 1100 so far. His 2-week vacation falls during the test period, during which he would like to extensively test the Scrambler.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Becker

6/54
With a friend and his XJR he already started the first tour.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Becker

7/54
It’s getting tight: Christoph’s Moto Guzzi Griso 1200 S.E, Yamaha FZ8 N and Yamaha XS 1100. His buddy’s XJR 1300 also finds shelter. And now the Scrambler 1100 is temporarily added – cozy.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Boehm

8/54
In the first week of testing, Oliver already spent 550 kilometers in the saddle of the Scrambler 1100.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special

9/54
“The Scrambler is a real eye-catcher! You have to get used to it first.”

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Boehm

10/54
At 1.76 meters, he describes the ergonomics on the Scrambler as “very pleasant”.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Painted Buls

11/54
Toralf had the longest journey – in his first week of testing he already drove over 1,000 kilometers with the Scrambler.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Utke

12/54
For the first few kilometers, a warning light came on in the cockpit. After consulting Ducati, we went straight to the workshop for a software update the next day.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Utke

13/54
But everything is running now. But it flies less – the helmet is decorated with the trophies of the common naked bike rider.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Utke

14/54
Naked arms for the naked bike – but only for posing in front of the camera!

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Painted Buls

15/54
Ducati is making five brand new Ducati Scrambler 1100 Specials available for the reader test ride.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Painted Buls

16/54
One alone can impress (especially when the engine is running), but five look particularly beautiful.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Painted Buls

17/54
Robert Gluck, press spokesman for Ducati Germany, handed over the motorcycles. But before that there was a detailed briefing.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Painted Buls

18/54
The thing with the paperwork is of course also part of it. There were delicious snacks and cakes to strengthen.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Painted Buls

19/54
Jeremy Faraud is the designer of the Ducati Scrambler. It was particularly exciting to learn from him how he works in Bologna.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Painted Buls

20/54
His scrambler drawing was so popular that we gave it away spontaneously.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Dervish

21/54
Christoph is the lucky winner!

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Painted Buls

22/54
And it started already – on tour home. Everything was included between 200 and over 1,000 kilometers home.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Painted Buls

23/54
Oh, before the motorcycles were handed over to the testers, editor dwarf Dina Dervisevic jumped on the Scrambler for a seat test. And scolded the designer: “This bike is definitely to high!” 🙂

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Black Head

24/54
Andrea says after two weeks of testing: “Perfect motorcycle to have fun in the legal speed range on the country road.”

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Wiethof

25/54
Manuela stands out on the first trips with the Scrambler 1100 – she does not fail to attract attention with this motorcycle.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Becker

26/54
Christoph lends his Moto Guzzi Griso 1200 S.E. so that she is there on the trips with the Scrambler.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Becker

27/54
Christoph was in the 2nd week of testing at Ducati Bochum and had the update installed.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Becker

28/54
He used the waiting time extremely efficiently and tried out the new SuperSport S.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Boehm

29/54
Christoph was also at the dealership according to plan and had the update for the engine control installed.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Utke

30/54
Toralf drove around 400 kilometers in the 2nd week of testing.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Utke

31/54
“The Scrambler has been running at Oktan 100 for a week – quieter and feels even faster. Before that, I filled up with 95 octane.”, writes Toralf.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Black Head

32/54
Andrea was curious and in the third week of testing borrowed an 800 scrambler from the dealer for a test drive.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Black Head

33/54
Their conclusion: I have a lot more fun driving the 1100 than the 800 that is driven in comparison, so that despite the disadvantages of maneuvering etc. and the higher price, I would clearly opt for the 1100.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Becker

34/54
Christoph’s buddy is now infected with the Ducatisti virus and has taken a test drive on a Monster 1200 S..

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Becker

35/54
Christoph maintains and cleans everything in his fleet in an exemplary manner. That’s how – luckily – he discovered the defective bolt.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Becker

36/54
It’s the side stand bolt. The scrambler is now standing with the help of an assembly stand, but the workshop should quickly provide a remedy.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Boehm

37/54
Oliver avoids long motorway journeys with the Scrambler: “To be honest, they are very exhausting and not really suitable for scramblers.”

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Utke

38/54
Toralf says about ergonomics: “Fits. Is made for me.”

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Utke

39/54
What he likes about the Scrambler is the combination of a beautiful design and a powerful engine.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Wiethof

40/54
“When using the blinker, it happened to me quite often that I accidentally pressed the horn. A slightly larger distance would be nice.”

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Wiethof

41/54
“I cannot reach the light switch while driving because my hand (glove size 7.5) is slightly kinked and there is still a plastic panel with hidden cable strands between the throttle grip and the light switch.”

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Wiethof

42/54
Manuela noticed the sensitive fuel gauge negatively. The indicator light comes on very early.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Black Head

43/54
Andreas overall assessment (school grades 1-6): 1-

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Wiethof

44/54
Manuela: “The Scrambler is puristic, which I really appreciate.”

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Wiethof

45/54
“That surprised me: the driving modes. At first I thought: What nonsense! But then I have to find out that my mental state is not always the same.”

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Wiethof

46/54
“I ride a motorcycle at all sorts of times. Sometimes at five in the morning, when I go to early shift or when I come home from night shift.”

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Wiethof

47/54
“Especially when the weather conditions change, I’m happy to be able to adjust the mode.”

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Wiethof

48/54
“It is definitely predestined for the country road. It is easy to put into the corners and overtaking is not a problem either.”

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Boehm

49/54
“BORN FREE” – Oliver likes the message on the fuel cap of the Scrambler 1100.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Boehm

50/54
At the motorcycle meetings, Oliver was often asked about the scrambler. Especially on the Italian license plate.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Black Head

51/54
“If I were to buy the Scrambler, I would definitely have the seat cushioned so that I can get my feet on the ground more safely.”, says Andrea, 1.69 meters tall.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Utke

52/54
Toralf there “his” Scrambler from the dealer after 4 weeks of testing. When asked what disappointed him, he says: “In four weeks with about 2,700 test kilometers driven, nothing disappointed me.”

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Wiethof

53/54
When driving in the Senne on the cobblestones after drizzle, the grip was great. I had the feeling that the tires didn’t slip at all.

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
Wiethof

54/54
After the four weeks of testing, I would say that my heart still beats for this bike. If I had the spare change I would definitely invest in it. The overall package is just right!

Sports & scene

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special

Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special
This is what our readers say

5 readers test the new Scrambler 1100 Special as part of the Ducati Reader Test Ride. You have 4 weeks for this, Ducati pays for the fuel. With us you read every week from the latest impressions of the 5 drivers.

May 28, 2018

Imagine: the best motorcycle weather and Ducati provides you with a brand new Scrambler 1100 Special for a 4-week test – and there’s the fuel money on top of that. Dreamlike? Yes. But for five readers of MOTORRAD, FUEL and auto motor und sport this is now the reality. You applied for the Ducati Reader Test Ride and won.

Here you can read over the next four weeks what impressions the five pilots will collect with the Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special.

Andreas 1st week of testing


Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special


Painted Buls

Andrea got her motorcycle license a year ago and rides a KTM 390 Duke. It measures 1.69 meters and with the Scrambler only touches the ground with its toes.

Current motorcycle: KTM Duke 390
Driver size: 1.69 meters

Test environment: From Stuttgart on the A81 to Heilbronn, otherwise only country road (Spessart & Odenwald)
Distance covered: 500 kilometers

Ergonomics on the motorcycle: Since the bench is quite wide, I can only touch the floor with my toes at 1.69 meters. The footrests placed far forward ensure an extremely comfortable sitting position, but also ensure that at higher speeds (from 120km / h) I have to actively brace myself against the wind with my upper body, which is exhausting in the medium term.

Driving impressions city: Smooth-running clutch that can be dosed very well; very good-natured when starting off; strong heat development in the city and in traffic jams.
Driving impressions country road: Stable cornering behavior, sufficient lean angle, ideal country road motorcycle to have fun; very good brakes; no load change reactions in the drive train; very good torque and acceleration; The tachometer readability is unfortunately only moderate.
Driving impressions Highway: Very insensitive spring elements. When it comes to the transverse joints of the A81, in particular, the A81 and the Scrambler are no longer friends.
Driving impressions pillion ride: No pillion operation carried out.

Overall assessment (school grades 1-6): 1- (Deduction is only available for the response of the suspension)

The motorcycle would / would be out of the question for me because …: Intensive discussions within the family are already taking place as to whether we should buy the Scrambler 1100 or a Scrambler 1100 (for Thomas (Editor’s note: Thomas is Andrea’s husband. He owns a Monster 1200 and a 1198)) and a scrambler 800 (for me). I would like to drive the 800 compared to the 1100.

That surprised me: Extremely awesome sound that puts a big grin on my face; family-internal sound winner (against Monster 1200 and Ducati 1198).

That disappointed me: The response behavior of the spring elements; if necessary, they can be adjusted to my weight.

Main differences to the current motorcycle: Compared to the Scrambler 1100, the Duke 390 looks like a moped; the motorcycles are not directly comparable. When handling when standing, I prefer the Duke, when driving clearly the Scrambler.

Price-performance ratio: The Scrambler 1100 is not a bargain, but appropriate due to the high quality equipment including wire rims and the production in Italy.

Other notes: Very high quality workmanship with many brushed aluminum parts; high-quality assistance systems, great overall appearance.

Andreas 2nd week of testing

Test environment: mostly country road
Distance covered: 250 kilometers

Driving impressions city: The gradation of the gearbox is very successful; you can swim in the traffic in 3rd gear at 30 km / h, as well as in 4th gear at 50 km / h.
Driving impressions country road: Perfect motorcycle to have fun in the legal speed range on the country road. However, the feet drag relatively quickly in curves on the road. Depending on the amount of sunlight, the display is quite dazzling.
Driving impressions on the Autobahn: no motorway operation
Driving impressions pillion ride: The bench is very comfortable even for 2 people. The knee angle for the passenger is very relaxed, but the position of the handles is impractical. After all, they don’t interfere with the design – after all, you can hold on to the driver.

Overall assessment (school grades 1-6): 1- (see previous week)

The motorcycle would be an option for me because …: it drives relaxed, is of high quality and has a good sound.

That surprised me: The tires stick very well despite the slight terrain profile.

That disappointed me: no further findings compared to the previous week.

Main differences to the current motorcycle: No disadvantages compared to the current motorcycle (390 Duke). More stable handling in the corners, I can keep up with my husband better on his monster.

Price-performance ratio: appropriate

Other notes: The right screw connection on the tank had loosened. And: between 5th and 6th gear I sometimes get into an intermediate idle.

Andreas 3rd week of testing

Test environment: Mostly country roads
Distance covered: 400 kilometers

Editor’s note: Out of curiosity, Andrea drove to her trusted Ducati dealer last week and extensively tested the Scrambler 800. Your impressions will certainly be of interest to many who fluctuate between the two models.

Ergonomics on the motorcycle: The seat of the 800 scrambler is narrower, the seat height is lower, so that I feel safer when standing.

Driving impressions city: No special new knowledge; the friction makes noises when first gear is engaged – you might think that Ducati is buying it from BMW!
Driving impressions country road: Compared to the Scrambler 800, the 1100 is a little more stable on the road. In direct comparison, the 800 makes a slightly more agile impression. The 1100’s engine seems to have a lot more power, despite it being “only” 13 hp more – but a lot more torque from below.

Overall assessment (school grades 1-6): Still the 1st-

The motorcycle would / would be out of the question for me because …: I have a lot more fun driving the 1100 than the 800 that I used in comparison, so that despite the disadvantages in maneuvering etc., as well as the higher price, I would clearly opt for the 1100.

That surprised me: The fuel gauge is ‘funny’ – at first full forever, then shortly after half full there is almost immediate reserve!

Advantage over the 800 scrambler: Sound, power and brakes. Disadvantage compared to the 800 scrambler: higher weight. Seat height and width of the saddle.

Price-performance ratio: Appropriate

Andreas 4th week of testing

Test environment: Mostly country roads
Distance covered: 300 kilometers

Ergonomics on the motorcycle: If I were to buy the Scrambler, I would definitely have the seat cushioned so that I can get my feet on the ground more safely. (Editor’s note: Andrea is 1.69 meters tall)

Driving impressions city: The scrambler was rarely moved around town; no new knowledge; In built-up areas, inconspicuous and relaxed locomotion is possible.
Driving impressions country road: Moving the Scrambler on the country road is just fun – for me the perfect country road motorcycle!
Driving impressions on the Autobahn: No journeys made on the motorway; if I had gone on vacation with the Scrambler, I would definitely have stowed it in our trailer.

Overall assessment (school grades 1-6): Still the same grade: 1-

That surprised me: After four weeks of testing, the Scrambler didn’t surprise me anymore, everything feels familiar; the more I am a little sad to have to give it up again …

Main differences to the current motorcycle: Switching back to the 390 Duke will be difficult – with the exception of the lower weight and lower seat height.

Price-performance ratio: The Scrambler is not a bargain – if you look around the market, you get a lot of great motorcycles for the price of the Scrambler (Special). Nevertheless, the Scrambler 1100 Special is a great motorcycle with character.

Other notes: What impressed me most from the start was the great sound. Once in motion, the Scrambler just puts me in a good mood because it’s great to drive. I find it a bit difficult to handle when standing because I can only touch the ground with my toes; I would have to get a lower bench – otherwise everything will fit.

Christoph’s 1st week of testing


Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special


Painted Buls

Christoph’s garage is full – Moto Guzzi Griso 1200 S.E, Yamaha FZ8 N and Yamaha XS 1100 gather here. Now a Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special was added.

Current motorcycles: Moto Guzzi Griso 1200 S.E, Yamaha FZ8 N and Yamaha XS 1100 
Driver size: 1.88 meters

Test environment: City, country, motorway – a little bit of everything
Distance covered: 420 kilometers

Ergonomics on the motorcycle: With my 1.88 meters I sit very well on the motorcycle, the knee angle is absolutely relaxed.

Driving impressions city: When driving in the city, I mostly use the Journey mode, as it is a bit more gentle but still has full power.
Driving impressions Passenger operation: Absolutely okay for short trips, but the handles under the seat are meant nicely, but rather impractical. They also get very warm.

Overall assessment (school grades 1-6): I give a good 2.

The motorcycle would / would be out of the question for me because …: The Scrambler would be an option for me because it makes a very nice to drive all-round bike, with which I can not only ride the country roads, but also like to drive to work or just to the ice cream parlor.

That surprised me: I was really surprised by the engine! Because – although it is only 86 hp strong – it has very good pulling power. The very good braking system also surprised me positively.

That disappointed me: If you can speak of disappointed, the bench. It looks very nice and feels very valuable, but is more at home on the harder side of life. Maybe I just have to sit her in a little longer: D.

Main differences to the current motorcycle: The Scrambler 1100 is difficult to compare with my Guzzi – they are both V2 motorcycles from Italy, but fundamentally very different concepts.

Price-performance ratio: At 14,290 euros *, the Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special is not necessarily cheap, but in direct comparison to the R nineT Scrambler (from 13,150 euros) and the Triumph Bonneville T120 (from 12,250 euros), the price-performance ratio is right again. In my opinion, it offers the best equipment of the three. * This is the price for the special version, the cheapest Scrambler 1100 starts at 12,990 euros. (Editor’s note)

Other notes: I was very surprised by the really good and powerful engine – although it only provides 86 hp, I never had the feeling that there was no lack of power. For the “old” With the air-cooled 1100 V2, the engine runs almost as smooth as silk, great set-up from Ducati, that really puts you in a good mood. At the end of the year I wanted to part with my Yamaha FZ8N, which for me is basically the “Dailydriver” is. And I have to say, the Scrambler 1100 would really be a very good successor.

Christoph’s 2nd week of testing

Test environment: a bit of everything
Distance covered: 460 kilometers

Driving impressions city: For a 1100 cc V2, the Ducati drives really nicely in the city. Especially in Journey mode, it convinces with a very nice gas attack without jerking excessively. Only the extreme waste heat from the engine when stopping, for example at traffic lights, is really extreme at an outside temperature of 30 degrees.
Driving impressions on the Autobahn: Due to its concept, it is simply not a motorway bike, but it is absolutely okay and stable for short distances at speeds of around 120/130 km / h.

That surprised me: I adjusted the chassis according to the setup described in the top test (MOTORRAD issue 12/2018). Lo and behold, it is still taut but much more comfortable.

That disappointed me: The side stand is a bit difficult to reach. As described in the MOTORRAD test, we could have thought of something nicer for limiting the steering angle.

Other notes: Was at Ducati Bochum this week and had the update installed. While I was waiting I was able to test the new SuperSport S.

Christoph’s 3rd week of testing

Test environment: mainly city
Distance covered: 250 kilometers

Ergonomics on the motorcycle: I realized that after three weeks of endurance testing, I can honestly say that the Scrambler is the first motorcycle on which I would not change anything ergonomically. I’m still in a very good mood and look forward to every trip with her.

Driving impressions city: In the past week, the Scrambler accompanied me to work in City Mode every day! Very nice motorcycle … We are slowly becoming really good friends.

That surprised me: The buddy is currently infected with the Ducatisti virus and has taken a test drive on a Monster 1200 S (editor’s note: see picture gallery)

Other notes: On Saturday, June 9th, unfortunately – or fortunately – while cleaning, I noticed that the side stand bolt had loosened and torn out. On Monday I will first call Ducati directly. The Scrambler is currently on the assembly stand in the garage because the side stand can no longer be used. Because of this, the tour had to be canceled this weekend. The swingarm was also scratched because the footrest plate is attached to the same bolt.

Christoph’s 4th week of testing

Test environment: A bit of everything
Distance covered: 330 kilometers

That surprised me: A great service from Ducati Bochum! The repair of the broken screw went very quickly and after about 30 minutes I was able to drive on again.

Other notes: It’s a shame, four really nice weeks go by so quickly with the Ducati Scrambler. A really successful motorcycle with a great engine and a great sound. It’s really hard for me to give them back, we’ve become really good friends in the last few weeks. On tours through the Sauerland and Munsterland or on the way to work, she was always a loyal and welcome companion to me. I’m sure one day a Scrambler 1100 will definitely find its way into my garage again.

Oliver’s 1st week of testing


Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special


Painted Buls

Jackpot for Oliver: He does not currently have his own motorcycle, which is why full attention will be devoted to the Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special for the next four weeks.

Current motorcycle: Unfortunately none
Driver size: 1.76 meters

Test environment: A mix of everything
Distance covered: 
550 kilometers

Ergonomics on the motorcycle: Very comfortable sitting position, also or precisely because of my small size. The height and width of the handlebars are very comfortable – matches the overall ergonomics. So also for drivers under 1.80 meters.

Driving impressions City: Great, easy handling, sprints in every gear, flows great in city traffic. But above all, it attracts everyone’s attention, which is also due to the impressive sound.
Driving impressions country road: The Duc drives just like a dream, especially on winding roads, offers pulling power in every situation and also comes out of the lower rev range well in higher gears. The brakes are excellent, although the rear brake could be a bit snappier for my taste.
Driving impressions on the Autobahn: Very exhausting to drive because the Scrambler comes without a fairing. After driving 300 kilometers it was really exhausting for the arms. But until then it’s a lot of fun because it pulls powerfully through the high gears. Here, too, there were many onlookers during the journey “Photographers”. We immediately had a crowd at every rest stop. That was totally unfamiliar, because I had to get used to the Scrambler myself and had questions and answers for everyone who was interested. But it was really great!
Driving impressions Passenger operation: My sons insisted on it and took every opportunity to ride with them. The driving behavior with a pillion passenger is unproblematic. The engine response is exactly the same as that without a passenger. So there is always enough power. Only the brake needs to be applied with more sensitivity, but still has enough power.

Overall assessment (school grades 1-6): 1

The motorcycle would / would be out of the question for me because …:  The Scrambler 1100 would be an option for me, because the first impression is decisive for me. And that’s perfect!

That surprised me: It is not a lightweight but is still easy to control.

That disappointed me: The cockpit – only LCD doesn’t work at all. At least the tachometer should be available analog. The rear brake could grip a bit better and the chassis could be a bit softer. But that’s not a real disappointment, just a hint.

Main differences to the current motorcycle: Well, since I don’t own a motorcycle at the moment, there is a 100% advantage of the Scrambler 1100!

Price-performance ratio: Super motorcycle with all features at a reasonable price – something special.

Oliver’s 2nd week of testing

Test environment: Country roads in East Westphalia-Lippe and Northern Germany, Autobahn.
Distance covered: 500 kilometers

Driving impressions city: Driving in the city is still great fun. Very consistent in city mode. The sound is addicting and the handling is easy.
Driving impressions country road: Overland is the home of Ducati. Driving is endless fun here. The cornering ABS works very well. The tour to the North German Hooksiel on the beach was great. We were even rewarded with great sunny weather.
Driving impressions on the Autobahn: Unfortunately, the fun goes by on the A28 towards the North Sea coast. I felt bumps and bumps in the road in every bone in my back. Pulling power and directional stability are really great – only the chassis is too hard for the track. Therefore prefer to go overland. But taking a break at a motorway service station with an Italian license plate is always a highlight – people just come and speak to me. But when a stubborn Westphalian answers, they are a bit disappointed.
Driving impressions pillion ride: This week I enjoyed it all to myself.

The motorcycle would / would be out of the question for me because …: I want to have her!

That surprised me: Super safe driving behavior even in crap weather with heavy rain and thunderstorms. I always feel safe.

That disappointed me: As I said, the chassis is a bit hard and I still miss the classic tachometer.

Other notes: Ducati Germany called the nearest Ducati dealer to update the engine management system. It’s in Melle. Super friendly welcome, the guys there knew immediately and after 10 minutes everything was fixed or. “upgraded”. Top service.

Oliver’s 3rd week of testing

Test environment: Exclusively country road
Distance covered: 350 kilometers

Ergonomics on the motorcycle: The footrests for the passenger are rather too high and uncomfortable, especially on longer journeys. The driver, on the other hand, is very comfortable.
Driving impressions city: Despite the constant traffic jam in the city, the Ducati always gets through traffic easily and is super easy to drive.
Driving impressions country road: In the middle speed range there is always enough air down and up. Always perfect draft. In the lower speed range, the engine and the drive train hit the machine badly. The mechanical noises in the engine and transmission are noticeably louder, but by no means annoying. My “diva” if something happens in the morning when starting … you need one or two attempts and then you start to stutter … but after a short time it runs like clockwork.
Driving impressions on the Autobahn: Fortunately, no motorway trip was planned this week. To be honest, they are very exhausting and not really suitable for scramblers.
Driving impressions pillion ride: The trips to the sport have already become a ritual … my son enjoys the tours very much … Driving with a pillion passenger is unproblematic.

The motorcycle would / would be out of the question for me because …: The fact remains that I would really like the Scrambler 1100.

That surprised me: The scrambler “lives” meanwhile, it shakes and shakes itself with a cold engine and sometimes bitches … but always comes down and drives super honestly. The tires are the stunner. Based on the Super Moto tires, they simply fit the machine perfectly.

Price-performance ratio: The price / performance ratio is right. The price is reasonable for an 1100, as the Scrambler is of very high quality and will certainly not lose too much of its value. But the 800 is much more attractive in terms of price.

Oliver’s 4th week of testing

Test environment: Country roads in Munsterland and the motorway
Distance covered: 400 kilometers

Ergonomics on the motorcycle: I kept my weight, didn’t grow or shrink either – so still perfect ergonomics.

Driving impressions city: It’s easy to always drive perfectly even as a stately city runabout.
Driving impressions country road: I think I now really know all the country and side roads in the Bielefeld, Gutersloh and surrounding areas. And driving is really addicting. I had to brake myself in order not to cruise with the Scrambler all the time and everywhere. The connection between the engine and the exhaust sound is also addicting, especially the bubbling when downshifting. Very cool!
Driving impressions on the Autobahn: Driving on short sections of the motorway is really fun. We now have the A33 in front of our noses and take advantage of it from time to time.
Driving impressions pillion ride: Been to two small motorcycle meetings with his son. It was great fun and Ducati riders were always interested. Especially, of course, the story behind the Italian license plate.

The motorcycle would / would be out of the question for me because …: The Scrambler would definitely be an option for me. Right now, after a four-week break-in period.

That surprised me: Driving in the wet is totally uncomplicated. I always felt safe, perfect in every situation.

Price-performance ratio: The price-performance ratio fits someone who likes Ducatis and Scramblers. Certainly there are cheaper mopeds, especially as scramblers, but not a 1100 Ducati. Now, after four weeks of test drive, one thing is certain: The Ducati Scrambler 1100 is a real hammer.

Other notes: Well what can I say … the four weeks were a complete success. As a returnee, it was a huge adventure for me to be able to drive such a special and modern moped. All I can say is that I’m packed with the motorcycle virus again. I would have liked to have driven the Scrambler further, but as a new vehicle it is honestly too expensive for me. And the 800 is a bit slimmer than the 1100. What’s the matter … keep dreaming and wait. There is sure to be another opportunity.

Toralfs 1st week of testing


Reader test ride Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special


Painted Buls

Toralf was allowed to drive up to the workshop for a software update on the second day of the test. Now everything works without a warning light in the cockpit.

Current motorcycle: Harley Davidson Fat Bob 114
Driver size: 1.81 meters

Test environment: City traffic Stuttgart, Autobahn to Emsland, country roads when bypassing traffic jams
Distance covered: 1,100 kilometers

Ergonomics on the motorcycle: Everything fits my size.

Driving impressions city: I’m in the city traffic “City fashion” hazards. In traffic jams and tough city traffic, extreme engine heat rose from the left.
Driving impressions country road: Here I have it “Journey mode” switched. After a few kilometers, an orange indicator lit up in the cockpit. It was the indicator light “Vehicle / Engine Diagnostics – MIL ”. For me and the Scrambler 1100 that meant: Off to the workshop at the Ducati Motorcycle Center in Leimen: A software update took place (approx. 45 minutes). The workshop team was great and after that there were no further cockpit reports.
Driving impressions on the Autobahn: Here it went in “Active mode” Ahead. Top: speedy progress. Flop: I perceived the exhaust / engine noise as clanking. Conclusion: it is better to drive with earplugs.
Driving impressions pillion ride: On bumps in the road, the scrambler felt the impact directly on the back of the pillion passenger, and the pillion bench was a bit too hard.

Overall assessment (school grades 1-6): 3

The motorcycle would / would be out of the question for me because …: For short journeys, the Scrambler 1100 would be an option for me.

That surprised me: That I can now drive around with an Italian license plate for four weeks – the Scrambler comes straight from the factory and is registered in Italy. In addition: The top function of the cornering ABS!

That disappointed me: Clinking engine / exhaust noise in the ear, sonorous, sewing machine-like working of the engine in 3rd gear, where the exhaust noise can no longer be heard.

Main differences to the current motorcycle: I find the engine / exhaust sound of the Harley more pleasant; Despite Active Mode the Scrambler – my Harley has “Warp drive”.

Price-performance ratio: Top

Other notes: After driving more than 1,000 kilometers home (with an overnight stay) and lame, what felt like plate-sized hands and rigid forearms, I lost kilograms of weight and more muscle mass, according to my household scooter! So the Scrambler is a great fitness machine! After a midsummer week, daily trips and lots of fun, I’m excited to see what’s next.

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