Tests – Testing of the Metzeler Racetec RR motorcycle tire on the circuit – Racetec RR: availability, dimensions and prices

Posted on by admin

Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer in the driving report

The 6th scrambler model

The Scrambler family has blossomed into the best-selling Ducati series. With a keen sense of its own history, Ducati has now put the sixth offspring, the Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer, on the golden wheels, which could have a similarly rosy future.

Wait a moment. Scrambler and cafe racer? How does that work together? Well, great if you see the Scrambler clan as a family dedicated to the retro spirit. A Cafe Racer fits perfectly into the family album. With stub handlebars, a hump seat with a nice pillion cover and number holder on the swing arm, the metamorphosis to the trendy cafe racer is visually more than successful. The black and gold paint is a wonderful reminiscence of the Darmah and 900 SS from the late 70s and early 80s. So take a seat on the neatly quilted bench D.ucati scrambler cafe racer. It also offers sufficient space for tall pilots.

Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer in the driving report

The 6th scrambler model

V2 with 73 HP an old friend

The handlebar stubs are now 175 mm lower than the high handlebars of the Scrambler and 155 mm further forward. That sounds like a lot of wood at first, but it puts a lot of pressure on the front wheel, especially since the seat height increased by 15 mm (805 instead of 790 mm), which inclines the driver’s upper body a little towards the handlebars . At the same time, the knee angle is somewhat more moderate. In any case, the handlebars are not too low. Above all, however, in contrast to some other manufacturers or customizers, Ducati did not make the mistake of stretching the rider over the tank with stubs mounted far in front with outstretched arms. In short: the seating position on the Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer is right. The 73 hp V2 is an old friend and taken over from the Scrambler siblings one to one. It starts spontaneously and bubbles sonorous and satisfied while idling.

Video about the Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer

Newly tuned spring elements

On the first few kilometers between the suburbs of Bologna, it shows itself from its pleasant side. Smooth-running clutch, smoothly operating gearbox, smooth and free of annoying vibrations, it already has enough power ready up to 4,000 rpm to quickly overcome the urban connection stages. In front of us are the hills around Bologna, which have almost endless series of curves. In terms of chassis technology, Ducati relies on the frame and swing arm from the Scrambler models. The suspension elements of the Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer have been re-tuned, with a lush 150 mm of suspension travel as much as in the other scramblers. Another new feature is the filigree front wheel, which now measures 17 inches and thus carries a 120/70 model that is appropriate for road machines. In addition, as before, a radial brake caliper, which is now activated by a radial brake pump and bites into a single, powerful 330 mm disc – just as it should be for a sportsman.

Without much effort through the curves

First of all, it is time to relax. The Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer willingly follows the steering commands, does not steer completely neutrally, but can be steered through the curves with little effort. It’s easy, albeit not quite as hot-blooded as one might assume in view of the sharp steering geometry that promises to be greedy in curves with a 68 degree steering head angle, just under 94 mm caster and nine millimeters shorter wheelbase than with the other scramblers. Nonetheless, on the wide, curved lanes, it smoothly complies with the steering commands that it receives from the broad stub. The fork received new, longer standpipes for its intended use. The coordination of the spring elements is on the very comfortable side. They carefully iron away small wrinkles and asphalt scars.

Engine does not pull out trees

The pleasant V2 accelerates as smoothly as butter, since no rough load change jerks chopped up the line in serpentines. In addition, it delivers its performance consistently and predictably. With his 73 hp he doesn’t pull any trees, of course, and if things are going to move quickly he needs to be twirled. But it does that without complaining and turns happily upwards from 6,000 rpm. At the same time, his pitch changes from full, grumpy banging into a pithy but never intrusive hammering. And in push mode, the twin sneaks out of the two tailpipes. But he refrains from loud din. Its subtle, rich soundscape can be enjoyed in a socially acceptable manner. That is fun, and because the Pirelli Diablo Rosso II stick so nicely, the Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer is angled more and more cheekily in the tighter curves. And quickly scrapes the floor with the tips of his boots. So quickly pull in your feet if you want to go around the corner more inclined and more hearty, even if the pillion outriggers spread their heels a bit apart. The single-disc brake in the front wheel acted somewhat bluntly at first – as it was not yet fully retracted – but became more effective as the journey time increased. From then on he showed himself to be in control of the situation with a gentle response followed by a strong, well-controllable delay.

Let go is the motto

On the other hand, the chassis does not act as sure-footedly at increasing speed. If there are bumps in addition to the jagged corner robbers, the Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer reacts with a low pitching moment. Perhaps the steep steering geometry has overshot a bit. And no question about it, a 180 mm rear tire looks important in front of the ice cream parlor. Whether it is really necessary with 73 hp remains to be seen. A 160 would possibly have been the better choice in terms of neutrality as well. Sharp pace, late on the brakes, jerky from one lean angle to the next, maybe even on second-class asphalt, there are more suitable pedestals for this. Whoever takes the Duc down like that is in the wrong saddle. After all, a cafe racer is not a GP rocket. So let it go. Drive round and with swing and not with the knife between your teeth. Then the Cafe Racer dutifully follows the chosen course. Then it pulls its course neatly and caresses the soul with a soothing sound and bewitching look, just gets under your skin. That’s exactly what she’s really capable of. Even though it might have deserved a more loving cockpit than the moderately legible, not very informative round instrument.

10,990 euros a little too much?

In general, the equipment is more on the economical side. Well, you don’t really miss traction control and different driving modes given the easily controllable performance. But the instrument cluster is simply silent about a lot of information, the spring elements are rather of the simple kind, the clutch lever not adjustable. And LEDs only light up for the rear and daytime running lights. Given the high price of 10,990 euros, you could have expected a little more. But what is that in view of the gorgeous visual appearance and her relaxed, sunny nature? The Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer is just the right thing for an entertaining day in the saddle, for an enjoyable evening ride on the house route, where both the feeling and the eye get their money’s worth.

Related articles

Related articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *