Ducati SCRAMBLER 400 # Hashtag 2018 — Specifications

What if entry into the Ducati family came through the back door, but with the same flair? In 2018, the manufacturer from Borgo Panigale played the card of digital exclusivity with this Scrambler 400 #Hashtag, an approach that caused quite a stir at the time. Behind this name, of its time, lies a revised Sixty2, dressed in a deep black simply named « Midnight Black ». The idea was clear: to seduce a new generation of riders, perhaps a little intimidated by traditional dealerships, by offering a 100% online purchase as simple as ordering a book.

The mechanical base remains that of the accessible Scrambler 400, with its L-twin 399 cm3 engine developing 40 horsepower. A reasonable power output, combined with an announced weight of 183 kg fully fueled and a 79 cm seat height, makes it an ideal mount for beginners or urban riders seeking style without complexity. The torque of 34.3 Nm arrives fairly high in the rev range, which requires playing with the six-speed gearbox to get the most out of it, a small drawback that recalls that we don’t have the suppleness of a Japanese single-cylinder here. But that’s the price to pay for that raw sound so characteristic of Ducati.

Where this #Hashtag model stands out is in its equipment. Ducati drew from the robust Desert Sled catalog to graft on a wider handlebar, a more imposing front fender, and a comfortable seat, modifications that improve its ergonomics and adventurous look. The front braking with a 320 mm Brembo disc remains effective, even if the two-piston caliper lacks the bite of the radial systems of the big sisters. At 6990 euros, the price positioned this special edition as an attractive proposition, especially with the 20% discount on accessories offered to buyers.

This Ducati Scrambler 400 #Hashtag clearly targeted the young public or the city dweller seeking a first machine with a strong identity. The purchasing process, started with an online deposit of 500 euros before finalization at a distributor, was a curiosity at the time. Ducati was betting on interactivity, with a 3D configurator and virtual reality on its website, to convince. A bold marketing strategy for a motorcycle that, ultimately, remains a well-dressed Scrambler 400. A good deal for those who wanted an uncomplex Ducati and a modern purchase, without revolutionizing the formula.