Ducati SCRAMBLER 400 Sixty2 2018 — Specifications

Motorcycle: Ducati SCRAMBLER 400 Sixty2 (2018)

Who said entering the Ducati family necessarily required ferocious horsepower and a hefty price tag? With the SCRAMBLER 400 Sixty2, the brand from Borgo Panigale attempts a compelling proposition on paper: to offer the aura, style, and enjoyment of a Scrambler in an accessible format, particularly for A2 license holders. But between intention and reality, the road can be bumpy.

From the first glance, the instant infatuation is almost immediate. The aesthetic recipe of the Scrambler range is reproduced identically: trellis frame, slim silhouette, round LED headlight, and that iconic-shaped fuel tank. It evokes warm sand and carefree getaways. This Ducati Scrambler 400 Sixty2, in its vibrant colors, clearly targets a young audience or an urban dweller seeking character without mechanical complexity. The 399 cm³ L-twin cylinder, air-cooled and animated by Desmodromic timing, delivers 40 horsepower at 8750 rpm and a torque of 34.3 Nm. These figures, on paper, perfectly align with the limitations of the A2 license and promise relaxed rides rather than assaults on the track. The announced top speed approaches 150 km/h, more than sufficient for daily use and secondary roads.

However, when you scratch the surface, the cost-cutting measures become visible. To achieve this price of €7990, Ducati has made choices. Farewell to the inverted fork, replaced by a classic 41 mm telescopic fork. The radial Brembo caliper gives way to an axial two-piston caliper. The swingarm switches to steel, and the rear wheel is fitted with a 160 instead of an 180. Do these modifications affect the riding experience? During a test ride of the Ducati Scrambler 400 Sixty2, it is noted that the motorcycle remains pleasant and agile, notably thanks to a moderate weight of 183 kg fully fueled and a 790 mm seat height that will reassure beginners. The engine, although less energetic than the 800, is lively and sonorous, perfect for urban outings or small national roads. But the less refined suspension may show its limits on broken roads.

And that's where the problem lies: the pricing position. At only €600 less than a Scrambler Icon 800, which is much more generous in terms of equipment and performance, the Sixty2 seems expensive. The question of the weight or power of a Ducati Scrambler 400 Sixty2 is compounded by a question of value for money. Faced with competitors like the Suzuki SV650, more versatile, or certain Japanese customs, it relies entirely on emotion and the badge. It is an entry-level product, a stylish sesame for the brand, but which requires the customer to pay a serious premium for soul… and money.

So, good or bad deal? It all depends on what you are looking for. If your dream is to own a Ducati with a retro-cool style, easy to live with, and suitable for the A2 license, this Scrambler 400 Sixty2 could be a judicious choice to amortize the initial cost. But if pragmatism prevails, other machines in this price range offer more substance for fewer euros. Ducati is selling here a motorcycle fashion accessory, devilishly seductive, but whose compromises must be accepted.