Ducati SCRAMBLER 800 Cafe Racer 2017 — Specifications

Is a Ducati Scrambler dressed as a café racer still a true café racer, or simply a styling exercise to seduce purists of looks? In 2017, Ducati took a chance with this Scrambler 800 Cafe Racer, an assumed blend between the range's relaxed spirit and the aesthetic codes of the circuit. For a little more than 11,000 euros new at the time, you were essentially buying an attitude, a complete kit for those who dream of vintage competition without the drawbacks of a capricious engine.

The presentation is neat, it must be acknowledged. The low, swept-back handlebar, the minimalist headlight fairing, the mirrors at the end of the handlebar and this small checkerboard pattern on the tank that winks at the races of the 60s, all of this works immediately. The lowered single seat, the number plate and the total matte black finish complete the tone. It’s serious, or at least it looks like it. Even the original Termignoni exhaust contributes its sound, although some will seek even more liberating Ducati Scrambler 800 Cafe Racer accessories.

But let’s open the hood, or rather, turn the key. The 803 cm3 L-twin is a familiar face, faithful to its post with its 75 horsepower and 67.7 Nm of torque. The engine is supple, lively in the low and mid range, perfect for the city or winding roads. On the other hand, claiming the frenzy of a true track machine would be a lie. The power is contained, the weight announced at 188 kg fully fueled is not negligible, and the top speed peaks around 180 km/h. A question often arises: what is the top speed of the Ducati Scrambler 800 Cafe Racer? The answer is sufficient for fun, but far from the performance of a pure sports bike.

Where things are a little problematic is in the technical compromise. The 41 mm inverted fork and the radial Brembo braking at the front are good elements, but the absence of a second front disc can be felt if you push a little too hard. It’s correct braking, suitable for the intended use, but it reminds you that you are on a revised Scrambler base, not on a race beast. The position, for its part, is more engaged than on an Icon, but remains tolerable for short distances.

So, who is it for? For the stylish city dweller who wants to stand out, for the occasional traveler who prioritizes retro looks and accessible sensations. It’s a character machine, ideal for those looking for a motorcycle with a unique look without the hassles of an old one. Today, on the used market, a 2018 or 2019 Ducati Scrambler 800 Cafe Racer can represent a good deal to acquire this style at a lower cost. It will never replace an MV Agusta Superveloce or a true Norton in spirit, but it offers a piece of a café racer dream, with the reliability and ease of a modern machine. A beautiful tribute, ultimately, even if it remains a little too tame.