Ducati SCRAMBLER 800 Desert Sled 2022 — Specifications

Imagine a machine born to carve through the dusty trails of Baja California, but which lands on the forest roads of our countryside. The Ducati Scrambler 800 Desert Sled, especially in its 2017 to 2020 iterations often found second-hand, is not just a custom bike dressed up as an adventure machine. It's a commitment, a promise of light but authentic adventures, aimed at those who want to get away from the asphalt without pretending to be rally riders. Its name is a program, and it must be taken seriously.

Beneath its retro appearance lies a seriously prepared motorcycle. The tubular frame is reinforced, the swingarm modified, and above all, the Kayaba suspension offers 200 mm of travel at each end, supporting 19 and 17-inch spoked rims shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires. With a 86 cm seat height and this raised ground clearance, it clearly dominates its cousins in the Scrambler range. For braking, Ducati has not skimped with a 330 mm disc and a four-piston radial Brembo caliper at the front. The displayed weight, 209 kg fully fueled, is forgotten once in motion, even though it remains a factor to consider compared to competitors like the BMW F 850 GS.

The heart beats with the mythical 803 cm3 L-twin, delivering 73 horsepower. It’s ample, temperamental, and above all incredibly playful. The transition to Euro 5 standards has not dulled its character, and injection has even gained smoothness. The six-speed gearbox is precise, and since 2019, the hydraulic clutch and adjustable levers make life easier. Discreet but effective electronics, with ABS that can be deactivated in “Off-road” mode and a Cornering system, offer a welcome safety net when the road becomes winding.

But what is it really? A true off-road motorcycle, capable of swallowing gravel and forest trails with a big smile. It is not a cross machine, but the best ally for Sunday getaways with friends, where the tarmac ends. Its 13-liter tank and correct comfort make it a trail tourer, not an extreme explorer. Its real flaw? Its price, which now flirts with 12,300 euros, putting it in the sights of more conventional trails. This is the price of style, character, and that Ducati badge on the tank.

In conclusion, the Desert Sled is something apart. It will seduce the rider seeking authenticity, who wants a motorcycle with a unique look, capable of taking him to explore without pretension and which runs on the raw sensations of the twin. For purely urban use or long-distance trails, other choices are necessary. But for those who dream of dust and freedom on a mechanically charming machine, it remains an irresistible proposition. An aftermarket Ducati Scrambler 800 Desert Sled silencer can also perfectly complement this personalization.