Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon 2019 — Specifications

The neo-retro trend seems endless, and Ducati, with its Scrambler 800 Icon, has captured the spirit of the times without resorting to simple imitation. This is far from an austere machine. Mounting this bike means accepting a pact: that of simple, almost nonchalant pleasure. The heart of the thing beats with an L-twin engine of 803 cm³, a familiar acquaintance from the Monster 796, which delivers here 73 horsepower and 67.7 Nm of torque. Figures that won't frighten a beginner but are more than enough to make an expert smile in search of lightness. With 189 kg fully fueled and a seat at 79.8 cm, access is among the most democratic.

Yet, looking more closely at this 2019 Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon, one feels that the manufacturer has played the card of prudent evolution. The design, which has become iconic, has only been refreshed: signature LED headlight, redesigned exhaust, darkened details. It’s subtle. The essential modifications are of a practical order: a thicker seat for comfort, a hydraulic clutch, a dashboard enriched with a fuel gauge and a gear indicator. The real, invisible revolution lies in the electronics. The Bosch ABS, now cornering modulation, noticeably improves safety and braking feel, still ensured by a Brembo 330 mm front single disc. A welcome update that does not betray the spirit of the machine.

Who is she, exactly? A motorcycle for those who refuse complication. It will not rival a Triumph Street Scrambler in terms of off-road pretensions, despite its knobby tires and 150 mm of travel. Nor does it seek pure performance like an MV Agusta Superveloce. Its strength is to offer a defined style, a lively and sonorous engine, and a relaxed ergonomics for the city or winding roads. The target audience is broad: from the young license holder seduced by the Ducati image to the experienced globetrotter seeking a less demanding second motorcycle.

The Achilles' heel could be found on the wallet side. At 9350 euros new at the time, entering the Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon courtyard had a price. Today, the used market, for models from 2015 to 2021, offers interesting opportunities. And it is perhaps there that the model takes on its full meaning. The marketing argument around Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon accessories, from café racer kits to Akrapovič exhausts, is solid for those who want to personalize their mount.

Ultimately, this generation of Scrambler 800 Icon perfectly assumes its role. It is neither the most technically advanced nor the most radical. But it possesses that indefinable charm, that ability to transform a mundane journey into a moment of pure fun. It proves that a motorcycle can be both a style icon and an everyday companion without any fuss. A bet that Ducati has, once again, rather well succeeded.