Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon 2025 — Specifications

Is this still a scrambler? Ducati has been playing with the definition for ten years, and this new generation of Scrambler 800 Icon drives the point home. We're talking about a motorcycle that, with its 73 horsepower and 185 kg fully fueled, has never really been intended to plow through trails. Its Desmodue-faithful L-twin engine rather gives the impression of an urban dirt-track, a machine tailored for streets and backroads, with just enough character to evoke a fantasized past.

The heart of the machine remains the 803 cc engine, but it has been refined. Power has climbed to 73 hp, and the eight-disc clutch promises a more civilized feel. The crucial arrival is the Ride by Wire throttle, which opens the door to true electronic control. Ducati now offers two riding modes, Road and Rain, and a Ducati Traction Control that also acts on the lean angle. This is a significant evolution for a motorcycle that wanted to be simple and raw. Compared to rivals like the Triumph Street Twin or certain Yamaha XSR models, the Icon gains sophistication, but one can wonder if it loses a bit of its direct soul. The up/down quickshifter is available as an option, a welcome sporty touch.

The chassis has been thoroughly revised, with a declared "completely new" tubular frame and a redesigned swingarm. The 41 mm KYB inverted fork and the rear shock absorber, with 150 mm of travel, are serious equipment. The front Brembo radial braking system, with its single 330 mm disc, is effective and confidence-inspiring. The 18-inch front wheel and the wide 180/55 rear tire vaguely recall the scrambler spirit, but the Pirelli MT-60 RS tires are clearly road-biased. This motorcycle is made for the road, not for gravel.

What is appealing about the Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon, especially in its 2021 and later versions, is its modular approach. The redesigned tank, the side panels, and even some headlight elements are interchangeable, allowing the motorcycle to be personalized without paint. The accessory catalog is immense, with Akrapovič options, carbon parts, or kits to transform the Icon into a café racer. For a base price of €11,190, it's a good entry point into the world of Ducati, but extras can quickly inflate the bill. The often-proposed Dark version offers a more minimalist style.

Who is it for? This is the ideal motorcycle for those who want a Ducati with a dose of retro style, without the complexity or price of a Panigale. It suits urban tourers, motivated beginners (with the A2 version available), and all those who value image and personalization. Tests of the Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon show an agile machine, sonorous with its L-twin, and now more refined thanks to the electronics. But it is not an authentic scrambler. It is a cool roadster machine dressed in outdoor clothing. If you are looking for a true adventurer, look elsewhere. If you want a daily Ducati with a unique character and immense customization potential, the Icon, even used since 2015, remains a very appealing proposition.