Ducati SCRAMBLER 800 Street Classic 2018 — Specifications

Can a Ducati be simple and affordable? In 2018, the Scrambler 800 Street Classic seems to answer yes, but with the usual caveats of the Bologna-based brand. This version is the urban and darker take on the Classic, an attempt to capture the spirit of the seventies with a Volcano Grey color scheme that gives it a more nocturnal and serious look.

Technically, it is based on the same platform as the entire Scrambler family. The 803 cc L-twin, this old air-cooled desmo that has been carbureted for years, delivers here 73 horsepower and 67.7 Nm of torque. That is sufficient to pleasantly animate this 186 kg machine when fully fueled, but it is far from the excess of the Panigale. The announced top speed of 180 km/h recalls that this Ducati Scrambler 800 Street Classic 2018 is designed for pleasure, not pure performance. The 41 mm inverted fork and the single shock absorber offer a 150 mm stroke, suitable for the road without ostentatious sporting pretensions.

Compared to a Triumph Street Twin or a Yamaha XSR700, the Ducati displays its pedigree with details such as the black anodized cylinder heads, spoked rims, and aluminum tank side panels. But it loses the aluminum mudguards of the Classic for more standard elements, and the license plate bracket returns to the swingarm. These choices bring it closer to the Icon versions, perhaps to rationalize production. The vintage seat is now black, and the 13.5-liter tank remains adequate for urban rides or short getaways.

The target audience? Those who want a motorcycle with a prestigious name, an authentic retro style, but without the complications of a modern sportbike. The motivated beginner or the nostalgic globetrotter will find their account, even with a seat height of 790 mm that remains accessible. However, the price of 9850 euros places this Ducati Scrambler 800 Street Classic 2018 in a category where the competition often offers more power or equipment for less money. Ducati is selling a dream and an image here primarily.

Ultimately, this machine is a stylistic success, a desirable object that works well on the road thanks to its trellis frame and smooth transmission. But it also illustrates the paradox of Ducati: promising simplicity and a return to the roots, while the bill remains high. For those who accept this equation, it offers a unique, sparkling and emotionally charged experience. For others, Japanese or British alternatives may seem more rational.