Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer 2020 — Specifications

The 800 Café-Racer benefits from the Scrambler’s evolution to improve its technology and radically change its appearance. What a look! From the deep and elegant black and gold of recent seasons, it is transported by a grey and silver from the 125 GP Desmo of the 1950s. Its azure-tinted frame exudes electrifying appeal. A realization in the image of a preparation, almost handcrafted, skillfully complemented by a pair of spoked rims, replacing the spoked wheels. Phase 2 of the 800 Scrambler Café Racer is a well-spiced treat, inspiring joviality as much as desk races. Phase 2.1, it might be appropriate to specify. In 2020, Ducati brings the Euro5 standard to its small twin, without sacrificing performance.

Indeed, new shoes and a more engaging decoration are the essence of its evolution? Not exactly. That’s what’s most visible. Like the Icon and its siblings, this Scrambler receives a series of improvements designed to subtly enhance driving comfort without changing the philosophy. Still the large front brake disc, with an improved ABS – namely the Cornering version that modulates pressure according to the angle. New settings are applied to the suspensions while the clutch command becomes hydraulic. Furthermore, the seat gains thickness and hands are more comfortable thanks to adjustable levers in spacing. It refines the driving experience, it perfects its finish. Thus, the aluminum of the side panels is thicker. The fins of the cylinder heads have been brushed, a new headlight with DRL light signature and automatic-off turn signals have been installed, the dashboard has been enriched with a fuel gauge and gear indicator, the handlebar controls have been revised, and the onboard electronics have been enhanced with the Ducati Multimedia System to enjoy the music and calls from your smartphone. The only false note to deplore in these evolutions is a weight gain of 8 kilos.

Let’s forget the colors for a moment, feel the pulse of the twin and grab the grips in racing position. The Café Racer features sport tires (Pirelli Diablo Rosso III), 17-inch rims, and a Termignoni exhaust that smells of mischief. Then, it’s a series of small details that perfect the ensemble. You have to believe it: a minimalist headlight cover, mirrors at the end of the handlebars, a seat cover, a small checkered flag on the sides of the tank, and a large number plate. With a 54... A reference? Yes, to Bruno Spaggiari, who distinguished himself in 1968 at the Mototemporada romagnola, a racing series of the time, opening the beginning of the season.

Briefly, style, conviction, but going so far as to feel like a race in your mind... Don’t ask too much of the 73 horsepower twin. It perfectly suits the Scrambler spirit, whether it’s Icon, Desert Sled or Classic. But demanding that it believe it’s a brawl coming out of the Ace Café is too much. Let’s not throw stones at it because it will provoke a smile and a good dose of pep for the rider. The braking is adequate for the power developed: 330 mm disc and radial 4-piston caliper, ABS, and a 256 mm disc at the rear. To truly stick to the racer spirit, a double disc would have been a good idea to complement the inverted fork.

M.B - Photos constructeur