Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark 2021 — Specifications

We love Ducatis in red, that's the way things are. But when the Scrambler is dressed in black, becoming this Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark, it poses a real question for us: is it a simple economical version, or a more radical style statement? For around €9000, this 2021 machine indeed offers a different philosophy, less flashy, more discreet, but does it retain the joyful essence of the Scrambler?

Underneath this dark attire, the heart remains identical: the 803 cc L-twin, delivering 73 horsepower and 67 Nm of torque. This engine, light and lively, is a real asset for this 189 kg motorcycle, fully fueled. It offers crisp acceleration and a characteristic sound, without complexity, ideal for a beginner or a globetrotter seeking fun. Top speed is around 180 km/h, sufficient for daily use and getaways. Compared to a Triumph Street Twin or a Yamaha XSR700, the Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark plays on image and emotion rather than overwhelming figures.

Technically, it doesn't cut corners on equipment: steel tubular frame, 41 mm inverted fork, Brembo brakes at the front, ABS, and the same accessible seat height of 798 mm. The difference with the colorful Scrambler Icon? Just the price, slightly lower, and the absence of chrome. For some, this used Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark can even be a more lasting choice, less conspicuous. But is it really a motorcycle for black custom enthusiasts, like some Harleys? Not really. Its character remains playful, almost adolescent, even under this matte finish.

So, who is the audience for this Dark Scrambler? The city dweller who wants a Ducati without the traditional flamboyance, the young motorcyclist with an A2 license thanks to a restricted version, or simply someone who prefers a minimalist aesthetic. Its 13-liter tank and moderate weight make it agile in the city, but it can also play the scrambler on trails, with its sculpted tires. The general opinion of this machine remains positive: it retains the spirit of the family, but offers a stylistic alternative. A test ride of the Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark confirms that it is still as easy and bubbly to ride.

Ultimately, the 2021 Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark, and its subsequent versions like the 2022 or even the anticipated 2025, are not sad motorcycles. They are simply different. A way to access the Bologna brand without the iconic red, for an often affordable price. What is the price of a Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark? Around €8990 new, an argument that appeals to many. It's not the most powerful, nor the most luxurious, but it has that immediate charm, that face that invites you to travel, even if it does so in black and white. A success? For those seeking the essentials without the folklore, certainly.