Ducati Scrambler Sixty2 2020 — Specifications

Expensive but pleasant, the little Ducati Scrambler has demonstrated a joy of riding during our test. With the same silhouette and good humor as the larger one, this fun machine must still find its place in a more low-cost oriented segment. Originally, it seems like a good, even excellent idea to decline the Scrambler in a 400 cm3 version. Because for some, an 800 may seem a little too powerful in displacement to discover the world of motorcycling. Having fun with a mid-displacement Ducati, the idea is appealing. Especially since the Scrambler already has a strong appeal and a top level of popularity. We thought that if we could have a "little Scrambler" to wander here and there, cheaper and with the same look, we would be more than tempted. But, and we will come back to it at the end, the price does not tend towards this philosophy.

There’s no need to dwell on the design of this beach bike. A real indulgence that smells of vacation, the beach and the surfboard. So, let's see what changes on this 399 cm3 version. The displacement of course, with bore and stroke values revised downwards. The essential remains: an air-cooled desmo twin. In the process, the engine loses almost half of its power but retains 41 horsepower and 3.9 mkg. As a result, we forget the playful roll-ons to focus on simple rides and above all accessible to the A2 license.

To make it more affordable, Ducati has also reduced the quality of the peripherals. The inverted fork is replaced by a classic 41 mm model without adjustment. The radial 4-piston caliper is replaced by an axial 2-piston one. The aluminum plates disappear from the tank, the latter being a little more generous in capacity. The swingarm is made of steel here. The round mirrors are more basic. The rear wheel is narrower, shod with a 160 tire instead of the 180 on the other Scrambler models in the range. However, ABS is still standard, as is the headlight with its specific charm and LED corona, the trellis frame, the copy-paste design of the 800 and the Ducati logo. By the way, why this Sixty2 appendage on this 400? To recall the year 1962 when the first Scrambler of the brand was marketed.

The 400 Scrambler suffers from cost-cutting measures. We expected that, the machine and its more "youthful" color scheme wanting to be more accessible to the younger generation. However, the price is simply scandalous. It costs 2000 to 3000 euros more than the competition. Even if the machine looks great, it’s expensive for the show; especially to provide the same services in the same spirit as a Mash 400 displayed 40% cheaper.

M.B - media constructeur