After teasing fans for months, Ducati finally unveiled the 2015 Scrambler at the Intermot motorcycle show in Germany.
The new Scrambler takes inspiration from the single-cylinder models of the 1960s and '70s but adds a modern spin to features, creating what Ducati calls "post-heritage" design. It does bring a retro vibe to the table but Ducati says the Scrambler is more than just a play for those who may have enjoyed the original bike in the past.
Instead, the 2015 Scrambler is aiming for young and new riders who may be looking for their first motorcycle or those who have opted out of Ducatis because of their price. And it intends to do so by being easier to handle and cheaper to maintain than the Superbike and Monster lines.
"Anti-conformist, accessible and essential, the Ducati Scrambler is a perfect mix of tradition and modernity, a stride towards the pure essence of motorcycling," Ducati states.
The base model Icon will come in two colors: red ($8,494) and "62 yellow" (8,595). Other versions include the Urban Enduro in "Wild Green" ($9,995), the Full Throttle ($9,995), and The Classic ($9,995).
All Scrambler units will be powered by fuel-injected 803-cc, 74-hp air-cooled L-twin engines, housed in a steel trellis frame construction that is characteristic of Ducati. ABS is standard, as well as semi-knobble Pirelli tires. For tech touches, a USB socket is added for charging devices and LED lighting installed in front.
"Presenting the new Ducati Scrambler brand means for us opening the doors to an entirely new, fascinating, and absolutely contemporary world. We have reinterpreted an iconic motorcycle, part of our history for more than 50 years, in a fully modern way, designing and building the Ducati Scrambler as if we'd never stopped making it," said Cristiano Silei, vice president of sales and marketing at Ducati Motor Holding.
For Ducati, the four bikes part of the Scrambler family signify starting points for the company. As the brand heads toward personalization, Ducati wants to turn every Scrambler into a bike that is as unique as the person riding it.
While the Scramblers of the past were built with more dirt action in mind, the new models are geared mainly toward getting around the city. Hence, the focus on a light and agile design. However, it shouldn't be impossible for the new Scrambler to provide owners with at least some level of off-road fun.
The 2015 Scrambler will be available in the U.S. starting January 2015. It will also be sold in Canada and Mexico.
