Ducati Scrambler 1100

We Say: Ducatis Neo-retro Motorcycle Gets Bigger And Bolder. Thankfully, It Has Matured With Age

- Devesh Shobha

This is the Scrambler 1100, the Big Brother to the Scrambler 800, and no, this isn’t just a case of replacing the smaller engine with a bigger one. The Scrambler 1100 is a whole new motorcycle with a new chassis, a bigger tank, new suspension, and a flurry of electronic aids that promise to make your saddle time a lot easier and enjoyable than the 800. But before we dive into further details, here’s a quick comparison between the 800 and the 1100 Scramblers.

Although the elder sibling has put on an extra 20 kilos, it follows the 800’s ideology of simplicity and unfussiness, which is why they have a similar silhouette. However, park them side-by-side and you’ll realise how much bigger the 1100 is. From the fatter front tyre to the chunkier forks and handlebar to the bigger fuel tank and tailpipes, there’s a natural progression in the 1100’s styling and it’s sure to offend none. The engine is a heavily modified 1079cc L-twin unit from the older Monster 1100 that makes 86bhp and 88Nm of torque, which is 13bhp and 21Nm jump in numbers compared to the 800.

However, it is the addition of a new electronics package that allows for four stage traction control, cornering ABS, and three rider modes that stands out. It gets a new trellis frame chassis with an aluminium sub-frame, fully adjustable 45mm Marzocchi forks up front and a Kayaba monoshock at the rear.