India-bound Ducati Scrambler production begins

The very first Ducati Scrambler, set to be the cheapest Ducati ever, rolled off the production line in Borgo Panigale, Italy, 40 years after the last Ducati Scrambler rolled off the line back in the ’70s. The new Scrambler, launched at this year’s Intermot show in Cologne, Germany, is poised to be the biggest money spinner for Ducati as the Italian manufacturer ventures into other, non-performance based segments and developing markets (India being one of them). Or as Ducati says, the Scrambler encompasses “birth of a new brand, a new approach to the motorcycling world that looks beyond performance and technology to encompass freedom of expression, fun and shared positivity.”

The Scrambler will be available in four versions: Icon, Urban Enduro, Full Throttle and Classic. All are being aimed at enthusiasts with different tastes in riding style. The Scrambler develops 75 hp of power from the air-cooled 803cc, 90-degree L-Twin, with Desmodromic and 2 valves per cylinder motor, 12 hp down from the Monster 796, that uses the same engine. However, torque has been boosted to 50 pound-feet at 5,750 rpm. Weighing in at just 170 Kgs (wet), performance should be sprightly. With a seat height of 790mm (that can be further reduced to 770mm), the Scrambler’s appeal will spread further to the vertically-challenged, developing world riders.

The tubular steel trellis frame is Scrambler specific, with 24-degree rake and 4.4-inch trail. Aside from rear spring pre-load, the KYB suspension is not adjustable. There will also be a wide range of accessories for buyers to personalize their motorbikes including an apparel collection, as well. Priced at INR 5.31 lakh (converted) for the Icon version, the Scrambler is sure to create a hub hub in the Indian motorcycling sphere when it reportedly arrives here in the first half of 2015. Three other versions, the Urban Enduro with a high front fender; the Full Throttle, inspired by dirt trackers; and the Classic with a bit more retro flavor are all are priced at INR 6.20 lakh (converted). The Ducati Scrambler will be in dealerships at the end of January in its Icon version.

Ducati, has officially announced that it will make a comeback to India in the first half of 2015. The first bike to be launched in the country will be the Scrambler. Stay tuned for more on this one!