Scrambler Ducati unveiled two new scrambler bikes for 2022 – the Scrambler 1100 Tribute Pro and Urban Motard. Both seem destined to get the Scramblerista revved up. The Tribute Pro looks back, celebrating an important milestone in the marque’s history. On the other hand, the Urban Motard looks toward Ducati’s future with the intention of attracting new riders. Here’s the lowdown.
Scrambler Ducati 1100: MY2022
In a time gone by the Borgo-Panigale firm hosted its ‘World Première’ live, in a packed auditorium, typically on the eve of the EICMA show.
Its latest batch of motorcycles and innovations were typically unveiled in one slick presentation (with a couple of surprises during the week of the show).
Usually presented by Ducati’s CEO, Claudio Domenicali, team riders and brand ambassadors made guest appearances – and sometimes movie stars turned up.
But it was always executed with precision, great fanfare, style and panache – a glitzy one-off special.
Scrambler Ducati has featured heavily in those shows, since the launch of the first bike in 2015 — and for good reason.
According to Ducati (at the time of writing) over 92,000 Scramblers have been sold since its inception. Retro motorcycles have been good for Ducati – very good.
It’s an impressive sales figure, that shows no signs of slowing. Scrambler sales came second only to Multistrada, according to the manufacturer’s record Q3 financial results. Incidentally, those numbers are higher by 3% in comparison with the same period in 2020 – and up 25% on 2019’s figures.
Since 2020 (with COVID raging) Ducati’s annual, live spectacle has moved to a pre-recorded online web series, format. Though more understated, it’s still executed with panache and style with the Italian marque keenly showing off what its engineers and designers have been working on.
In the second episode of the Ducati World Première that the two new Scrambler models, [1100 Tribute Pro and Urban Motard] were announced. To clarify ‘new Scrambler models’: the two new bikes are derivatives of the existing Scrambler range which consists of the 1100 and 800 Scrambler lines.
Ducati Scrambler 1100 Tribute Pro
As the moniker suggests the Scrambler 1100 Tribute Pro is a tribute – namely, to the 50th anniversary of Ducati’s first air-cooled L-twin engine. As such, it takes on the Giallo Ocra [yellow ochre] livery seen on some Ducati bikes of the era.
Notably, it’s the same colour as the Ducati 250 Scrambler and the illustrious 750 SuperSport run by the Spaggiari team.
There’s a firm nostalgic vibe about the Tribute Pro which is enhanced by the 1975 logo embellished on the bright yellow teardrop fuel tank. The simple sans serif font, combined with a parallel line wordmark, (designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro) was used until Cagiva acquired the brand in 1985.
A brown leather stitched seat and black spoked wheels combined with round mirrors perfectly stylistically emulate the seventies aesthetic.
But aside from its retro look, the Tribute Pro benefits from the same range-topping equipment as the existing Scrambler Pro models (1100 Pro, 1100 Sport Pro and 1100 Dark Pro). The only departure is the Öhlins suspension setup which is only seen on the 1100 Sport Pro.
Riders can expect LED lights all around, multiple riding modes (Active, Journey, and City), LCD instruments and a steel tank with customisable aluminium side panels.
Naturally, the Tribute Pro uses the same power plant as its garage siblings. The 1,079cc air-cooled, (Euro5) L-twin desmo engine makes 63 kW (86 hp) @ 7,500 rpm and offers 88 Nm (65 lb-ft, 9.0 kgm) @ 4,750 rpm.
Those power figures combined with the relatively light curbside weight of 194 kg (428 lb) should mean it’s fairly quick off the mark.
Equally, it should be smooth and quick to come to a stop via its dual 320 mm semi-floating discs, with radially mounted, Brembo Monobloc, 4- piston M4.32 callipers at the front.
That setup is combined with a single, 245 mm disc with a 1-piston floating calliper at the rear. (A system which is further enhanced by Bosch cornering ABS.)
Ducati Scrambler 800 Urban Motard
As a counter to the Tribute Pro, the Urban Motard looks to Ducati’s future riders, albeit in a neo-retro manner. Nevertheless, its edgier design reflects its target rider.
The Urban Motard is a threeway-cross between the Desert Sled, Icon and Nightshift, and appears to be aimed at a younger demographic.
With a seat height of 805 mm (31,7 in) and raised front mudguard (fender) the Urban Motard has the look and poise of the Desert Sled.
However, it shares suspension and tyres with the other Scramblers in the 800 range. Specifically, a pre-load adjustable Kayaba rear shock, upside-down Kayaba 41 mm fork and Pirelli MT 60 RS 180/55 R17 tyres.
Just like its siblings, the Urban aspires to go off-road but truly it’s a street scrambler designed for the city.
In contrast, fully adjustable 46mm upsidedown forks and Pirelli Scorpion Rally STRs can be found on the Sled which denoting it true off-road capabilities.
Unlike the more understated paint schemes in the Scrambler 800 range, the Urban Motard is bolshier. Perfect for its environment, it’s designed to be seen and yet to blend into the city
Ducati describes the paint scheme as Star White Silk and Ducati GP ’19 Red. This scheme is combined with a street-art-inspired graphic on the aluminium fuel tank mirroring the grittier elements of the city.
Despite its standout looks, this bike shares the same 803 cc, air-cooled L-twin engine and equipment as the majority of the range. That includes the LED lights (indicator, tail and DRL headlight) along with 17-inch front (120/70) and rear (180/55) wheels covered with Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres.
Wide handlebars and a low seat height offer a relaxed riding position which will make the Urban appeal to a broader range of riders.
And like all Ducati motorcycles, the Urban Motard is fitted with cornering ABS too, inspiring confidence when braking while leaning.
Tribute Pro and Urban Motard: Pricing & Availability
Although both motorcycles exceed the maximum power output permitted for A2 licence holders, a 35 kW kit will be available from dealers, making them accessible to younger riders.
As we’ve come to expect of Ducati scramblers, these two new machines are highly desirable. And while they may be simply derivatives of existing model lines, they’re bound to be a hit with the Scrambler fan base. Indeed they’re worthy of consideration for most retro riders.
Nonetheless, however well-received these models are, their launch is a prelude to the main Scrambler launch this year. That honour goes to the eagerly anticipated DesertX. Followers of the red marque should tune in on 9th December to see the wraps off the Paris-Dakar rally-inspired, retro adventure bike removed.
Pricing for Ducati’s latest additions will start at £10,035 for the Urban Motard and at £11,995 for the 1100 Tribute Pro. Expect to see these machines on showroom floors by November 2021 and on the streets in the early new year.
