Performance with fun

Back in 2014, when the Italian two-wheeler manufactures, Ducati first unveiled its retro-themed Scrambler line-up to the world; it caused quite an industry-wide commotion, with its brand new standard motorcycles. Ducati made a concerted effort to bring more motorcycle buyers into the fold, and the Scrambler has proven to be a potent platform to do just that.

Now, we see the next advancement with the new Ducati Scrambler 1100, taking the top step among its spunky siblings. The larger and more experienced riders might have found that the package was regarding power and comfort. The 2018 Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport is bigger in every measurable way, complete with a new chassis, new engine, and a host of electronics. Still, it retains the line’s core principles and aims to expand its demographic reach.

Design
It is one of the best-looking Scrambler motorcycle available in India. Influenced by “muscle bike” customisation, the Scrambler 1100 Sport flaunts a sportier attitude on the road. The alluring “Viper Black” colour with the yellow under panel adds to the aggressiveness of the yellow double band on the mudguards and tank.  The new X-shaped headlight design with its LED DRLs completes a striking Scrambler-family front-end. The superior performance of the forks and Öhlins shock absorber are racing features that produce the ideal version for riders who love to express themselves through speed. Overall, the 1100 Sport looks mean without even trying too hard.

Engine
The engine is all-new, featuring a torque curve that's dramatically different in nature and actual output from the Scrambler 800. This 1,079cc 90° V-Twin (or L-twin if you prefer) is based on the Monster 1100's engine but has been updated significantly.
The result? Just look at the comparative output curves and you can see that Ducati chose an engine setting that allows the torque curve to peak at 4,750rpm and stay flat and high throughout. It's a dramatically different curve from the Scrambler 800. Ducati says new throttle bodies and the 16° valve overlap help it produce 88Nm at 4,750rpm on the way to 86PS at 7,500rpm. Given the size of the engine, Ducati could have extracted more performance if they wanted to. But they're clear that effortless acceleration and refinement were the goals the bike aims for.

Performance
The 1100 Sport feels like the rear wheel drives you forward with an immense thrust. The engine also gets a new hydraulic clutch to reduce lever effort. A bonus of owning any Ducati Scrambler is that they are a delight on loose surfaces. Gravelly tracks, hard-packed dirt trails and that grassy lane are well within Scrambler's scope. Scrambler 1100 sport's linear power and easy docile torque help its Pirellis tyres find excellent grip. There’s no off-road riding mode but the rain setting suits gentle off-roading perfectly.
You can stand on the pegs without feeling too distanced from the bars or sit down flat-track style.
The only downside is that its beautiful air-cooled engine is completely unprotected from stones and grit thrown at it by the tyres.

Variants
We have described so far, the top model, the 1100 Sport. The price is set at Rs 11.42 lakh (ex-showroom). The Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special, is the middle model, cast in a more retro hue that both of the others. In India, it is available in a fetching grey colour scheme with brushed aluminium highlights all over. The Special costs Rs 11.12 lakh (ex-showroom), that's roughly Rs 20,000 more than the base model. The base model will cost you 10.9 lakh (ex-showroom)

Verdict
The Scrambler 1100 Sport has been designed to be highly dynamic and it attracts a wider set of audience because of its universal appeal. The Scrambler 1100 Sport is not about pure performance but fun, and is a friendly motorcycle that can be truly enjoyed as an everyday bike.
Rs 50,000 extra over the base bike is a little steep, but if you’re used to sophisticated multi-adjustable suspension, and regularly play with your settings, then upgrade to the Sport. If not, then the standard bike is still fine and a brilliant road bike. The engines are the same and the base bike is actually 3kg lighter.