2021 Ducati Scrambler Icon. (Ducati/)

Ups

• Accessible price (for a Ducati), accessible seat height, accessible style
• Everyone loves a Scrambler and an air-cooled desmo twin
• Bosch cornering ABS as standard

Downs

• Next to the competition, it’s starting to look a little long in the tooth. And pricey.
• Hipster-centric marketing campaign may detract from an otherwise universally likable motorcycle

Verdict

The Icon is the mainstay of Ducati’s Scrambler sub-brand. Powered by a simple air/oil-cooled desmo twin and impeccably dressed in classic two-wheeler style, the Scrambler Icon is the Italian motorcycle at its most fundamental—or as fundamental as it gets in 2021.

2021 Ducati Scrambler Icon. (Ducati/)

Overview

The Scrambler sub-brand serves as a lighthearted foil to the performance-oriented core of Ducati. Introduced in 2014 and modestly updated for 2019, the Scrambler Icon uses Ducati’s been-around-forever two-valve air-cooled engine, a tubular steel frame, and basic but dialed-in components. The Icon’s accessibility is meant to appeal to less-experienced riders, but the Scrambler family’s back-to-basics designs make them attractive to any rider looking to bask in the summertime evening glow of nostalgia. While the round headlight and teardrop tank may evoke the original built-for-the-USA Scrambler of the 1960s, it’s not all romantic pandering: Cornering ABS, hydraulic clutch, and 7,500-mile desmo service intervals remind one that it’s still a 21st century Ducati.

Updates for 2021

For 2021 the Scrambler Icon is available in Ducati Red and the classic Ducati Scrambler Yellow. The Icon Dark, finished in matte black, is available for $700 less.

Pricing and Variants

The Scrambler Icon retails for $9,695 and the Icon Dark for $8,895. Multiple variants have come and gone since 2014, most of them distinguished by basic cosmetic differences (a flat bar here, a side panel there), while the Icon has been the standard bearer. For 2021 the Nightshift ($10,995) joins the family with a straight, narrow handlebar, and side panels from the erstwhile Full Throttle model. The Desert Sled ($11,995), also available with new graphics, continues to be the more off-road-friendly option. There’s also a limited-edition Fasthouse Scrambler Desert Sled for $12,295. The Scrambler family also includes the 1100 models, which give “Scrambleristi,” as Ducati calls the Scrambler faithful, a landing place if they wish to move up from the 800 models.

Competition

In terms of competition that scratches a similar retro itch, check out the Triumph Street Twin ($9,400). Although it has a much more modern design language, one could argue the 693cc single-cylinder Husqvarna 701 Svartpilen ($9,499) fits a similar niche with its upright ergos and comparable power output.

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

The Ducati Scrambler Icon’s 803cc V-twin produces a claimed 73 hp at 8,250 rpm and 49.4 pound-feet of torque at 5,750 rpm. The basic engine architecture doesn’t stray too far from the Pantah motor that Ing. Fabio Taglioni penned back in the 1970s. Which is a good thing. As EIC Hoyer points out: “The Scrambler Icon’s ride is pure Ducati sporty naked fun with a whole lot of wheee! The engine is lively and quick revving, pulling strong all the way to the rev limiter. In fact, it’s usually a surprise when you hit the limiter because there is no sign of power tapering off.”

2021 Ducati Scrambler Icon. (Ducati/)

Handling

The Scrambler Icon’s Kayaba suspension offers only preload adjustment in the rear, but has firm enough damping for spirited riding. It’s a Ducati, you know. In his first rider review of the 2019 Icon (when it received its last update), Senior Editor Justin Dawes says: “Handling is light with a low center of gravity that allows the Icon to flick over and back again without a big ask from the rider. Once leaned over, the new suspension settings hold the Scrambler up in the corner and keep it on track when encountering midcorner bumps and potholes.”

Brakes

The Scrambler Icon has a single 330mm disc and a radially mounted, four-pot Brembo caliper. Bosch cornering ABS highlights the braking package, enabling riders to trail-brake with confidence.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

Cycle World testers achieved 44 mpg on the Scrambler Icon.

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

A 31.4-inch seat height and narrow seat and tank are great for shorter riders, but riders taller than 5-foot-10 may be cramped over longer distances. For the 2019 model year Ducati improved the comfort of the seat, but to achieve the low seat height there’s still less foam cushioning than one might expect by looking at it.

2021 Ducati Scrambler Icon. (Ducati/)

Electronics

Aside from cornering ABS, the Scrambler Icon is happily analog. Still, the Ducati Multimedia System is available as an option and LED lighting is standard. The LCD dash looks a little dated compared to the TFT displays now offered on some newer and less-expensive bikes.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Ducati offers a 24-month unlimited-mileage warranty. The desmodromic valves need to be adjusted every 7,500 miles.

Quality

Ducati’s quality fit and finish extends to the Scrambler family. A steel tank and interchangeable aluminum side panels that accommodate easy customization are about as fancy as things get on the Icon. But well-executed simplicity is a merit on a built-for-fun bike like the Scrambler.

2021 Ducati Scrambler Icon. (Ducati/)

2021 Ducati Scrambler Icon Claimed Specifications

Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com