Ups
- Accessible air-cooled L-twin for its targeted audience
- Nimble handling around town or on faster roadways
- Responsive Pirelli MT 60 tires
- Single disc brakes offer more-than-capable stopping power
- Easily customizable with OEM accessories
Downs
- Lacks traction control
Verdict
Brakes, tires, engine, and chassis perform well and make the Nightshift a solid steppingstone for those new to the Ducati lineup.
Overview
The previous Ducati Scrambler models, Full Throttle and Café Racer, make way for the newest iteration, the Scrambler Nightshift. It features a blend of components from across the Scrambler lineup such as the Full Throttle’s number plates, Café Racer’s mirrors, and 1100 Sport Pro handlebar. And unlike lackadaisical enthusiasm for the start of a 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. shift, the target audience of new and inexperienced riders will enjoy the power from the Ducati’s energetic and accessible 803cc L-twin engine.
Updates for 2021
Aside from its latest conglomeration of Scrambler parts, the Nightshift is equipped with a new flat seat and comes in a new Aviator Gray.
Pricing and Variants
The Nightshift ($11,395) is one of several models in the 803cc Scrambler lineup, including the Icon ($9,995), Icon Dark ($8,995), Desert Sled ($11,995), and the limited-edition Fasthouse Desert Sled ($12,295). The main differences? Most models—hold for the Desert Sled—share all the same basic components, but are dressed in unique scrambler, cafe racer, or tracker-inspired styling. Take your pick.
Ducati also offers the larger-displacement 1,079cc L-twin-powered Scrambler 1100 Pro series, beginning at $13,495.
Competition
Aside from competition within the Ducati Scrambler lineup, The Triumph Street Scrambler and Indian FTR are key Nightshift competitors. The Street Scrambler is similarly priced at $11,000, but the base FTR is a more expensive $12,999.
Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance
Like the Icon, Icon Dark, and Desert Sled, the Nightshift is powered by the 803cc L-twin engine. It remains unchanged for 2021 and is claimed to produce 73 hp at 8,250 rpm and 48.8 pound-feet of torque at 5,750 rpm. According to Adam Child’s first ride review on Motorcyclist, the Scrambler’s engine is approachable, yet wickedly entertaining. “Power delivery is soft and friendly, and there is a lovely connection, even at low speeds,” Child says. “I’m always pleasantly surprised by its energetic and well-measured performance, which is more than enough for the road and cruising along at freeway speeds without it feeling breathless.”
Handling
The Nightshift’s neutral handling is just as happy traversing through town as it is on the highway. Its claimed dry weight of 397 pounds is flickable and what we consider to be toylike at times. The OE-fitted Pirelli MT 60 tires work well with great feel and versatility in varying conditions, helping improve corner-carving confidence with responsiveness.
Brakes
A single four-piston caliper up front and one-piston at the rear grab hold of 330 and 245mm discs respectively. These single discs are more than capable and aren’t too abrupt. Cornering ABS is a welcome rider aid that isn’t intrusive.
Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG
Real-world mpg tallied in at 52 mpg during testing. With a 3.6-gallon fuel tank that mpg will deliver more than 150 miles per tank.
Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility
The rider is positioned over the fuel tank for a racier feel, but the flat and narrow handlebar is more relaxed than it appears. In our first ride review, we found, “You feel more obliged to hang off the Scrambler midcorner, rather than sit back and simply turn in a conventional manner. [We] like it, though, the riding position encourages you to tuck in and stretch the cable a little more.”
Electronics
Cornering ABS comes standard and is carried over from past Scramblers. Other rider aids like traction control are not included.
Warranty and Maintenance Coverage
A 24-month, unlimited-mileage warranty comes with the Nightshift.
Quality
At the end of the day the Nightshift is an easy bike to ride with a charming engine, admirable brakes and tires, and light, flickable handling. It can be easily personalized with OEM accessories too.
2021 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift Claimed Specifications
| MSRP: | $10,995 |
| Engine: | 803cc, air-cooled L-twin; 2 valves/cyl. |
| Bore x Stroke: | 88.0 x 66.0mm |
| Transmission/Final Drive: | 6-speed/chain |
| Fuel Delivery: | Fuel injection w/ 50mm throttle bodies |
| Clutch: | Wet, multiplate slipper and self-servo; hydraulically actuated |
| Engine Management/Ignition: | N/A |
| Frame: | Tubular steel trellis |
| Front Suspension: | 41mm Kayaba inverted fork; 5.9 in. travel |
| Rear Suspension: | Single shock, spring preload adjustable; 5.9 in. travel |
| Front Brake: | Radial 4-piston caliper, 330mm disc w/ Cornering ABS |
| Rear Brake: | 1-piston floating caliper, 245mm disc w/ Cornering ABS |
| Wheels, Front/Rear: | Spoked alloy; 18 x 3.0 in. / 17 x 5.5 in. |
| Tires, Front/Rear: | Pirelli MT 60 RS; 110/80-18 / 180/55-17 |
| Rake/Trail: | 24.0°/4.4 in. |
| Wheelbase: | 56.9 in. |
| Ground Clearance: | N/A |
| Seat Height: | 31.4 in. |
| Fuel Capacity: | 3.6 gal. |
| Dry Weight: | 397 lb. |
| Contact: | scramblerducati.com |
Source: MotorCyclistOnline.com