Anyone with a Ducati Scrambler 800 / 1100?
Discussion
So after passing my MOD1 yesterday and having the MOD2 booked and feeling pretty confident, I’m looking at getting a big bike sorted to make some use of the summer.
Currently have a CB125R which will be sold. And some cash saved up.
I started riding as I miss the mechanical experience I had with previous cars (MK1,2,4 GTi) which I rebuilt engines etc. I no longer have the space for another car. Neither do I want to battle with rust and rot! The daily V40 D4 doesn’t quite cut it. But it’s a great work tool.
I have a good understanding after riding my bike, and the schools Z650 and brand new MT07 what type of bike I want. It needs to be all about the engine. Character, and at least as much power/torque as the above. I like the idea of air cooled. TBH I like the MT’s twin. So easy to ride. I do not want a sports looking bike or anything too Japanese looking. Plasticky.
I like the scrambler look. I always thought I wanted a Monster. But I’m leaning towards the Scramblers.
Use case is pleasure fair weather riding. Derbyshire and Peaks roads which are not the best. I prefer to take the back roads. Off road unlikely, but maybe some dusty tracks.
I have a beard and go to a lot of coffee shops. For those who say that the looks shouldn’t matter, I’m sorry for me they do. I could also use it on nice days for local site visits.
So for those with Scramblers, either the 800 or 1100, how do you find them? I’m 6ft1 so need to swing my leg over one.
I have discounted the Triumph Scramblers as the 900 is too small, and the 1200 far too big! I’m not excited about being none UK built either. And for me this new Bajaj partnership has somewhat cheapened the brand.
Saying that the other option is the Speed Twin, which fit like a glove when I sat on it.
Currently have a CB125R which will be sold. And some cash saved up.
I started riding as I miss the mechanical experience I had with previous cars (MK1,2,4 GTi) which I rebuilt engines etc. I no longer have the space for another car. Neither do I want to battle with rust and rot! The daily V40 D4 doesn’t quite cut it. But it’s a great work tool.
I have a good understanding after riding my bike, and the schools Z650 and brand new MT07 what type of bike I want. It needs to be all about the engine. Character, and at least as much power/torque as the above. I like the idea of air cooled. TBH I like the MT’s twin. So easy to ride. I do not want a sports looking bike or anything too Japanese looking. Plasticky.
I like the scrambler look. I always thought I wanted a Monster. But I’m leaning towards the Scramblers.
Use case is pleasure fair weather riding. Derbyshire and Peaks roads which are not the best. I prefer to take the back roads. Off road unlikely, but maybe some dusty tracks.
I have a beard and go to a lot of coffee shops. For those who say that the looks shouldn’t matter, I’m sorry for me they do. I could also use it on nice days for local site visits.
So for those with Scramblers, either the 800 or 1100, how do you find them? I’m 6ft1 so need to swing my leg over one.
I have discounted the Triumph Scramblers as the 900 is too small, and the 1200 far too big! I’m not excited about being none UK built either. And for me this new Bajaj partnership has somewhat cheapened the brand.
Saying that the other option is the Speed Twin, which fit like a glove when I sat on it.
Edited by PT1984 on Thursday 27th July 17:41
I can give a partial opinion - my Monster is the 803cc, roughly power-equivalent to the 1100 (they were neutered to make them emissions compliant). Same engine and major components etc.
Overall a lovely drivetrain - vibey but not excessive, just keep the revs up a touch, makes a great induction noise. Fuel economy pretty good at 40ish on the Monster, depending how you ride it. Hydraulic clutch is a pleasure to use compared to the cheaper cables I've used.
Belts and valve clearance are the big jobs, but they only need doing every 5 years (on the Monster it was supposed to be 2, but identical components got upped).
ETA: I should also say, I think the thing about "Ducatis all break down, because Italian" is a load of rubbish for anything post-2010 (at least!) - mine is a 2011 and the quality is absolutely spot on. Everything is well designed and made, wiring loom is a properly made bit of kit and well hidden/retained on the frame etc. Lots of work gone into hiding things where possible, it puts a 10-year-newer Kawasaki to shame.
Overall a lovely drivetrain - vibey but not excessive, just keep the revs up a touch, makes a great induction noise. Fuel economy pretty good at 40ish on the Monster, depending how you ride it. Hydraulic clutch is a pleasure to use compared to the cheaper cables I've used.
Belts and valve clearance are the big jobs, but they only need doing every 5 years (on the Monster it was supposed to be 2, but identical components got upped).
ETA: I should also say, I think the thing about "Ducatis all break down, because Italian" is a load of rubbish for anything post-2010 (at least!) - mine is a 2011 and the quality is absolutely spot on. Everything is well designed and made, wiring loom is a properly made bit of kit and well hidden/retained on the frame etc. Lots of work gone into hiding things where possible, it puts a 10-year-newer Kawasaki to shame.
Edited by Krikkit on Thursday 27th July 17:21
I had an 800 Scrambler Full Throttle when they were first launched.
Sold it after a year or so because at 6’-2” I just felt too big for it.
It went and stopped well enough, engine was characterful enough.
One thing they do desperately need though is suspension work, mine used to grind the exhaust header pipes on right handlers (I think?) when getting a lick on.
I’d have another one as a 4th or 5th bike for occasional back roads bimbling. Can’t say I’d bother with the 1100 version though, I’m sure they are only 10 bhp more than the 800’s?
Sold it after a year or so because at 6’-2” I just felt too big for it.
It went and stopped well enough, engine was characterful enough.
One thing they do desperately need though is suspension work, mine used to grind the exhaust header pipes on right handlers (I think?) when getting a lick on.
I’d have another one as a 4th or 5th bike for occasional back roads bimbling. Can’t say I’d bother with the 1100 version though, I’m sure they are only 10 bhp more than the 800’s?
airsafari87 said:
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One thing they do desperately need though is suspension work, mine used to grind the exhaust header pipes on right handlers (I think?) when getting a lick
…
I had an Icon 800 for a bit over a year too, and 100% agree with this comment. While it looked cool, sounded good, and went alright, even just bimbling around town the suspension was harsh and jarring to the point where I just didn’t want to ride it. Probably a relatively cheap fix but I ended up p/x’ing mine for a new bike with some lovely gold suspension…One thing they do desperately need though is suspension work, mine used to grind the exhaust header pipes on right handlers (I think?) when getting a lick
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PT1984 said:
Went to look at this today.
They are fitting the flat track bars, giving it a service, and delivering it.
MOD 2 is booked for the end of the month…..
I know I haven’t ridden it. But for me it’s comfy to sit on. To my eye looks lovely. And it sounds brilliant!
Good on you mate! Worst case you can always sell it if it doesn't suit you.They are fitting the flat track bars, giving it a service, and delivering it.
MOD 2 is booked for the end of the month…..
I know I haven’t ridden it. But for me it’s comfy to sit on. To my eye looks lovely. And it sounds brilliant!
PT1984 said:
Went to look at this today.
They are fitting the flat track bars, giving it a service, and delivering it.
MOD 2 is booked for the end of the month…..
I know I haven’t ridden it. But for me it’s comfy to sit on. To my eye looks lovely. And it sounds brilliant!
Great purchase. I've bought 3 bikes in total and never test ridden any of them. I can't see how you won't love it!They are fitting the flat track bars, giving it a service, and delivering it.
MOD 2 is booked for the end of the month…..
I know I haven’t ridden it. But for me it’s comfy to sit on. To my eye looks lovely. And it sounds brilliant!
PT1984 said:
HybridTheory said:
You passed then ? Well done
Ah no, not yet. MOD 2 booked for end of the month. I just wanted to get something in the garage so I don’t waste this excellent weather we are having……My 125 sold on two days. The Scrambler will be turning up in a van!
Good luck for the test.
I hope the weather improves. June was glorious.
How's your insurer if you have that at home before you've passed your test? I was told of a bike in a showroom having a sold sticker with the buyer's name on it as they'd bought the bike before they'd passed their test and when they looked to have bike at home as I think passing their test took longer than they thought, or they failed, the insurance was that much they left it at the showroom instead of having it delivered to their home.
I didn't road test any of three motorcycles I've ever owned. I think my father may have taken my first bike bought privately around the block.
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