Ducati Scrambler 1100 Coming to Market in 2018

More power from your Scrambler with the 2018 1100. Photo courtesy of Ducati.

Ducati’s Scrambler line will grow by three in 2018, the Italian brand announcing a trio of larger, 1079cc L-Twin-powered models today at EICMA. There will be a standard Scrambler 1100, a Scrambler 1100 Special and Scrambler 1100 Sport for riders to consider when seeking entry to the “Land of Joy.”

Looking to the past this move accords Ducati’s previous approach, as the manufacturer provided three different displacement Scramblers in the ‘60’s. Granted those were 250cc, 350cc and 450cc steeds and the current line includes the 399cc Sixty2 and an 803cc –powered middle child now that big brother 1100 is in the mix. But a triad of distinctly-powered Scramblers has historical precedent.

2018 Ducati Scrambler 1100 in ’62 Yellow. Photo courtesy of Ducati.

However, with the addition of variations like the Desert Sled, the Café Racer, Mach 2.0 and others there are really 10 flavors on tap in 2018. And that’s not counting the innumerable configurations owners can create picking and choosing through the Scrambler accessory catalog.

As for the new 1100, the Bologna-brand also had a proven, potent mill to tweak in order power the newest Scrambler, borrowed from the Monster 1100.

2018 Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport. Photo courtesy of Ducati.

Engine and Transmission

The revised, Euro 4-compliant powerplant is intended to provide smooth acceleration across the rev range. This is aided by a 55mm ride-by-wire throttle body with two sub-butterfly injectors, a large airbox and twin spark plugs on each cylinder.

The desodromically actuated valves are a hallmark of Ducati engine design, and the new mill is promised to deliver 86 horsepower at 7500 rpm and 65.2 lb-ft of torque at 4750 rpm. That’s 13 more ponies than the current, 803cc-powred Scrambler Classic and just over 15 ft-pounds more pulling power.

The Scrambler 1100 Sport gets special engine covers. Photo courtesy of Ducati.

It’s outward appearance is accentuated with machine-finished aluminum covers on the clutch, alternator and belt covers.

Spent gasses exit out a pair of larger diameter exhaust pipes which terminate in dual steel silencers with aluminum sleeves, die-cast aluminum end caps and four aluminum covers.

All three Scrambler 1100 models are six-speed with a wet, multi-plate hydraulic clutch. Down shifts are smoothed by a servo-assisted slipper design.

Brembo calipers grip dual 320mm discs out front. Photo courtesy of Ducati.

Chassis and Brakes

Ducati developed a new twin-spar steel trellis frame and aluminum subframe for the 1100, suspended by a fully adjustable 45mm Marzocchi USD fork and preload and rebound adjustable Kayaba shock. The Sport version has some upspec kit with a fully adjustable 48mm Ohlins USD fork and preload and rebound adjustable Ohlins shock. Both set-ups offer 5.9-inches travel, front and rear.

Wheels on the Standard and Sport are 10-spoke alloy, 18-inch front and 17-inch rear, while the Special has the same size wheels but in spoked aluminum. All three iterations utilize Pirelli MT 60 tires.

The 2018 Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport with Ohlins suspension. Photo courtesy of Ducati.

Each of the three Scrambler 1100’s come with dual semi-floating 320mm discs out front with radial-mount Brembo Monobloc M 4.32 calipers and Bosch Cornering ABS. The back end is fit with a 245mm disc and single piston floating caliper, also with Bosch Cornering ABS.

Electronics and Instrumentation

In addition to ride-by-wire and Bosch Cornering ABS each 1100 comes with three riding modes and Ducati Traction Control. Modes are designated Active, Journey and City. Active provides complete engine power, throttle response and sport calibrated TC; Journey mode accesses the full potential of the engine but mellows throttle response slightly and sets TC for what Ducati describes in press material as “carefree riding.” Finally, City mode lowers horsepower and torque to numbers similar to the 803cc Scrambler, provides even more fluid throttle response and maximizes TC engagement.

The 2018 Ducati Scrambler 1100 comes packing an updated instrument cluster. Photo courtesy of Ducati.

Traction control has its own four settings also, with Level 1 the least intrusive up to Level 4 which is the most. DTC can also be deactivated completely.

To access all the info for the enhanced electronics package as well as all other bike information, Ducati developed a new two-panel, LCD instrument cluster. Gear position, TC level, trip meters, miles remaining, air temperature, speedometer, and rpms are all displayed on the new panel.

Each Scrambler 1100 comes with interchangeable aluminum tank panels. Photo courtesy of Ducati.

Design

The teardrop fuel tank is nearly half a gallon larger than the standard Scrambler, up to 3.96 gallons on the 1100. Each version has interchangeable aluminum side panels. There’s also a rounded, glass lens headlight on all three as well as a diffused LED tail light, which creates a softening effect by combining a dulled diffuser cover and 12-LED electrical card. Indicator lights front and rear are LED also.

The two dual silencers are another design element unique to the 1100, as are the different seats unique to each model.

An updated tail with LED lighting. Photo courtesy of Ducati.

The front mudguard is held in place by die cast aluminum supports, and the subframe can easily be detached from the main chassis to allow for easier customization. Each comes with an underseat USB socket, too.

The standard Scrambler 1100 will be available in either “62 Yellow with a black frame and seat, or Shining Black with black frame and seat. It’s wide handlebars are taller than the other two 1100 models, which feature low, tapered ‘bars.

The Special will come in Custom Grey and feature a black frame and black spoke wheels. It also sports chrome exhaust pipes and gold-colored, anodized fork sleeves.

The Scrambler 1100 Special with spoke wheels. Photo courtesy of Ducati.

The Sport is clad in Viper Black, with yellow accents on the tank and mudguards, along with a black frame and 10-spoke alloy wheels.

Each bike will be covered by a 24 month unlimited mileage warranty. Currently no price or availability details are provided by Ducati. We’ll update with those as soon as they’re available.