Small Displacement Ducati Scrambler and Multistrada

[MotoNews]

Published in: Bikes

Sometimes less is more. When it comes to new motorcycles, less weight, power, and price mean more options for entry level riders. Ducati is one of a few brands that do not currently offer a budget-friendly option for new and young riders. The least expensive of the bunch, the Scrambler, starts at an MSRP of $7,999 and their “off-road capable” bikes price out between $12,000 for the Desert Sled and the $22,000 Multistrada Enduro Pro. They’ve tried to combat this by offering competitive and easy financing programs, but Ducati’s current offerings prevent them from marketing to the largest moto market in the world – Asia.

A growing trend in adventure motorcycling is affordable small displacement motorcycles under 500cc’s. Bikes like the Kawasaki Versys 300, BMW G310GS, CRF250L/Rally, and Royal Enfield Himalayan are all driving new riders into the segment and gaining brand loyalty. To follow trait, Ducati is considering a partnership with Hero MotoCorp, one of India’s leading motorcycle manufacturers with over 75 million bikes sold since its inception in the mid 80’s. The team would produce two motorcycles, probably a small displacement Scrambler and a Multistrada. Ducati would develop the engine and HMC would oversee production to be assembled in India. If a baby Scrambler and Ministrada are in Ducati’s future (and they make it to US shores), here’s a few specs and features we’d like to see. 

• 300cc L-Twin Engine:

This engine configuration would create enough bark and bite to keep experienced riders entertained, but offer a tame power output as to not intimidate new riders. The L configuration excels at providing traction and would help to keep the bike relatively slim – a plus for shorter riders and off-road handling. The rumble of an L-Twin trumps the sound of a small parallel twin any day of the week.

• Quality, Long(ish) Travel Suspension:

Here’s a category that most manufacturers neglect in the entry-level category. We can’t expect these bikes to come Ohlins suspenders, but even offering simple pre-load adjustment on the front forks would set these bikes apart. The Scrambler could have around 4-5 inches of travel, while the Multistrada could sport 6-7 inches to give it a higher ground clearance. With KTM’s 390 Adventure on the horizon, this is an area where Ducati won’t want to cut corners.

• Basic Electronics:

Here's hoping for ABS with the ability to disable the rear at the push of a button. Realistically, we’ll see ABS as an option package with no way to turn it off (sans pulling a fuse). Expect an easy to read display with basic info – gear indicator, trip, clock, temp, and all the warning lights. Our vote would be for an analog tach with a digital speedo.

• Trellis Frame:

Not only do they add beautiful styling to their bikes, trellis frames are a Ducati signature that new riders dream of. Ideally, there would be a cradle to easily mount skid plates, an issue we found with the Kawasaki Versys 300. Well-designed frames could help keep their total weights below 400 lbs. wet.

• Right Sized Wheels:

A Scrambler with a set of 17 inch wheels would give it options for a wide range of tires, from semi-knobbies to track-day slicks, as well as helping to keep the seat height low. We’d like to see the Multistrada come with a wired 19/17 inch combo, but we’d love to see it with 21/18 wheels.

• Fuel Capacity:

More important on the Multistrada than the Scrambler, we’d like to see at least a four gallon tank on the baby adventure bike. It can be done – The Himalayan holds four gallons and the Versys-X 300 holds 4.5 gallons. The fact that Ducati upgraded the Multistrada 1200 Enduro Pro with a larger gas tank means they know how important fuel capacity is for adventure travel.

• Affordable Price: 

We’d expect a baby Scrambler to cost $5,000. Add a grand for the Multistrada. While this is priced above many bikes in the category, people are willing to pay a little extra to become a “Ducatiano”. In the same way Harley-Davidson has become a lifestyle, Ducati owners know the bike is only part of their purchase. From the community you fall into, the exclusive events you’ll attend, the racers you’ll root for, and even the Ducati Course underwear you’ll receive as a Christmas present; Ducati is a company that can completely absorb you.

Of course all we can do is speculate and cross our fingers. If Ducati and HMC strike a deal to create these bikes, what would you like to see? What features would it have to have before you’d consider one? Do you think it’s too late in the game for Ducati to compete? If so, should they point their crosshairs at KTM’s 790 Adventure R and Yamaha’s Ténéré 700 instead? Let us know in the comments section below!

Souce: International Business Times

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