Jump to content

2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled


Hugh Janus

Recommended Posts

2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled (Ducati /)

Ups

  • Wide, well-positioned handlebars offer good leverage for turns and off-road riding<br/>
  • Easy-to-ride bike for many skill levels with its light clutch and easygoing engine<br/>
  • Low-speed handling, decent suspension, 19-/17-inch spoked wheels, and its slide- and skid-ability make it a blast on the dirt<br/>
  • Rad new paint scheme

Downs

  • Slippery pegs despite removing the rubber<br/>
  • Could benefit from the larger 1100 engine

Verdict

The Desert Sled is Ducati’s more off-road-capable scrambler that is easy to ride and fun to slide. The paint may have changed, but the fun factor did not.

2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled (Ducati /)

Overview

The 2021 Ducati Desert Sled is reminiscent of scramblers that laid claim to the rugged Southern California and Baja terrain in the ’60s and ’70s. It offers throwback styling, modern tech, and even genuine off-road capability. It features a high fender, 19-/17-inch rims, and adjustable suspension, paired with handling that makes it an easy-to-ride and fun-loving standard.

Updates for 2021

About that nod to yesteryear, the new livery pays homage to enduro bikes from the ’80s. The seat is also new with an anti-slip lining that helps keep the rider in place when the roads get rough.

2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled (Ducati /)

Pricing and Variants

The Desert Sled retails at $11,995, which is the highest price among its fellow 803cc Ducati Scrambler street-oriented siblings such as the new Nightshift ($10,995) and Icon ($9,695).

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Propelling the Sled is the 803cc air-cooled L-twin. This engine produces a claimed 73 hp at 8,250 rpm and 48.9 pound-feet at 5,750 rpm. It is described by test rider Chris Northover as being an engine that “has enough power to be entertaining without being overwhelming for newer riders or too aggressive in nasty off-road situations.”

Clutch pull is light so the rider can click through the six-speed gearbox easily.

2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled (Ducati /)

Handling

In his test ride, Northover said the bike is “great fun in a relaxed kind of way.” Supporting comments refer to the bike’s chassis and how it doesn’t necessarily dart into the corners, but it doesn’t take a whole lot of persuasion to make a turn either. The chassis “follows obediently without shaking its head or resisting.”

The fully adjustable fork and preload/rebound-adjustable shock provide 7.9 inches of travel.

Brakes

A large 330mm front disc and four-piston caliper is effective in bringing the bike to a stop. Pushing the bike supermoto-style, however, may require a little more power. The rear unit is situated with a 245mm disc and single-piston floating caliper.

Stopping in midcorner turns is mitigated by cornering ABS and comes standard at both ends.

Fuel Economy and Real-world MPG

A reasonable 3.6 gallons of fuel can be loaded up in the tank. Fuel economy and real-world mpg is currently unrecorded.

2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled (Ducati /)

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

The wide and tall handlebars offer leverage for tossing the bike from turn to turn. The seat is at a tallish 33.9 inches, but those who require something shorter, there is the 33-inch option. The seat’s flat base and anti-slip cover limit the rider from sliding around. Let’s leave the sliding to the gravel roads to the Off-Road ride mode, 19- and 17-inch wheels, and Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires.

Electronics

The Scrambler Desert Sled has modern electronics including cornering ABS, Journey and Off-Road riding modes, LED lighting, and is compatible with the Ducati Multimedia System (i.e., smartphone connectivity).

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

A two-year unlimited mileage warranty is included.

2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled (Ducati /)

Quality

Minor changes with the striking new paint scheme and new seat may not seem like a lot, but this bike provides a good deal of fun both on and off-road with tidy top-shelf quality that Ducati is known for.

2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled Claimed Specifications

MSRP: $11,995
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: Electronic fuel injection w/ 50mm throttle body
Clutch: Slipper and self-servo wet multiplate; hydraulically actuated
Engine Management/Ignition: N/A
Frame: Tubular steel trellis frame
Front Suspension: 46mm USD fork, fully adjustable; 7.9 in. travel
Rear Suspension: KYB shock, preload and rebound adjustable; 7.9 in. travel
Front Brake: Radial 4-piston caliper, 330mm disc w/ Bosch Cornering ABS
Rear Brake: 1-piston floating caliper, 245mm disc w/ Bosch Cornering ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear: Spoked aluminum; 19 x 3.0 in. / 17 x 4.5 in.
Tires, Front/Rear: Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR; 120/70R-19 / 170/60R-17
Rake/Trail: 24.0°/4.4 in.
Wheelbase: 59.3 in.
Ground Clearance: N/A
Seat Height: 33.9 in.
Fuel Capacity: 3.6 gal.
Wet Weight: 461 lb.
Contact: scramblerducati.com

Source

Link to comment
Share on other sites

22 hours ago, CW66 said:

2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled (Ducati /)

Ups

  • Wide, well-positioned handlebars offer good leverage for turns and off-road riding<br/>
  • Easy-to-ride bike for many skill levels with its light clutch and easygoing engine<br/>
  • Low-speed handling, decent suspension, 19-/17-inch spoked wheels, and its slide- and skid-ability make it a blast on the dirt<br/>
  • Rad new paint scheme

Downs

  • Slippery pegs despite removing the rubber<br/>
  • Could benefit from the larger 1100 engine

Verdict

The Desert Sled is Ducati’s more off-road-capable scrambler that is easy to ride and fun to slide. The paint may have changed, but the fun factor did not.

2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled (Ducati /)

Overview

The 2021 Ducati Desert Sled is reminiscent of scramblers that laid claim to the rugged Southern California and Baja terrain in the ’60s and ’70s. It offers throwback styling, modern tech, and even genuine off-road capability. It features a high fender, 19-/17-inch rims, and adjustable suspension, paired with handling that makes it an easy-to-ride and fun-loving standard.

Updates for 2021

About that nod to yesteryear, the new livery pays homage to enduro bikes from the ’80s. The seat is also new with an anti-slip lining that helps keep the rider in place when the roads get rough.

2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled (Ducati /)

Pricing and Variants

The Desert Sled retails at $11,995, which is the highest price among its fellow 803cc Ducati Scrambler street-oriented siblings such as the new Nightshift ($10,995) and Icon ($9,695).

Powertrain: Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Propelling the Sled is the 803cc air-cooled L-twin. This engine produces a claimed 73 hp at 8,250 rpm and 48.9 pound-feet at 5,750 rpm. It is described by test rider Chris Northover as being an engine that “has enough power to be entertaining without being overwhelming for newer riders or too aggressive in nasty off-road situations.”

Clutch pull is light so the rider can click through the six-speed gearbox easily.

2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled (Ducati /)

Handling

In his test ride, Northover said the bike is “great fun in a relaxed kind of way.” Supporting comments refer to the bike’s chassis and how it doesn’t necessarily dart into the corners, but it doesn’t take a whole lot of persuasion to make a turn either. The chassis “follows obediently without shaking its head or resisting.”

The fully adjustable fork and preload/rebound-adjustable shock provide 7.9 inches of travel.

Brakes

A large 330mm front disc and four-piston caliper is effective in bringing the bike to a stop. Pushing the bike supermoto-style, however, may require a little more power. The rear unit is situated with a 245mm disc and single-piston floating caliper.

Stopping in midcorner turns is mitigated by cornering ABS and comes standard at both ends.

Fuel Economy and Real-world MPG

A reasonable 3.6 gallons of fuel can be loaded up in the tank. Fuel economy and real-world mpg is currently unrecorded.

2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled (Ducati /)

Ergonomics: Comfort and Utility

The wide and tall handlebars offer leverage for tossing the bike from turn to turn. The seat is at a tallish 33.9 inches, but those who require something shorter, there is the 33-inch option. The seat’s flat base and anti-slip cover limit the rider from sliding around. Let’s leave the sliding to the gravel roads to the Off-Road ride mode, 19- and 17-inch wheels, and Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR tires.

Electronics

The Scrambler Desert Sled has modern electronics including cornering ABS, Journey and Off-Road riding modes, LED lighting, and is compatible with the Ducati Multimedia System (i.e., smartphone connectivity).

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

A two-year unlimited mileage warranty is included.

2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled (Ducati /)

Quality

Minor changes with the striking new paint scheme and new seat may not seem like a lot, but this bike provides a good deal of fun both on and off-road with tidy top-shelf quality that Ducati is known for.

2021 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled Claimed Specifications

 

MSRP: $11,995
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: Electronic fuel injection w/ 50mm throttle body
Clutch: Slipper and self-servo wet multiplate; hydraulically actuated
Engine Management/Ignition: N/A
Frame: Tubular steel trellis frame
Front Suspension: 46mm USD fork, fully adjustable; 7.9 in. travel
Rear Suspension: KYB shock, preload and rebound adjustable; 7.9 in. travel
Front Brake: Radial 4-piston caliper, 330mm disc w/ Bosch Cornering ABS
Rear Brake: 1-piston floating caliper, 245mm disc w/ Bosch Cornering ABS
Wheels, Front/Rear: Spoked aluminum; 19 x 3.0 in. / 17 x 4.5 in.
Tires, Front/Rear: Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR; 120/70R-19 / 170/60R-17
Rake/Trail: 24.0°/4.4 in.
Wheelbase: 59.3 in.
Ground Clearance: N/A
Seat Height: 33.9 in.
Fuel Capacity: 3.6 gal.
Wet Weight: 461 lb.
Contact: scramblerducati.com

Source

heavy tank mine weighs 108 kgs

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Privacy Policy