Ducati Full Throttle…1,538,000 yen
The unique body design is truly one of a kind
Ducati, the prestigious Italian motorcycle manufacturer, has demonstrated remarkable success in MotoGP, the world's highest racing category. At the same time, the traditional L-twin engine layout remains strong, and the company manufactures and sells a wide variety of commercial models. In 2015, they announced the third-generation Scrambler series. While single-cylinder Scrambler models were commercially available in the 1960s and 1970s, the Scrambler genre itself had almost completely disappeared, so many people were probably surprised by the decision to revive the Scrambler. Furthermore, its unique styling, which was distinct from traditional Scrambler models, was a major feature.
My image of a Scrambler is one based on a road model but with enhanced dirt-riding capabilities thanks to features like an up-mounted exhaust and block tires. When I started riding motorcycles in the 1970s, the Scrambler category existed among Japanese and, of course, foreign motorcycles as well. However, the Scrambler that Ducati released in 2014 was different in style and direction from the memorable Scrambler. So there was some confusion at first. However, as a result of taking a different approach from the old Scrambler models, it became a model full of individuality.
It’s a unique position that opens up the body, but it’s also familiar.
Looking at the current Scrambler lineup, there are six models in total, including five 800cc models (including the 10th anniversary model) and one 1100cc model. While the lineup previously included a 400cc model, the selection has been significantly slimmed down. This time, I test rode the 800cc Full Throttle.
Considering its engine displacement, the body feels quite compact. Being a simpleton, I feel a sense of familiarity with it, but once I actually sat on the seat, the familiarity doubled. The seat height is set at 795mm, which means easy foot reach. And with a weight of 170kg, it's easy to raise the bike when lowering the side stand. Incidentally, these figures are almost the same as those of Honda's Scrambler model, the CL250. Well, I wouldn't call it a 250, but it feels more like a 400cc bike. The wide, low-positioned handlebars, reminiscent of a flat tracker, create a unique riding position with the upper body tilted forward, but the slightly forward-leaning position is quite relaxed and comfortable.
The compact body makes it hard to believe it’s an 800, providing a comfortable riding position for all sizes of riders.
The seat height is kept low at 795mm, so there is no need to worry about foot placement.
In addition to its compact body, the vehicle weighs only 170 kg, making it easy to handle.
Both feet are firmly on the road, and there is ample knee room. (Rider height: 178 cm)
The abundant low- and mid-range torque provides a sharp ride on regular roads, including urban areas.
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It uses a traditional air-cooled 90-degree L-twin engine, but has undergone major evolution with the introduction of ride-by-wire. The riding mode, linked to traction control and cornering ABS, can be switched between two modes: sport and street. As can be seen from the specs, with a displacement of 803cc, a maximum output of 73ps (53.6 kW) / 8,250 rpm, and a maximum torque of 65.2Nm (6.7 kgm) / 7,000 rpm, it has low- to mid-speed engine characteristics.
The full throttle is fitted with a short Termignoni muffler, but the volume is kept quite low.
This is also a quick shifter that comes standard with the full throttle. It’s not very useful when driving around town, but it’s very useful on winding roads.
At the heart of the Scrambler Full Throttle is a traditional Ducati Desmodromic air-cooled L-twin engine. Unlike previous models, however, this engine utilizes ride-by-wire technology, allowing for two riding modes: Sport and Street. Of course, the riding modes not only change the engine's characteristics but also link them to traction control and cornering ABS. The Full Throttle also features an autoshifter and a Termignoni exhaust system. While electronic control systems are commonplace these days, their introduction is highly commendable. Upon starting the bike
, I expected a powerful roar from the Termignoni muffler, but I was surprised to find that the exhaust note was surprisingly quiet. While this is likely a result of complying with various regulations, a slightly louder sound would have been more typical of a Ducati. Realistically, though, being able to start the engine early in the morning in a residential area is a welcome change.
Like its gentle sound, the power feel is also quite mellow. This time, I rode on city and suburban roads, and the abundant low- and mid-range torque paid off, providing smooth acceleration with a light response right from the start. Ducati L-twins used to be characterized by a more rugged, rugged feel, but what struck me was that even at full throttle, this sporty Scrambler model had a mild power feel. This is essentially unchanged in both Street and Sport modes. Even within this mildness, however, you can still feel the dynamic dynamics characteristic of a twin, making it fun and never boring to ride. As for the autoshifter
, it's generally recommended to operate it above 2500 rpm, so in city streets where low revs are common, it's more natural and smooth to operate the clutch normally. I tried changing gears without clutch operation, and as expected, the shock was too large, causing the bike to behave unstably. Once the revs are increased to a certain level, the autoshifter's gear changes are quick, and I think you can enjoy a sharp, sporty feel when riding on winding roads, for example. In any case, it is not as aggressive as you might imagine from its unique flat tracker style, but rather it is easy to handle and offers a friendly ride that you can enjoy.
Handling that perfectly matches smoothness and lightness
What impressed me most was the bike's nimble handling. Setting aside the question of whether it's good or bad, it has a sporty quality that allows you to, for example, swing it around on winding roads. It feels more like riding a naked sports bike than a scrambler. In that sense, its handling characteristics are easy for anyone to get used to.
While it may be hard to tell since the basic styling remains the same, the latest Scrambler Full Throttle has undergone changes to both the frame and suspension. While the previous model already offered nimble, effortless handling, this model feels even more refined. In urban areas, you often encounter small gaps, such as white lines on crosswalks and bumps on the shoulders of the road. The front and rear suspensions absorb these impacts well, providing a comfortable ride while preventing any unsettling shifts in the bike's posture.
The frame also strikes a good balance between rigidity and flexibility, allowing it to respond flexibly to maneuvers. It uses 18-inch front and 17-inch rear tires, and I think this combination is also a factor in preventing it from feeling overly nimble. This gives it a smooth, yet nimble feel.
Its stable handling makes it highly comfortable for city riding as well as touring, and is sure to enrich your trip.
Ducati has an image of high quality and high price, but the Scrambler has simple equipment and a low price. The simple body also makes it an ideal base for customization, allowing you to create a model that matches your style. Ten years after the introduction of the third generation, the Scrambler has steadily evolved.
Detailed explanation
Semi-up pipe handlebars that match the tracker style. The wide handlebars make steering dynamic.
The meter uses a square-shaped TFT color display. It is highly visible day or night and provides a wealth of information. It is also compatible with the Ducati multimedia system.
Round LED headlights with daytime running lights. The X design at the front is distinctive.
The taillights built into the bottom of the seat are unique. The turn signals are small LEDs both front and rear, giving the bike a custom look.
The slim fuel tank has a capacity of 13.5L, which is a little insufficient for long-distance touring.
The flat and wide double seat provides great freedom of movement and is highly comfortable. It also makes tandem riding easy.
The front suspension is a 41mm KYB inverted fork. The 18-inch tires and short fenders emphasize the street tracker feel.
The frame has been made lighter and the swingarm has also been changed. The tires are 17 inches, and both the front and rear are equipped with semi-block pattern Pirelli MT60RS.
The front brake is equipped with a Φ330mm rotor and a Brembo 4-piston radial mount carrier. Although it is a single brake, it provides high braking power.
The KYB monoshock is mounted closer to the center due to the swingarm change. It has a preload adjustment mechanism.
The rear brake is equipped with a Φ245mm rotor and a 1-piston floating caliper. Bosch Cornering ABS is standard equipment on both the front and rear.
Main specifications
Type: L-twin, Desmodromic valve system, 2 valves per cylinder, air-cooled
Displacement: 803cc
Bore x Stroke: 88 x 66 mm
Compression Ratio: 11:1
Maximum Power: 73 hp (53.6 kW) @ 8,250 rpm
Maximum Torque: 65.2 Nm (6.7 kgm) @ 7,000 rpm
Fuel Delivery: Electronic fuel injection, 50mm throttle body, Ride-by-Wire system
Exhaust:
Termignoni stainless steel silencer with catalytic converter and O2 sensor, aluminium tailpipes
Gearbox: 6-speed, Ducati Quick Shift up/down
Primary Reduction: 1st: 2.462, 2nd: 1.667, 3rd: 1.333, 4th: 1.130, 5th: 1.000, 6th: 0.923
Gear Ratios: Straight-cut gears 1.85:1
Final Drive: Chain, 15-tooth front sprocket, 46-tooth rear sprocket
Clutch: Hydraulically controlled, wet multi-plate clutch with slipper/self-servo function
Frame: Steel trellis frame
Front Suspension: KYB 41mm inverted fork
Front Wheel: Light alloy 3.00″ x 18″
Front Tire: Pirelli MT 60 RS, 110/80 R18
Rear Suspension: KYB monoshock with preload adjustment
Rear Wheel: Light alloy 5.50″ x 17″
Rear Tire: Pirelli MT 60 RS, 180/55 R17
Wheel Travel (Front/Rear): 150mm / 150mm
Front Brakes: 330mm discs, 4-piston radial calipers, Bosch Cornering ABS
Rear Brakes: 245mm discs, 1-piston floating calipers, Bosch Cornering ABS
Instrument Panel: 4.3-inch TFT color display
Seat Height:
795 mm
810 mm: High seat (accessory)
780 mm: Low seat (accessory)
Wheelbase: 1,449 mm
Rake angle: 24°
Trail: 108 mm
Fuel tank capacity: 14.5 litres
Seats: 2
Safety equipment:
Riding modes, Power modes, Cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control, Daytime Running Lights
Standard equipment:
4.3-inch TFT colour display, Ride-by-wire, Full LED lighting system, LED turn indicators, Under-seat USB socket, Variable section low handlebars, Termignoni silencer, Ducati Click Shift, Ducati Performance LED turn indicators, Sport-style front mudguard, Oil sump guard, Side number plates, Sport-style tail, Special seat, Special colours Optional
accessories: Ducati Multimedia System
