2018 Ducati 1100 Scrambler

7th November 2017

1,079cc | 3 models | 86hp | Desmodromic L-twin

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Ducati has added an 1100 (1,079cc) to its highly popular Scrambler range of bikes. So now you've got three choices: the 400cc (399cc) Sixty 2; the 800cc (803cc) Icon; and the 1,100cc. Although the new "Eleven" is clearly styled to emulate its more diminutive brethren (or even sistren?), there are differences worth noting.

Firstly however, the engine (all models in this range) is, as you might expect, Ducati's established L-Twin, air cooled unit. Despite the Euro 4 regulations, this lump is clearly still viable—but it's hard to see it continuing for very much longer. The bore on this Desmodromic, 2 valves-per-cylinder engineering masterpiece is 98mm. The stroke is 71mm. The compression ratio is 11:1.

Ducati is claiming 86hp (63kW) @ 7,500rpm, and we're not doubting it. Maximum torque is 65lb-ft (88Nm) @ 4,750rpm. Fuel is delivered by injection and is controlled by a Ride-by-Wire throttle. Three riding modes, traction control and cornering ABS are also part of the package. The transmission is 6-speed.

The front brake system (on all models in this range) is comprised of 2 x 320mm semi-floating discs, plus radially mounted Brembo Monobloc M4.32 calipers, 4-piston. The rear braking system is a 245mm disc with a single-piston floating caliper.

The exhaust (on all models in this range) is a 2-1-2 system (with catalytic converter, of course), plus twin stainless steel mufflers with aluminium covers and end caps.

The tank holds 3.3 gallons (15 litres) as opposed to 3.1 gallons (14 litres) on the 400, and 3-gallon (13.5 litres) on the 800. So although the tank is slightly larger/more bulbous, you're probably going to have a smaller range (no doubt the larger capacity engine has borrowed some space beneath the tank).

There are three models from which to choose; the Standard 1100 (cast wheels, '62 Yellow or Shining Black livery); the 1100 Special (black wire wheels, chrome exhausts and aluminium front & rear mudguards, brushed effect swinging-arm, brown saddle with quilted stitching, custom grey livery); and the 1100 Sport (Viper Black/yellow striping livery, Öhlins top of the range front fork and rear shock absorber/damper—both fully adjustable).

The headlights on all three models feature an LED DRL (Daytime Running Light) ring, but with a standard headlight bulb. And note the X pattern which is either a cool distinguishing feature, or a pretentious nod towards taped headlights on genuine competition models.

Prices

1100 Standard: £10,695

1100 Special: £11,495

1100 Sport: £12,295

Overall, from where we're sitting these Dukes look pretty damn good. We're not sure what we think of the new instrument display on these bikes with that odd protuberance which displays the speed, carries a side stand warning light and provides multimedia information (note that the circular display carries the rest of the info that Ducati feels riders need/want to have). That said, all products benefit from distinguishing features, and we could probably get used to this unusual instrument module. Actually, given enough time we might even get to like it.

The bikes are due for delivery in the new year (early 2018). We spoke to a well established Ducati dealer about these, and he talked it up plenty—which is perhaps what you'd expect. But it seemed to us that this dealer was genuinely very enthusiastic about the "big 1100" and sounded like he already had a few potential customers in mind.

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