As a former elephant owner, i think the bike is going to be great. Just needs a better bash plate. That flimsy piece is not going to last off road.
Here's a pretty good one: A Non-Hipster Review of the Ducati Scrambler http://www.asphaltandrubber.com/reviews/ducati-scrambler-icon-review/ And I just noticed Wes Siler's: Why Ducati's Slowest Bike Is Also Its Best http://indefinitelywild.gizmodo.com/why-ducatis-slowest-bike-is-also-its-best-1669893199
The cramped legroom mentioned by the reviewer is what I fear might take this bike off my list. And I'm just average height but can see it being a problem. A used Hyper 796 might be a lot more fun.
I don't see it being that much of an issue for an average height guy. At least I hope not, but even if it is, I'm sure there'll be some pretty easy workarounds.
From this article/editorial: "Enter Ducati. While other motorcycle makers have been focussing elsewhere, they've taken a renewed interest in North America and basically developed the Scrambler just to convert yanks in their 20s and 30s into motorcyclists." Seems like a good marketing strategy that just may help Ducati sell more motorcycles, gear and accessories. Bigger than that, more people will be experiencing the thrill of riding. The Scrambler has a look that indicates simple and fun with a reasonable price. The later being important because most here in the US utilize disposable income for their motorcycling hobby - not everyone is a commuter (self included). My interest with the Ducambler (like that? ) is to have an easy to manage bike that will get me down a rough dirt road to do exploring and photo taking and return back to the house or camp site.
Here's another. Not exactly glowing, but fair enough. http://www.motorcycle.com/manufactu...12112014&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=weekly
This bike is growing on me. I like the spoked rims, but I wonder if they are tubeless? I had an MuZ once that sported those tires. They are very soft and grippy, but they don't last very long, plus they are very expensive. I bet the motor is awesome. I liked the old 750 Monster from 2002. I bet this one is waaay better.
The tires may be tubeless, but I don't think the wheels are ! Also, there used to be different compounds available in those tires. I know the ones I had were very soft, but I doubt these have the same compound.
Link for detailed info on the tires in the Beasts thread: http://advrider.com/forums/showpost.php?p=25697046&postcount=679
Spoke to the Duc reps at the IMS Show yesterday in NYC. Tubed tires w/the spoke wheels 7,500 miles on the valve adjustment. Some mopes on the board are reporting 18K but I spoke with the Factory Rep at length yesterday 7,500miles is correct. Estimated cost of the valve adjustment- depending on shop rates- give or take $700. And Yes, the Hipsters were drooling over this and Triumph Bonnies yesterday.
This mope? Could have sworn that he read 18,000 miles on the tag hanging off the Scrambler's bars. Then again I did see 200 bikes in 2 hours