Ducati is readying a more serious off-road capable version of its Scrambler in preparation for a launch later this year.
This spy picture shows the bike in near-finished form, albeit hidden under camouflage. Changes include longer-travel suspension, a more heavily braced frame and a remote-reservoir Ohlins rear shock. The front wheel also appears to be larger, making it more suited to handling bumps and ruts.
The yellow sides to the seat hint that the bike will be moving away from its 1960s-inspired style to something a bit more modern – perhaps taking 1980s enduro bikes as its template.
A rear mudguard and licence plate hanger like that of the Sixty2 give more rear wheel clearance than the hugger-style version on the normal Scrambler, adding to the off-road ability.
The bike also appears to have been given much better luggage provision, with a rear rack and pannier mounts. Imagine it with a set of big, aluminium boxes and it’s easy to see how it could be tempting as an alternative to some of today’s big trailies. Its 803cc capacity would make it an interesting rival for the BMW F800GS and Triumph Tiger 800.
