2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled | Road Test Review

Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
Though taller and heavier than other Ducati Scramblers, the Desert Sled is a blast on the street. (Photos by Kevin Wing)

Ducati’s free-spirited, user-friendly Scramblers have been a playful departure from the company’s hard-edged, gotta-go-fast motorcycles. Even the diminutive Monster 696, which was Ducati’s most accessible model before the Scramblers came on the scene in 2015, had a committed riding position, stiff suspension and an aversion to low revs. Available in various styles and colors along with a burgeoning catalog of apparel and accessories, Scramblers have had broad appeal—nearly 50,000 have been sold worldwide since the line was launched.

The new Scrambler 1100s offer more power and sophistication, but the lighter, less expensive 800s are the heart of the Scrambler lineup. An early version was the rugged looking Urban Enduro, outfitted with a high fender, fork protectors, a headlight grill, a handlebar cross-brace, a skid plate and spoked wheels.

Read our first ride review of the 2018 Ducati Scrambler 1100

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Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
The Desert Sled is the most off-road capable model in Ducati’s Scrambler lineup. With a fortified chassis, taller suspension, extra ground clearance and spoked wheels with knobby tires, it takes a lickin’ and keeps on tickin’.

Like other Ducati Scramblers, the Urban Enduro was aimed primarily at street riding, but its replacement—the Desert Sled—has off-road bona fides. Named after ’60s- and ’70s-era street bikes modified for the rigors of desert racing, the Desert Sled isn’t just a styling exercise. In addition to many of the same bolt-on protective parts found on the Urban Enduro, the Desert Sled has a beefed-up frame, a longer reinforced swingarm, a stronger triple clamp and larger-diameter tubes for the upside-down fork (46mm, up from 41). Intended to be flogged, jumped and skidded where the pavement ends, the adjustable suspension offers more travel (7.9 inches front and rear, up from 5.9) and the 19-inch front/17-inch rear spoked wheels are shod with Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR dual-sport tires.

Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
Among the Desert Sled’s many dirt-ready features are a headlight grill and a high front fender.

Extra brawn and extra suspension travel means the Desert Sled is a taller, longer, heavier machine than its Scrambler stable mates. Seat height has been boosted from 31.1 inches to 33.9, wheelbase has been extended from 56.9 inches to 59.3 and wet weight has increased from a feathery 411 pounds (for the last base-model Scrambler Icon we tested) to 477 pounds—an extra 67 pounds on a bike aimed at an environment where light makes right.

Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
The taller Desert Sled is also easier to stand up on, vital for off-road excursions.

While exploring some gravel roads (after digging into the setup menu to turn off the ABS), the Desert Sled was more than willing to get frisky and do rock-spitting power slides. And when I encountered a step-up on a stretch of two-track, I wicked it up and launched the bike off the lip. The Sled raised no red flags and it was so much fun that I did it again and again.

The suspension absorbed big hits without pogoing or bottoming out, but there was no escaping the Desert Sled’s weight, nor its street bike origins. Light-duty scrambling is fine, but I’d think twice before taking it through a deep sand wash or down a technical trail.

Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
Suspension is up to the task of light off-roading, including occasional air time!

Greg’s Gear
Helmet: Shoei Hornet X2
Jacket: Rev’It Zircon
Pants: Spidi Furious Tex Jeans
Boots: Sidi Scramble

Despite the name, where Desert Sleds will spend most of their time–as we did for this test–is on pavement, and there it feels much more capable. Revised ECU settings and a progressive throttle tube have eliminated the snatchy throttle response of earlier Scramblers, and the air-cooled, 803cc Desmodue L-twin is a lively powerplant.

Although it’s pretty sleepy below 5,000 rpm, keep it spun up and you’ll be rewarded with rapid-fire power pulses and a nice bark from the stubby, low-slung exhausts. On Jett Tuning’s rear-wheel dyno, the Desert Sled made 63 horsepower at 8,100 rpm (redline is at 9,000) and 42.4 lb-ft of torque at 5,600 rpm. Modest output in the grand scheme of things, but plenty for a knock-around, retro-style middleweight.

Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
Like other Ducati Scrambler 800s, the Desert Sled is powered by the air-cooled, 803cc Desmodue L-twin.

A high, wide handlebar makes it easy to pitch the Desert Sled into corners, the tighter and nastier the better. Its added weight rarely felt like a liability, there’s ample cornering clearance and, being overbuilt for off-road abuse, it has the toughest chassis in the Scrambler lineup.

To keep up a good head of steam I rowed through the gears frequently, but the easy-shifting 6-speed transmission and light-action clutch meant that I never gave it much thought. At times, however, the Desert Sled was short-leashed by the limited stopping power of its single front disc brake and the limited grip of its knobby tires, which are designed for a fairly even split of on-/off-road use. Those Pirellis look great, but when pushed hard on the street they get squirmy.

Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
The Desert Sled loves to lean, but the dual-sport tires have limited grip on the street. Accessory waterproof saddlebag is sold as part of a set.

As a daily rider, the Desert Sled is fun to ride, easy on the eyes and good for about 140 miles of range (we averaged just under 40 mpg, and fuel capacity is 3.6 gallons). It certainly adds some spice to mundane commuting, though with that wide handlebar and no wind protection, you’re in the elements come what may.

Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
Single front disc brake provides adequate stopping power, and ABS can be disabled. Spoked wheels require tubes and wear Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR knobby tires.

The broad, flat seat may look inviting, but after about a half hour of riding I found myself looking for excuses to put the kickstand down and take a break. Other considerations are excessive engine heat when the Sled gets a workout, spoked wheels that require tubes and chain final drive with no centerstand. Also, the single, all-digital gauge cluster lacks a fuel gauge and has a nearly useless tachometer, and the crossbar pad blocks the rider’s view of the high beam and oil temp indicator lights.

Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
Single digital instrument lacks a fuel gauge and the bar tach, which sweeps around the bottom edge, is hard to read.

Perhaps the coolest thing about Ducati’s Scrambler lineup is the degree to which you can customize them above and beyond whatever style you choose. If the Desert Sled were mine, I’d go the retro supermoto route by spooning on a set of sticky sport tires and installing the factory accessory Termignoni high-mount exhaust ($1,599). A stylish add-on that looks perfect on the Sled is Ducati’s Urban Enduro roll-top waterproof saddlebags ($411 with mounting kit). Although our test bike has only the smaller 5-liter right saddlebag installed, Ducati assures us that they come as a set (the left side bag holds 11 liters).

Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
From the gold rims to the bolt-on parts, Ducati really nailed the styling on the Desert Sled. And with sensible chassis upgrades, it’s the most all-around capable scrambler on the market today.

Compared to Ducati’s other Scrambler 800s, which include the Icon, Café Racer, Full Throttle, Mach 2.0, Classic and Street Classic, the Desert Sled is the one with the chops for true scrambling. If you love the look of old-school desert racers but prefer new-school engineering, it could be right up your alley.

Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled

2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled Specs

Base Price: $11,695
Price as Tested: $11,895 (color)
Warranty: 2 yrs., unltd. miles
Website: ducati.com

Engine
Type: Air-cooled, transverse 90-degree L-twin
Displacement: 803cc
Bore x Stroke: 88.0 x 66.0mm
Compression Ratio: 11.0:1
Valve Train: Desmodromic SOHC, 2 valves per cyl.
Valve Insp. Interval: 7,500 miles
Fuel Delivery: EFI w/ 50mm throttle body
Lubrication System: Wet sump, 3.4-qt. cap.
Transmission: 6-speed, cable-actuated wet clutch
Final Drive: O-ring chain

Electrical
Ignition: Electronic digital
Charging Output: 487 watts max.
Battery: 12V 10AH

Chassis
Frame: Tubular-steel trellis w/ engine as stressed member, aluminum swingarm
Wheelbase: 59.3 in.
Rake/Trail: 24 degrees/4.4 in.
Seat Height: 33.9 in.
Suspension, Front: 46mm USD, fully adj., 7.9-in. travel
Rear: Single shock, adj. for spring preload & rebound damping, 7.9-in. travel
Brakes, Front: Single 330mm floating disc w/ radial-mount 4-piston opposed caliper & ABS
Rear: Single 245mm disc w/ floating 1-piston caliper & ABS
Wheels, Front: Spoked aluminum, 3.00 x 19 in.
Rear: Spoked aluminum, 4.50 x 17 in.
Tires, Front: Tube-type, 120/70-VR19
Rear: Tube-type, 170/60-VR17
Wet Weight: 477 lbs. (including right saddlebag)
Load Capacity: 361 lbs.
GVWR: 838 lbs.

Performance
Fuel Capacity: 3.6 gals., last 0.8 gal. warning light on
MPG: 90 PON min. (high/avg/low) 36.9/39.2/44.0
Estimated Range: 140 miles
Indicated RPM at 60 MPH: 4,100

12 COMMENTS

  1. nice bike, low weight, nice price, high HP, I wanted one but some places I ride you are lucky to see 87, let alone 90 and 7500 mile valve check/adjustment? too needy for me.

  2. Very cool bike, but for the money and mission at hand? Too flashy and heavy. But if you want to have a nice street bike that can get dirty and travel long distances? On the lower price point a Kawasaki KLR or Honda African Twin would do nicely. On a higher end? KTM All the way.

    • K.R.V., you misconstrue the mission. This bike’s raison d’etre isn’t crossing Mongolia, or even doing a sequel to Any Given Sunday. It’s mission is to be a streetbike that can go anywhere a halfway decent road (doesn’t have to be paved) exists, in the owner’s region, and still look wicked cool at the brewpub. That it can, in the hands of a good enough rider, do a sequel of Any Given Sunday is a point of AUTHENTICITY, not a point of “being the best bike or getting dirty and travelling long distances.” NO Desmo bike is going to be a credible round’the worlder, simply because of the maintenance demands.

      But for a rider whose “fun factor” doesn’t demand that the bike he’s riding be competitive in TODAY’S Baja 1000, Dakar Rally, or World Motocross, but it does demand that he can get dirty WHILE getting around without a pickup truck, and not looking like a refugee from Bob’s Bargain Bike Salvage Yard (I’m looking at you KLR 650 / DR 650) or model for the latest Teutonic WunderBiken, this is a damn good option. Not, mind you, one I’m likely to pursue, that would be Triumph’s current entry, the Street Scrambler. (I prefer the mellowness of the SS, although I’d love the extra suspension travel this Desert Sled offers.)

      Keep in mind, motorcycles in the First World are far more about what buttons they push for the buyer, than they are about pure function. I’d wager that there’s enough buyer buttons this Desert Sled will push to keep it around for a few years, unless the desmo maintenance proves to be it’s undoing.

  3. Bought a desert sled, bent the output shaft at 520mi. Needed an entire transmission assembly. Ducati warranty covered everything plus my rental bike for 10 days. Bike it agile and performance is decent. Launched it a few times and the suspension can handle it. Great urban traffic fighter!

  4. Am am owner of a Desert Sled. Recently rode it to Big Bend from Austin to test it out in multiple settings.

    I already knew it to be a nimble around towner that looks fierce. In my head I’m always channeling Kelly Leak. But can it do what the looks suggest.

    The ride out was 6+ hours to Ft. Stockton.
    Good: power to hit highway speeds and roll through the country roads.
    Bad: noise level is high with the Pirellis and elements are tiring with no faring.

    Ride on River Road–50 miles of dirt, washes, and single track off shoots.
    Good: suspension, handling were top notch, had no issues on what is a fire road that deteriorates near the washes and river
    Bad: 19″ front tire can wander entering the deeper sandy washes and it’s still heavy to pick up.

    Ride on Hwy 170 connecting Presidio to Big Bend
    Good: amazing canyon carver that made quick off shoots into the dirt easy and fun
    Bad: range maybe, but I have a Ropax too.

    All in all, super happy with my purchase. I still want to get more of a tourer, but it’s a helluva a backroads meets downtown crossover. Agree with the writer. It’s not meant to be a big adventure or Any Given Sunday bike. It’s mission is: fun and versatility. it’s got those in spades.

  5. Sorry, meant to add this comment to my quick write up. The writer has NAILED this bike, good and bad. It felt exactly like my ownership experience, which has been good but the bike does have it’s compromises and tradeoffs. Well done!

  6. I bought a 2018 a couple weeks ago. It’s a fun bike and I am enjoying it. Very easy to ride and visually appealing. I was kind of expecting a bit more from it power-wise but maybe my view is skewed as I have been used to my aprilia rsv mille for the last 18 years and it just seems to lack some guts. I don’t really care for highway riding on it, having done a few hundred miles this way….not really comfortable at higher speeds aor for long distances. The throttle lag is really lame. Been reading some guys have put a ’15 / ’16 part on to make it more responsive – something Ducati apparently softened.

    Anyway, I’ll give it some more time but this will likely be a decent second bike for me that I can cruise around town on and maybe do some light trail riding. Or maybe I’ll throw some off-road tires on my aprilia and sell this thing after a short time to get the MV Agusta Dragster America that I am currently obsessed with.

  7. Its, On Any Sunday. Not, On Any Given Sunday. Thats a football movie. Any way I test rode this bike with a GPS top speed of 123.6 mph. I also test drove a Triumph 1200 XE, and it only could do 113.3 mph down hill on GPS. Im thinking the triumph has a speed limiter, which is gay and unethical.

  8. okay after three years of ownership back to leave a comment that very few will read or care about…but anyway…..

    the desmo service is wickedly expensive (over $1,500 at the dealership) on a bike that I am still paying for. every 7,500 miles?!?!? Another dealer’s quote was much the same. high cost of maintenance for damn sure.

    almost makes me want to get rid of the bike – but I still like riding it.

    and I’m still obsessed with the MV Agusta Dragster 800RR

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