Which bike to buy? I think I know the answer already but welcome some other opinions. I have a touring bike, a daily commute and an old Ducati in bits in the garage (don't we all). Looking for a simple roadster for Sunday blasts, something I can tinker with, add some character and sell on in a couple of years without to much of a sting. A cool retro. I think the Bonnie is heavy and soft but looks great. I love Guzzi's but the V7 doesn't have much power. Which points me toward the Scrambler. I was always put off by the marketing of this bike so it has not been on my radar. But its kind of growing on me, especially the Classic version, prefer spoked wheels and steel mudguards. I have booked a demo later today, budget will get me a 2015 model. Oh yes I am a more mature rider but my back and knees are standing up well! Any comments welcome.
I loved my Classic (so much so that I upgraded to the new 1100 Scrambler a month ago!). Do a search and you'll find my write up somewhere. Brilliant bike. Buy one. You'll love it! EDIT: https://www.ducatiforum.co.uk/threads/first-impressions-of-my-scrambler-classic.32611/
Rode one and couldn’t beleive how much fun it was. Only a short ride mind you, but sounds like it’d fit your requirements
I have the 800 Icon - exellent bike and allows you to tinker at home and modify and improve. Plenty of power to loose your licence (110MPH easily) I added the aluminium mudguards, Ohlins Suspension, Fork Inserts, Aluminium Air Screen, Seargent Seat GREAT FUN BIKE The 1100 must be a hoot and maybe I will add one of them in the future too... but working away so much - I have only done maybe 1000 miles on the scrambler the last year and 5000 on the Multi... so having a third seems a bit pointless. My scrambler has done 5000 miles in 2.5 years... so up to this last year had more use.
I have to say if i was in the market place for a fun blast the scramble eggs would be on my short list with just the exhaust changed
I while back I test rode the Triumph Thruxton, it handled and went well and looks fab. The lack of HP compared to the Multi means you can use the throttle a lot. Must have a go on the scrambler 1100 next.
I have a Thruxton 900, it's okay but is frustrating for anything other than a sporty pootle. The Scrambler is a much more capable chassis. The other thing that bugs the hell out of me is the weight, it's just horrible to try and push around and if you take a passenger the brakes quickly over-heat. I do like it, despite all that, I've ridden it to Scotland, but If I was buying again I would buy a Scrambler. The V7 is just not an option for me, just as heavy and even less power. The Thruxton 1200R is LOVELY and addresses everything on my gripe list except the weight, but I don't think I would get a Scrambler 1100 tbh as it's also a fair bit heavier for not 'loads' of extra grunt. I could be wrong on the latter though and confess I haven't ridden one yet.
Go for the scrambler you won't be disappointed if you buy a 800 the suspension and seat need sorting but they handle and brake well and generally a hoot to ride Hopefully get my 1100 in June
If comparing the Triumph Scrambler, it has to be the 1200. Different bike together from the 900. The smaller Ducati Scrambler is lot lighter though. My only gripe with the Ducati is I find the seat uncomfortable.
I had a desert sled for 3 months found it underwhelming and lacking in every department swapped it for a r9t scrambler , never looked back, good turn of speed, brakes and handles well, sounds great with the standard Akras , perfect for a jeans and jacket bimble, looks are subjective but maybe another bike to consider .
Rode one, loved it, bought it - nuff said!!! Thanks for comments guys. Bought a 2015 Classic with SBK exhaust, pick it up next week.
