The Ducati Scrambler Goes More Retro and Supermoto for 2022
The Monster might be the cheapest Ducati, but it’s not the least expensive bike that Ducati makes. Technically, the Scrambler Ducati (as it’s officially called) is the most affordable entryway into the Italian brand. That, combined with the market’s growing appreciation for scramblers and other off-road motorcycles, has made it one of Ducati’s most popular models.
As a result, Ducati has regularly updated the Scrambler lineup since its 2014 introduction. Earlier this year, for example, it released the Nightshift to replace the Café Racer and Full Throttle. And now, two more models are joining in: the heritage-heavy Scrambler 1100 Tribute Pro and the supermoto Scrambler Urban Motard.
The 2022 Ducati Scrambler 1100 Tribute Pro harkens back to the Italian brand’s original scrambler motorcycles
| Spec | 2022 Ducati Scrambler 1100 Tribute Pro |
| Engine | 1079cc air-cooled L-twin (90° V-twin) |
| Power | 86 hp |
| Torque | 65 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual with slipper-assist clutch |
| Front suspension and travel | 45mm fully-adjustable Marzocchi inverted fork; 5.9” |
| Rear suspension and travel | Fully-adjustable Kayaba mono-shock; 5.9” |
| Seat height | 31.9″ |
| Curb weight | 465 lbs |
Although the modern Ducati Scrambler dates to 2014, its roots stretch back way farther. In the 1960s, dirt bikes weren’t an official motorcycle segment. Back then, if someone wanted to go off-road, they converted a street bike into a scrambler. And at the time, these motorcycles were incredibly popular in the US.
However, while several manufacturers offered scrambler conversion kits, none of them initially offered a factory option. But faced with growing demand, a few started developing them. And in 1962, with cajoling from US importer Joe Berliner, Ducati introduced its first Scrambler, the single-cylinder 250, Cycle World reports.
Over the next few years, Ducati released the larger-capacity 350 and 450 Scramblers. However, the line ended after the single-cylinder engine was discontinued. But the Italian scramblers built up a strong following before then. 916 designer Massimo Tamburini was reportedly a big fan.
The new 2022 Ducati Scrambler 1100 Tribute Pro’s yellow-and-black livery recalls the original 250 Scrambler’s look. However, that’s not this bike’s only homage. 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of the Ducati 750 GT, the first bike with the now-iconic L-twin. The modern Scrambler’s engine descends from that L-twin, hence why the 1100 Tribute Pro also has a 1970s-style Ducati logo.
Underneath the retro livery, though, the Scrambler 1100 Tribute Pro is identical to the current 1100 Sport Pro. So, it also comes with an LCD gauge, three riding modes, cornering ABS and traction control, LED lighting, and an under-seat storage area with a USB charger. Plus, as on the Indian FTR, the tank’s side panels are swappable.
Street-riding thrill-seekers get something new, too: the 2022 Ducati Scrambler Urban Motard supermoto
| Spec | 2022 Ducati Scrambler Urban Motard |
| Engine | 803cc air-cooled L-twin (90° V-twin) |
| Power | 73 hp |
| Torque | 49 lb-ft |
| Transmission | Six-speed manual with slipper clutch |
| Front suspension and travel | 41mm inverted Kayaba fork; 5.9” |
| Rear suspension and travel | Preload-adjustable Kayaba mono-shock; 5.9” |
| Seat height | 31.7″ |
| Curb weight | 432 lbs |
Although the Scrambler Desert Sled can genuinely go off-road—it even won the inaugural 2020 Mint 400 Hooligan Class—not all its showroom siblings are designed for the dirt. But that’s not necessarily a bad thing. There’s an entire class of motorcycles that combines dirt bike elements with paved performance.
These bikes are called supermotos and they’re rather popular in Europe. So, it makes sense for Ducati to turn its dirt-bike-adjacent motorcycle into something for this segment. That something is the new 2022 Ducati Scrambler Urban Motard.
Although it has the same chassis geometry as the other 803cc Scramblers, it has unique suspension and brake hardware, Cycle World says. Its suspension isn’t as adjustable as the 1100 Tribute Pro’s units, but the Urban Motard has some of the same electronics. It, too, has Brembo brakes with cornering ABS, LED lighting, and an under-seat USB charging port. Plus, its LCD gauge is compatible with Ducati’s motorcycle app.
However, unlike the Tribute Pro, the 2022 Ducati Scrambler Urban Motard lacks traction control. It also doesn’t have adjustable riding modes. And in keeping with its paved-road focus, it has different Pirelli tires. While the Tribute Pro wears MT 60 RS tires, which are off-road-rated, the Urban Motard has Diablo Rosso IIIs.
How much do these new models cost?
The cheapest 2022 Ducati Scrambler, the 803cc Icon Dark, starts at $8995. Meanwhile, the Urban Motard supermoto starts at $11,695; that’s $500 cheaper than the Desert Sled but $300 more than the Nightshift. The Scrambler 1100 Tribute Pro, though, is the most expensive model: it starts at $13,995.
The Tribute Pro won’t hit US dealers until March 2022, with the Urban Motard following in April. So, there’s some time to save up some cash. And while these prices may seem high, they compare favorably to the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC and Street Scrambler. As such, they’ll likely bring in test riders when scrambling weather returns.
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