BIMS 2018: Ducati Scrambler 1100 makes ASEAN debut

More power, bigger tank, and a fuel gauge for flagship Scrambler

Ducati’s immensely popular Scrambler line gets a new flagship in the form of the 1100. Premiering in ASEAN at the Bangkok International Motor Show (BIMS), the new Scrambler 1100 is offered in the regular, Special and Sport trims.

The Scrambler 1100 Special features gray paint, gold fork tubes, a different handlebar, a brushed swingarm, and a brown seat.

The Scrambler 1100 Sport has Öhlins suspension, a special black and yellow colorway, aluminum wheels, a special handlebar, and custom trim on the seat. The Scrambler 1100’s frame is all new, made up of a twin-spar upper steel trellis frame and rear aluminum subframe.

The new 1100 is propelled by a 1,079cc air-cooled L-twin from the Ducati Monster 1100. It produces 87-PS at 7,500 rpm and 88-Nm of torque at 4,750 rpm. This is paired to a 6-speed gearbox with a slipper clutch. To accommodate the larger engine, the fuel tank can now contain 16 liters.

Distinguishing it from the Scrambler 800 is more liberal use of aluminum on the engine covers, clutch and alternator cover, and belt covers.

One of the biggest updates to the bike comes in the form of electronics, with the Scrambler 1100 getting variable riding modes as well as a five-level traction control. The bike is controlled by ride-by-wire fuel control and an inertial measurement unit (IMU), through several riding modes. Active grants full power and a more direct throttle feel. Touring provides full power but more relaxed throttle response. City reduces engine power to 76-PS as well as delays throttle response. Traction control also varies with each ride mode, but can be manually set if desired to one of four levels, or completely off. Finally, the Scrambler 1100 also gets cornering ABS, which takes lean angle into account to keep the brakes from locking.

It’s brought to a stop with twin 330mm discs up front, stopped by four-piston Brembo calipers and a single 245mm disc in the rear with a single-piston caliper. ABS cannot be turned off.

The riding position has also changed slightly, with a handlebar that is lower and farther forward and pegs that stretch the gap farther from the seat. I’ve always preferred the bars of the Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle and thought the bars on the Scrambler Icon were too tall and swept back, so this new riding position should be an improvement.

Keeping the bike aloft is a set of 45mm upside-down Kayaba forks with adjustment for spring preload and rebound damping; while the Sport gets an Öhlins unit. A single Kayaba shock (or Öhlins for the Sport) suspends the rear. It is also adjustable for spring preload and rebound damping.

Finally, the new instrument panel features an oblong extension to display the speed and gear while the original dial finally includes a digital fuel gauge as well as riding mode display.

Ducati Philippines will offer the Scrambler 1100 very soon, with prices starting at PhP 915,000 for the Scrambler 1100, PhP 980,000 for the Special, and PhP 1,025,000 for the Sport.