By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Retro Classic vs Scrambler
Triumph Thruxton (986ME) vs Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer (MY2017)
Triumph Thruxton vs Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer: buy with your heart, but read this first.
You'll twist the Triumph Thruxton's throttle on an overbuilt engine that doesn't ask for more than basic servicing as the miles pile up. The Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer's throttle picks up smooth and even off the bottom. Its L-twin's already pulling from low revs.
So which one do you buy?
Buy the Scrambler Cafe Racer if…
Keeping running costs low
Better bet: Scrambler Cafe Racer
The Scrambler Cafe Racer costs clearly less to keep on the road. You'll notice it at every service.
The Scrambler Cafe Racer has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
A touch ahead: Scrambler Cafe Racer
For the ride to work, the Scrambler Cafe Racer noses ahead. The reason: easier everyday riding and easier maneuvering in tight spots. Don't let that alone make the call.
A confidence-building first motorcycle
Nose ahead: Scrambler Cafe Racer
For your first season, the Scrambler Cafe Racer makes slightly more sense. Fit and confidence at a standstill still come first.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Slight edge: Scrambler Cafe Racer
On a winding road, the Scrambler Cafe Racer comes out a touch ahead. You wouldn't bet much on a gap like that.
What makes each one tick
Thruxton
The Thruxton's air-cooled twin doesn't chase outright performance. It leans on mellow torque instead. Corner entry comes tucked low over the sculpted tank, and there's a clip-on in each hand. Sunlight flickers through the wire wheels' spokes.
Nils rode the Thruxton in 2014 (NastyNils Testride).
Scrambler Cafe Racer
Rearsets and clip-ons shift the Scrambler Cafe Racer's weight onto its front wheel, and it dances from bend to bend carrying speed. A bump hits the stiffer suspension and comes up firm through the seat. Mistakes don't upset it. The front tire's stitching clean back-road lines.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Thruxton has the lower seat: 31.1 in (790 mm) vs 31.7 in (805 mm).
- The Scrambler Cafe Racer makes more peak power: 73 hp (54 kW) vs 68 hp (51 kW).
- The Thruxton makes more peak torque: 53 lb-ft (72 Nm) vs 50 lb-ft (68 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not their thing
For all-day comfort, both fall short. Keep the rides short and you'll get on fine with either.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Thruxton
What owners say
Strengths
- Iconic classic cafe racer styling
- Solid and reliable engine
Scrambler Cafe Racer
What owners say
Strengths
- Characterful and tractable L‑twin engine
- Nimble, confidence‑inspiring handling
- Out‑of‑the‑box café‑racer style
Known problems to check before you buy
Thruxton
- Rear suspension unit weld recall (2004) Recall 04V496000 A poor weld on the rear suspension unit body could cause the unit to fail, compromising stability and risking a crash. Triumph recalled affected 2004 models to replace the rear suspension units (NHTSA 04V496000).
Scrambler Cafe Racer
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
What they share
- Peak torque at
- 5,750 rpm
Where the spec sheets split
| Thruxton | Scrambler Cafe Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.1 in (790 mm) | 31.7 in (805 mm) |
| Thruxton | Scrambler Cafe Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 865 cc | 803 cc |
| Engine | Parallel twin | L-twin |
| Cooling | Air-cooled | Air/oil-cooled |
| Power | 68 hp (51 kW) | 73 hp (54 kW) |
| Torque | 53 lb-ft (72 Nm) | 50 lb-ft (68 Nm) |
| Thruxton | Scrambler Cafe Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 45 mpg (US) / 5.2 L/100 km | 47 mpg (US) / 5 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 4.2 US gal (16 L) | 3.6 US gal (13.5 L) |
| Thruxton | Scrambler Cafe Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 6-speed |
| Fork | Telescopic | Upside-down (USD) |
| Front tire | 100/90-18 | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 130/80-17 | 180/55-17 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Thruxton | Scrambler Cafe Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Manually Adjustable Front Suspension | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
