By NastyNils· ·
Motorcycle comparison · Scrambler vs Retro Classic
Ducati Scrambler Classic (MY2015) vs Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough (MY2020)
You'll feel the split the moment you roll on the throttle: the Ducati Scrambler Classic's L-twin pulls in one steady line from low revs. The Moto Guzzi V7 III Rough's transverse twin thumps at the bottom instead, where it's got its torque. Higher up, it smooths right out.
So which one do you buy?
The Scrambler Classic has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Nose ahead: Scrambler Classic
Once the road starts to bend, the Scrambler Classic noses ahead. That comes from lighter steering and more feel through the bars. Your own skill counts for more than a gap this size.
Daily commuting & city riding
A touch ahead: Scrambler Classic
Day in, day out, the Scrambler Classic nudges ahead in traffic. It isn't a big enough gap to plan around.
The V7 III Rough has the edge if…
Comfortable long-distance riding
By a nose: V7 III Rough
Long days lean slightly toward the V7 III Rough. Thank more range per tank for that. Your own body is the better judge of a gap this small.
Keeping running costs low
Inches ahead: V7 III Rough
On running costs, the V7 III Rough edges it. Not by enough to bank on.
What makes each one tick
Scrambler Classic
Through the Twisted Sisters, there's so much leverage in the wide bars that the Scrambler Classic drops into each bend with barely a nudge. Broken pavement is where it struggles. The preload-only Kayaba fork and shock can't stop the ride from getting choppy. The brake lever hauls this light bike down hard.
V7 III Rough
Knobby tires on spoked wheels and a shaft drive underneath give the V7 III Rough its iconic Guzzi feel. At corner entry, the chassis steers in quickly and doesn't fight the bar. Basic suspension and the bike's weight keep reminding you it's an old-school machine. The rear end soaks up the bumps.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The V7 III Rough has the lower seat: 30.3 in (770 mm) vs 31.1 in (790 mm).
- The Scrambler Classic has the lower wet weight: 410 lb (186 kg) vs 470 lb (213 kg).
- The Scrambler Classic makes more peak power: 73 hp (54 kW) vs 52 hp (38 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
They come out level on a first bike. The better-kept used example is the smarter money.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Scrambler Classic
What owners say
Strengths
- Lightweight, nimble handling
- Smooth, characterful V-twin engine
- Accessible and beginner-friendly
- Stylish retro design with quality finish
Trade-offs
- Basic suspension limits chassis potential
- Engine lacks top-end rush for experienced riders
V7 III Rough
What owners say
Strengths
- Soulful transverse V-twin character
What they share
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Fork
- Telescopic
Where the spec sheets split
| Scrambler Classic | V7 III Rough | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.1 in (790 mm) | 30.3 in (770 mm) |
| Wet weight | 410 lb (186 kg) | 470 lb (213 kg) |
| Scrambler Classic | V7 III Rough | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 803 cc | 744 cc |
| Engine | L-twin | 90° V-twin |
| Power | 73 hp (54 kW) | 52 hp (38 kW) |
| Peak power at | 8,250 rpm | 6,200 rpm |
| Torque | 50 lb-ft (68 Nm) | 44 lb-ft (60 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 5,750 rpm | 4,900 rpm |
| Scrambler Classic | V7 III Rough | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 44 mpg (US) / 5.4 L/100 km | 43 mpg (US) / 5.5 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 3.6 US gal (13.5 L) | 5.5 US gal (21 L) |
| Scrambler Classic | V7 III Rough | |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake | 330 mm | 320 mm |
| Front tire | 110/80-18 | 100/90-18 |
| Rear tire | 180/55-17 | 130/80-17 |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Scrambler Classic | V7 III Rough | |
|---|---|---|
| Traction Control | Not offered | Standard |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Not offered | Option |
| Heated Grips | Option | Not offered |
| Luggage System | Option | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
