By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Scrambler vs Retro Classic
Ducati Scrambler Classic (MY2015) vs Triumph Street Twin (DP03)
Ducati Scrambler Classic vs Triumph Street Twin: buy with your heart, but read this first.
Tip into a bend on the Ducati Scrambler Classic and it's already turning, its wide bars levering it over with barely a push. The Triumph Street Twin's forks settle and it holds steady.
So which one do you buy?
The Scrambler Classic has the edge if…
Keeping running costs low
Narrow edge: Scrambler Classic
For the money you spend after the purchase, the Scrambler Classic nudges ahead. The gap is too small to plan a budget around.
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Nose ahead: Scrambler Classic
Back-road fun leans slightly toward the Scrambler Classic. That comes from lighter steering. It's a narrow call, so trust your test ride.
Which one's the smarter buy
Different bikes, different deals
The Scrambler Classic and Street Twin sit in different classes, so value is a trade-off. Neither is the obvious better buy for the money.
What makes each one tick
Scrambler Classic
There's real low-rev grunt in the Scrambler Classic's air-cooled L-twin, and the throttle brings a clean shove from low revs. Up top, it fades early. On broken pavement, the preload-only Kayaba fork and shock can't keep the ride from getting choppy. Through the Twisted Sisters, its light chassis snaps between corners.
Street Twin
The Street Twin's seat sits low and its upright stance doesn't fold anyone into a crouch, and there's a plush cushion for the daily ride. The 900 cc parallel twin shoves hard from the middle of the rev range. The steering stays neutral through sweepers. The brake lever bites harder the further it's pulled.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Street Twin has the lower seat: 30.1 in (765 mm) vs 31.1 in (790 mm).
- The Scrambler Classic has the lower wet weight: 410 lb (186 kg) vs 476 lb (216 kg).
- The Scrambler Classic makes more peak power: 73 hp (54 kW) vs 64 hp (48 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Neither is a natural fit
Big miles aren't where either one shines. You'll be watching for the next rest stop.
There's no real gap on commuting and a first bike. Sit on both and let fit and price decide.
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
Street Twin
What owners say
Strengths
- Significantly improved engine performance
- Excellent front brake feel and power
- Timeless retro styling with modern fit and finish
- Comfortable and commuter-friendly ergonomics
What they cost used
These prices compare a 7-year-old Scrambler Classic with a 7-year-old Street Twin.
- Scrambler Classic
- about $7,000
- Street Twin
- about $5,900
At seven years old, the Ducati Scrambler Classic sits around $7,000 while the Triumph Street Twin lands near $5,900. That leaves the Street Twin about $1,100 cheaper. These are US market estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Fork
- Telescopic
Where the spec sheets split
| Scrambler Classic | Street Twin | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 31.1 in (790 mm) | 30.1 in (765 mm) |
| Wet weight | 410 lb (186 kg) | 476 lb (216 kg) |
| Scrambler Classic | Street Twin | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 803 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine | L-twin | Parallel twin |
| Cooling | Air-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Power | 73 hp (54 kW) | 64 hp (48 kW) |
| Torque | 50 lb-ft (68 Nm) | 59 lb-ft (80 Nm) |
| Scrambler Classic | Street Twin | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 3.6 US gal (13.5 L) | 3.2 US gal (12 L) |
| Scrambler Classic | Street Twin | |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| Front tire | 110/80-18 | 100/90-18 |
| Rear tire | 180/55-17 | 150/70-17 |
| Wheelbase | 56.9 in (1445 mm) | 55.7 in (1415 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Scrambler Classic | Street Twin | |
|---|---|---|
| Ride Modes | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
