By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Scrambler
Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled (MY2017) vs Scrambler Cafe Racer (MY2017)
Turn the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled into a bend and it flicks down from its tall perch, on a chassis that's begging for more pace. On the Ducati Scrambler Cafe Racer, sharper geometry has the front tipping in the instant you lean on the clip-ons. It's dancing toward the apex while you're still settling.
So which one do you buy?
The Scrambler Desert Sled has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
A touch ahead: Scrambler Desert Sled
Back-road fun leans slightly toward the Scrambler Desert Sled. Thank better suspension for that. It's a narrow call, so trust your test ride.
The Scrambler Cafe Racer has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Inches ahead: Scrambler Cafe Racer
For the ride to work, the Scrambler Cafe Racer noses ahead. Put it down to friendlier manners and a smaller footprint. Don't let that alone make the call.
Character, looks and sound
Narrow edge: Scrambler Cafe Racer
The Scrambler Cafe Racer has a bit more presence and character. Credit a better engine note. This one still comes down to taste.
Which one's the smarter buy
Even on value
The Desert Sled costs less, but the value is even. Neither is the clear better buy for the money.
What makes each one tick
Scrambler Desert Sled
Gravel roads don't faze the Desert Sled, which sits you upright behind a wide handlebar on long-travel suspension. A small twist of throttle is all the L-twin needs, and it's pulling hard from low revs before it punches again higher up. Back on pavement, there's only a light push on the bar to swap it from corner to corner. The fork's swallowing fire-road ruts.
Scrambler Cafe Racer
Through the linked curves of the Blue Ridge Parkway, there's hardly any weight to fight as the Cafe Racer changes direction. Its L-twin doesn't jerk when the throttle comes back, and it pulls smoothly from low revs.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Scrambler Cafe Racer has the lower seat: 31.7 in (805 mm) vs 33.9 in (860 mm).
- The Scrambler Cafe Racer has the lower wet weight: 417 lb (189 kg) vs 456 lb (207 kg).
- Front Suspension Adjustable: standard on the Scrambler Desert Sled, not offered on the Scrambler Cafe Racer.
Which one for the way you ride
Real off-road capability
Not suited: Scrambler Cafe Racer
Trails aren't the Scrambler Cafe Racer's territory, so it sits this one out.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Wrong job for both
Both of these get tiring on a long day. A proper tourer will treat you better on big miles.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Scrambler Desert Sled
What owners say
Strengths
- Agile handling on pavement
- Genuine off-road capability
- Torquey, characterful 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
What they cost used
These prices compare a 7-year-old Scrambler Desert Sled with a 7-year-old Scrambler Cafe Racer.
- Scrambler Desert Sled
- about $7,500
- Scrambler Cafe Racer
- about $8,000
What they share
- Displacement
- 803 cc
- Engine
- L-twin
- Cooling
- Air/oil-cooled
- Power
- 73 hp (54 kW)
- Torque
- 50 lb-ft (68 Nm)
- Peak torque at
- 5,750 rpm
- Fuel capacity
- 3.6 US gal (13.5 L)
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
Where the spec sheets split
| Scrambler Desert Sled | Scrambler Cafe Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 33.9 in (860 mm) | 31.7 in (805 mm) |
| Wet weight | 456 lb (207 kg) | 417 lb (189 kg) |
| Scrambler Desert Sled | Scrambler Cafe Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Front tire | 120/70-19 | 120/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 170/60-17 | 180/55-17 |
| Ground clearance | 9.1 in (230 mm) | 5.7 in (145 mm) |
| Front travel | 7.9 in (200 mm) | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
| Rear travel | 7.9 in (200 mm) | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Scrambler Desert Sled | Scrambler Cafe Racer | |
|---|---|---|
| Front Suspension Adjustable | Standard | Not offered |
| Smartphone Connectivity | Not offered | Option |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
