By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Scrambler
Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled (MY2017) vs Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC (DS04)
Hit a rutted gravel road on the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled and the long-travel suspension doesn't kick back at you. The Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC's Showa suspension swallows trail hits.
So which one do you buy?
The Scrambler Desert Sled has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Nose ahead: Scrambler Desert Sled
The Scrambler Desert Sled nudges ahead once the pavement starts to wiggle. Put it down to more feel through the bars. Don't expect a night-and-day difference.
The Scrambler 1200 XC has the edge if…
Daily commuting & city riding
Narrow edge: Scrambler 1200 XC
On the way to work, the Scrambler 1200 XC asks a little less of you. Most of that is easier everyday riding. Close enough that the test ride should settle it.
Character, looks and sound
A touch ahead: Scrambler 1200 XC
The Scrambler 1200 XC carries slightly more attitude. Thank a better engine note and more engine character for that. A close call, and a personal one.
Real off-road capability
Edges it: Scrambler 1200 XC
On gravel and fire roads, the Scrambler 1200 XC is a touch more at home. Keep it light, though.
Which one's the smarter buy
Money won't decide it
The Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled costs less, but that doesn't make it the better buy. Neither bike is the clear winner on value at these used prices.
What makes each one tick
Scrambler Desert Sled
Into a tight corner, the Desert Sled flicks in off its wide bar, and its tall seat doesn't make the chassis feel top-heavy. The throttle wakes the Desmodue twin with a thick shove from low revs. It doesn't snatch or startle. The L-twin's punch keeps hauling you out of each bend.
Scrambler 1200 XC
The XC's parallel twin shoves hard from low rpm and pulls in one even line. The brake lever has 507 lb (230 kg) of bike to haul down. In technical terrain, it's a handful. Its seat height steadies that weight when it's barely rolling.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Scrambler 1200 XC has the lower seat: 33.1 in (840 mm) vs 33.9 in (860 mm).
- The Scrambler Desert Sled has the lower wet weight: 456 lb (207 kg) vs 507 lb (230 kg).
- The Scrambler 1200 XC makes more peak power: 89 hp (66 kW) vs 73 hp (54 kW).
Which one for the way you ride
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not their thing
Hours in the saddle won't flatter either of these. They're happier on shorter runs.
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 1200 XC
What owners say
Strengths
- Striking retro-modern design
- Genuine off-road capability with long-travel suspension
- Grunt-rich, smooth parallel-twin engine
Trade-offs
- Heavy weight hinders aggressive off-road use
Known problems to check before you buy
Scrambler Desert Sled
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
Scrambler 1200 XC
- Key fob out-of-range warnings Some owners report intermittent 'out of range' or smart-key errors from the keyless system, possibly tied to fob battery or antenna reception.
What they cost used
These prices compare a 4-year-old Scrambler Desert Sled with a 4-year-old Scrambler 1200 XC.
- Scrambler Desert Sled
- about $7,600
- Scrambler 1200 XC
- about $11,000
At four years old, the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled sits around $7,600 while the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XC runs about $11,000. That's a $3,400 gap in the Ducati's favor. These are US market estimates, not live listings.
What they share
- Gearbox
- 6-speed
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Upside-down (USD)
- Front travel
- 7.9 in (200 mm)
- Rear travel
- 7.9 in (200 mm)
Where the spec sheets split
| Scrambler Desert Sled | Scrambler 1200 XC | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 33.9 in (860 mm) | 33.1 in (840 mm) |
| Wet weight | 456 lb (207 kg) | 507 lb (230 kg) |
| Scrambler Desert Sled | Scrambler 1200 XC | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 803 cc | 1200 cc |
| Engine | L-twin | Parallel twin |
| Cooling | Air/oil-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Power | 73 hp (54 kW) | 89 hp (66 kW) |
| Peak power at | 8,250 rpm | 7,250 rpm |
| Torque | 50 lb-ft (68 Nm) | 81 lb-ft (110 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 5,750 rpm | 4,500 rpm |
| Scrambler Desert Sled | Scrambler 1200 XC | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 3.6 US gal (13.5 L) | 4.2 US gal (16 L) |
| Scrambler Desert Sled | Scrambler 1200 XC | |
|---|---|---|
| Front brake | 330 mm | 320 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-19 | 90/90-21 |
| Rear tire | 170/60-17 | 150/70-17 |
| Wheelbase | 59.3 in (1505 mm) | 60.2 in (1530 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Scrambler Desert Sled | Scrambler 1200 XC | |
|---|---|---|
| Traction Control | Not offered | Standard |
| Cruise Control | Not offered | Standard |
| TFT Display | Not offered | Standard |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
