By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Scrambler
Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled (MY2017) vs Triumph Street Scrambler (DC01)
Tip the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled into a bend and it's already flicking over, the tall chassis settling right where you aim it. On the Triumph Street Scrambler, it's the parallel twin's low-end grunt that pulls you through the turn. Its exhaust note growls you out the other side.
So which one do you buy?
The Scrambler Desert Sled has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
Inches ahead: Scrambler Desert Sled
Once the road starts to bend, the Scrambler Desert Sled noses ahead. Thank better suspension and harder acceleration for that. Your own skill counts for more than a gap this size.
Character, looks and sound
Nose ahead: Scrambler Desert Sled
On character, the Scrambler Desert Sled edges it. It's down to a better engine note and more distinctive styling. Your eyes get the final say.
Which one's the smarter buy
Even on value
The price gap is too small to decide the value question. Neither bike is the clear better buy for the money.
What makes each one tick
Scrambler Desert Sled
It's on gravel and fire roads that the Scrambler Desert Sled's long-travel suspension and big front wheel earn their keep. There's 7.9 in (200 mm) of travel at each end, and a washboard bump soaks into it before it ever reaches the wide bar. The high seat puts you upright. The Desmodue L-twin thumps hard from low revs.
Street Scrambler
In stop-and-go city traffic, the Street Scrambler's liquid-cooled twin hauls cleanly from barely above idle. With the seat at 31.1 in (790 mm), you'll have both boots down the moment the brake lever brings it to a halt. Its upright bar doesn't stretch you. The high pipes and wire wheels catch every glance.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Street Scrambler has the lower seat: 31.1 in (790 mm) vs 33.9 in (860 mm).
- The Scrambler Desert Sled makes more peak power: 73 hp (54 kW) vs 54 hp (40 kW).
- The Street Scrambler makes more peak torque: 59 lb-ft (80 Nm) vs 50 lb-ft (68 Nm).
Which one for the way you ride
Real off-road capability
Not its job: Street Scrambler
No off-road verdict for the Street Scrambler. It isn't built for the dirt.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Neither one fits
Hours in the saddle won't flatter either of these. They're happier on shorter runs.
They come out level on commuting. 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 Desert Sled
What owners say
Strengths
- Agile handling on pavement
- Genuine off-road capability
- Torquey, characterful engine
Street Scrambler
What owners say
Strengths
- Classic scrambler styling
- Comfortable and accessible ergonomics
- Torquey, characterful engine
What they cost used
These prices compare a 9-year-old Scrambler Desert Sled with a 9-year-old Street Scrambler.
- Scrambler Desert Sled
- about $6,500
- Street Scrambler
- about $6,300
What they share
- Final drive
- Chain
Where the spec sheets split
| Scrambler Desert Sled | Street Scrambler | |
|---|---|---|
| Seat height | 33.9 in (860 mm) | 31.1 in (790 mm) |
| Scrambler Desert Sled | Street Scrambler | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 803 cc | 900 cc |
| Engine | L-twin | Parallel twin |
| Cooling | Air/oil-cooled | Liquid-cooled |
| Power | 73 hp (54 kW) | 54 hp (40 kW) |
| Peak power at | 8,250 rpm | 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 50 lb-ft (68 Nm) | 59 lb-ft (80 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 5,750 rpm | 3,230 rpm |
| Scrambler Desert Sled | Street Scrambler | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel capacity | 3.6 US gal (13.5 L) | 3.2 US gal (12 L) |
| Scrambler Desert Sled | Street Scrambler | |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | 6-speed | 5-speed |
| Fork | Upside-down (USD) | Telescopic |
| Front brake | 330 mm | 310 mm |
| Front tire | 120/70-19 | 100/90-19 |
| Rear tire | 170/60-17 | 150/70-17 |
| Wheelbase | 59.3 in (1505 mm) | 56.7 in (1440 mm) |
| Ground clearance | 9.1 in (230 mm) | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
| Front travel | 7.9 in (200 mm) | 4.7 in (120 mm) |
| Rear travel | 7.9 in (200 mm) | 4.7 in (120 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Scrambler Desert Sled | Street Scrambler | |
|---|---|---|
| Traction Control | Not offered | Standard |
| Front Suspension Adjustable | Standard | Not offered |
| Slipper Clutch | Standard | Not offered |
| LED Headlight | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
