By NastyNils·
Motorcycle comparison · Scrambler
Triumph Street Scrambler Sandstorm Edition (MY2021) vs Ducati Scrambler Icon (K1)
You'll roll on the Triumph Street Scrambler Sandstorm Edition's throttle in crawling traffic, and its twin's pulling hard before the tach needle has moved much. On the Ducati Scrambler Icon, a small twist at walking pace comes in with a rowdy jolt. Its rear tire can step out if you're careless.
So which one do you buy?
The Scrambler Icon has the edge if…
Sporty riding on twisty roads
By a nose: Scrambler Icon
On a winding road, the Scrambler Icon comes out a touch ahead. Credit lighter steering and a sportier chassis. You wouldn't bet much on a gap like that.
Character, looks and sound
Narrow edge: Scrambler Icon
On character, the Scrambler Icon edges it. The difference is more scrambler looks and more distinctive styling. Your eyes get the final say.
What makes each one tick
Street Scrambler Sandstorm Edition
The Street Scrambler Sandstorm Edition hangs a wide bar over a slim tank and mid-set pegs, and its seat holds an upright posture you'll keep all day. The Bonneville twin doesn't chase revs. Along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a crack of throttle keeps the twin thumping from one bend to the next. The spoked front wheel tracks calmly over packed gravel.
Scrambler Icon
Behind the teardrop tank and round headlight, the Scrambler Icon hides a trellis frame and a wide bar that's quick to tip it into bends. Nobody expected the pretty bike parked outside the hotel to actually perform in the mountains. The single front disc bites cleanly from its first squeeze of the lever, and there's real stopping force behind it. Choppy pavement rattles the stiff fork. Its pegs kiss the cold asphalt mid-corner.
The Voice of Experience
What actually separates them
- The Scrambler Icon has the lower wet weight: 410 lb (186 kg) vs 492 lb (223 kg).
- The Scrambler Icon makes more peak power: 75 hp (55 kW) vs 64 hp (48 kW).
- The Street Scrambler Sandstorm Edition 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
Sits this out: Street Scrambler Sandstorm Edition
Leave the Street Scrambler Sandstorm Edition on the pavement. Real dirt isn't what it's made for.
Comfortable long-distance riding
Not built for this
Big miles aren't where either one shines. You'll be watching for the next rest stop.
On commuting, these two are a wash. That's where your budget and your inseam get the final say.
Who each one is built for
What's good, and what you'll live with
Street Scrambler Sandstorm Edition
What owners say
Strengths
- Attractive retro scrambler styling with premium details
- Comfortable upright riding position for road use
- Light off-road capability on hard-packed surfaces
- Torque-rich engine with strong low-end grunt
Scrambler Icon
Strengths
- More capable than it looks
- Highway composure that surprises
- Cockpit and controls sorted
- A seat that actually works
- Lightweight and agile handling
Trade-offs
- Fork harsh early in travel
- Fussy from a cold start
Known problems to check before you buy
Street Scrambler Sandstorm Edition
No confirmed faults on file yet. That's not the same as fault-free.
Scrambler Icon
- Side stand pivot bolt may fail Recall 16V891000 A defective pivot bolt can cause the side stand to deploy or the position sensor to malfunction, potentially causing engine stall or crash. Ducati recalled 5,502 units (NHTSA 16V891).
What they share
- Seat height
- 31.1 in (790 mm)
- Final drive
- Chain
- Fork
- Telescopic
Where the spec sheets split
| Street Scrambler Sandstorm Edition | Scrambler Icon | |
|---|---|---|
| Wet weight | 492 lb (223 kg) | 410 lb (186 kg) |
| Street Scrambler Sandstorm Edition | Scrambler Icon | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 900 cc | 803 cc |
| Engine | Parallel twin | L-twin |
| Cooling | Liquid-cooled | Air-cooled |
| Power | 64 hp (48 kW) | 75 hp (55 kW) |
| Peak power at | 7,250 rpm | 8,250 rpm |
| Torque | 59 lb-ft (80 Nm) | 50 lb-ft (68 Nm) |
| Peak torque at | 3,250 rpm | 5,750 rpm |
| Street Scrambler Sandstorm Edition | Scrambler Icon | |
|---|---|---|
| Fuel economy | 55 mpg (US) / 4.3 L/100 km | 43 mpg (US) / 5.43 L/100 km |
| Fuel capacity | 3.2 US gal (12.1 L) | 3.6 US gal (13.5 L) |
| Street Scrambler Sandstorm Edition | Scrambler Icon | |
|---|---|---|
| Gearbox | 5-speed | 6-speed |
| Front brake | 310 mm | 330 mm |
| Front tire | 100/90-19 | 110/80-18 |
| Rear tire | 150/70-17 | 180/55-17 |
| Wheelbase | 56.8 in (1443 mm) | 56.9 in (1445 mm) |
| Front travel | 4.7 in (120 mm) | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
| Rear travel | 4.7 in (120 mm) | 5.9 in (150 mm) |
What comes fitted, what costs extra
| Street Scrambler Sandstorm Edition | Scrambler Icon | |
|---|---|---|
| Traction Control | Standard | Not offered |
| Ride Modes | Standard | Not offered |
Head to head, area by area
Both bikes on the same scale, one area at a time.
