Scrambler Ducati Urban Motard: fun not just in the city

A sunny day, a little-known area to explore and a Ducati Scrambler 800 Urban Motard. What more could you ask for?

What the Ducati Scrambler Urban Motard looks like

Already the colour and street art inspired graphics blew me away as soon as I saw it, I couldn’t help but get on the saddle! This scrambler has a sporty look and is reminiscent of off-roading with that high, clearly visible front mudguard. The livery in Star White Silk and Ducati red (specifically Ducati GP ’19) stands out and winks at the younger generation.

I left the Ducati Verona dealership to head for the Lessini mountains and the Urban Motard was immediately intuitive and easy to ride. Thanks to the low weight of 180 kg (196 kg in running order) and the seat height, I felt at ease right from the first kilometres. The engine is an 803 cc L-twin (hey, I’m a sucker for a twin-cylinder!) with air/oil cooling and desmodromic distribution*. Its 73 hp at 8,250 rpm and 67 Nm make it ready for overtaking and gear changes.
The chassis has the typical steel tube frame in black, which is also good to look at, with Kayba suspension (mono adjustable in preload) with a wheel travel of 150 mm. The seat is very comfortable, black in colour and blending well with the overall design.

The brakes are Brembo with a 330 mm front single disc and 4-piston radial caliper. The spoked wheels are 17-inch and come standard with Pirelli Diablo Rosso III tyres (120/70 and 180/55).

As lighting system we find a front headlamp with LED DRLs and interchangeable aluminium frame, a rear headlamp with LED diffusion technology and turn indicators, also LED.

Very few electronics available but I don’t mind at all. Apart from the standard ABS Cornering, the rest is minimal. The LCD screen gives us the information we need (gear indication and fuel level) without any frills or distractions.

A convenient USB socket is located in the under-seat compartment.

The road test

Riding it through the tight curves and hairpin bends of the Lessinia made me enjoy it more than a little. Light but well planted on the asphalt, the Urban Motard proved to be responsive in changes of direction, thanks to the wide handlebars with low bend and the posture you feel immersed in the ride. The gearbox is smooth and the clutch and brakes are soft, really useful details for beginners or those who use the bike in the city.

The engine has to be understood for a moment: no need to pull, but if you stay between 4000 – 5000 rpm the fun is assured! Don’t expect an aggressive bike but one that knows how to make you enjoy riding in a ‘playful’ way so much it is simple and prints a smile under your helmet!

Thanks for the availability to Ducati Verona

*Desmodromic distribution: two valves per cylinder