The Ducati Scrambler 800 Icon | Your Entry Point into the World of Ducati 

I am learning English from your videos. The best pronunciation I've heard. Thank you.

Brilliant honest review Freddie. In my opinion, you just wouldn't get such an honest review by one of the big motorcycle magazines, because they fear losing advertising revenue. This is why it's great that you are an independent reviewer who says it as it is, good or bad. Bravo👍

I bought the nightshift earlier this year it’s been a joy to ride, it’s definitely suited to to the road . I use mine for bombing around town. The nightshift has a shorter stiffer front mudguard but no rear mudguard. The indicators are much better too. I’m 5’8 and I think it’s the perfect for shorter riders.

This is the best balanced and honest reviews I have seen. I have been thinking about buying a used Triumph Scrambler for a good while but felt the prices of used bikes are too high. Circa 8yr old bikes being advertised+£6k. However I think you nailed it with your comments on quality. I have made my mind up to bite the bullet. I just hope I won't need a head gasket anytime soon!

As an owner of the triumph 900 scrambler and the Ducati scrambler I find myself choosing the Ducati more than the triumph because its more nimble, lighter and a more enjoyable ride, I’ve a lot of upgrades too, lower handlebars nitron rear shock and fork kit plus termignoni exhaust and comfort seat make what is a good bike amazing. Great honest fair review Freddie.

I've been watching bike related content for years and stumbled upon your channel. I would say that you are an artist and an intellectual that is able to paint a mental picture in such a way that I hunted through more of your content. You are able to explore and discover the motorcycle then communicate perfectly to the watcher thereby creating a connection that stimulates thought. Bravo 👏👏

Freddie, WELL DONE! 👏🏻 56 year old rider here. I don’t want big and heavy anymore and this bike is on my shortlist. You anticipated pretty much all my questions. Thank you.

Hey Freddie, we love your channel and your honest bike reviews! But: You can’t do a Ducati review without commenting on the incredible sound, the smell of oils, the immense heat from the engine and the temperamental L-twin performance. This is a 100% Italian passion bike. A nimble, charming, city-rocket with one of the best sounding engines ever made. (Taken from the Ducati Monster) It’s not meant to be on motorways or straight roads in general. This bike is also not for touring extended periods of time - it was made for chasing cafes in the narrow, winding cobblestone roads of a city. To be fair - those bikes were £7500 before Brexit, which is the price I bought mine for. :) All the best!

I traded in my Monster+ (937cc) for one of these new Scrambler Icons earlier this year. I don't regret my "downgrade" at all. The Scrambler's power is way more usable around town (the way more powerful Monster did not like going slow), feels lighter/more nimble, can carry luggage/panniers, doesn't fry my arse in temps over 85F/30C, and (subjectively) looks much better (even though I'm not a Monster purist and don't care about the missing trellis frame). I hit some dirt fire roads in the mountains this past weekend and the bike was a blast. Handled it all like a champ. If anyone has doubts about the Scrambler's off-road credibility, I point you to MotoGeo. He absolutely thrashes this bike (albeit the previous gen) around off-road.

I have to say I think it’s a great looking bike, catches my eye whenever I see one. So much improved aesthetically over the previous model. My brother had the previous model when they first came out and swapped it for a hypermotard within weeks so guess you do need to live with it for a while to really know

Great review as always Freddie. It’s because of your reviews that I now own a red and chrome Classic 350 and my friend has the Meteor 350! Hope you’ve recovered after that sting. Had a similar experience with a horsefly trapped under my jacket. Bit me under the arm. You looked quite pale. Looking forward to the next bike review. See you on Tuesday at Dobbs’.

Great video as always. Been looking for next bike for months and you’ve really helped me decide. Triumph scrambler it is.

Great videos. Besides the accent (that I love), the long takes, broll in the middle, etc… your videos are informative without all the nonsense of todays Moto bloggers.

Thanks for your honesty in this review Freddie. I am not I the market for a scrambler but for those who are I would say you have been a great help.

Excellent video and commentary. Appreciate all the input as I’m looking to upgrade from a Honda Rebel 300. Lots of good options and I bet they’re all enjoyable in their own right. Cheers!

A few friends and l tried one of these around the Algarve mountains and our thoughts to a man, "full of character and a great bike". We all could live with it. Great review, thanks Freddie

I have a Ducati and do as much maintenance as possible myself - but being a Ducati, there are some specialist items that need the Dealer’s input. The Dealer parts and fees are very expensive (but just the exhaust sound, acceleration and handling make that all almost worthwhile 😏). Once again, a really enjoyable review, thanks.

good honest review Freddie, i own a 2018 Ducati 800 Classic Scrambler, am 5 feet 9 inches and i feel the riding position is just about right for me, i tried a triumph scrambler the weight difference when riding won me over the Ducati scrambler feels so much lighter, yes the seat is woeful after an hour your backside is screaming for a break, but as the basic bike hasn't changed since it came out there are loads aftermarket seats and footpegs out there that can add a great deal extra comfort,, as for turning circle never really noticed on the road and because the weight is low down is no problem to move about in carparks and my storage place,, one thing to mention the servicing costs are high, mine just hit 5 years old so needs belts and rollers, nearly £900.00 with a major service course, thats with an independent shop, my bike only covered 3000 miles so am lucky at present as am told the desmo service is even more expensive when they get to 9000 miles,,

Great video as always! I have the previous generation Scrambler and I was a bit surprised it wasn’t that appealing to you! Have you watched the Motogeo Scrambler content? Especially the Freedom Machine short film? Really the reason I bought it! Can’t wait to see what you cover next! Keep doing what you do!!

Great review Freddie, I think I would be very disappointed if I spent 10k on a bike that felt cheap around the edges and was uncomfortable after such a short period of time, I know it's not a direct comparison but I would feel much happier spending less than half the money on a Scram or Himalayan. Cheers Freddie👍

I fully agree with UBS port placement... what I've done is 2m cable and routed it below the tank- works great, looks good :)

Test drove these bikes one after another in 6 hours, Ducati scrambler, Guzzi v7 stone, Yamaha xsr700, triumph speed twin, moto Morini 6 1/2. The best one, the Ducati! It is so easy to ride! And the engine is really powerful

Hey Freddie - great review, you are a real trooper carrying on with the video regardless of your injury!

You are a fantastic reviewer. Very well put and points came across well. Would love to see you review more bikes!

Enjoyed your series of videos on the Ducati Scrambler. My feeling is that this bike is only a "scrambler" by name simply for styling. That engine is seriously vulnerable to damage taking it off roading as that front cylinder is pointing in directly in the path of any rocks or branches the bike is taken over, especially with it's limited ground clearance. Interestingly I've seen many of these come up for sale quite new, with low mileage (

Hands down, the best channel on youtube ❤️👍 thank you

One thing i liked about the new scrambler is the tank is covered in a plastic panels and you can basically completely change the colour with optional parts! Sadly, like you at 6ft 2 I'm to tall to be comfortable but i do have a soft spot for these bikes! I wanted the previous model but i didn't fit the bike to well

Hi there, it is the first time i find out your work. I wanted to congratulate you for your original review on a british delicate and smart way. It was pleasant and instructive for me as a tall french guy maybe too tall to buy this one. Cheer from France.

Freddie.. I’ve just purchased a new Yamaha XSR 700 in black and gold. I cannot wait for you to do a full review and hear your thoughts on this retro styled bike. Colm from Galway

I've sat on one of these in person and was shocked just how well it fit my body (other than those footpegs). I'm 5 foot 7 and I feel like between the bars, seat, and low to the ground weight it's something meant for someone of my size and strength.

Great review Freddie. I love that Ducati, looks, engine and, for me, size (I’m 5’8”) I would have one over the Triumph scrambler which I think ugly. I would sacrifice the quality and long distance ability of the Triumph for the Ducati scrambler. And now you mention the beautiful Kawasaki Z650RS. …. I’m in turmoil……The Kawasaki is the best one I believe. I’m going to buy a brand new bike and I think it will be the Kawasaki. Thanks Freddie, very enlightening.

Dear Freddie, Firstly, many thanks for taking the time and effort that you obviously put into your videos - I cannot thank you enough; they're really fantastic. I was wondering if you could help me? I'm seriously considering buying a brand new Bonneville T120. I think that they're absolutely gorgeous bikes and, because I haven't got the cash to keep chopping and changing my motorcycles every two or three years, I wanted to buy something that is not going to age. In other words, I don't want a machine that's loaded with all the most up-to-date technical wizardry (technology that will be soon out of date, like so many iPhones of the past!). Simplicity is marvellous! So, here's the rub. As much as I love the T120 (and the Speedmaster, come to think of it), what's putting me off is all the exposed chrome and engine parts. I really don't want to spend every other day washing and cleaning my pride and joy. Of course, I will do my very best to keep it in pristine condition, and treat it with the respect it deserves, but, all said and done, I would very much like to follow in your footsteps and do some serious touring around Europe (and perhaps even further afield). Now, if I'm out on the road for a fortnight or so, there's no way I'm going to be able to keep the bike spotless. And the last thing I would want is to return to Blighty after a 2,000 mile round trip, to find all the chrome pitted and rusted, and an inch of dried crud and crap caked onto the engine. Can you see my concern? If you could possibly offer me any reassurance or advice, then it would be gratefully received. Many thanks for your time, Freddie and, if you're ever near CV7 in the Midlands, it would be my very great pleasure to buy you a drink! Looking forward to your reply, Neil.

Hi very good review i brought the same bike in red a few weeks ago as a bike to get back into road biking after 5 years and loving it . agree with the usb position but just got a longer cable and routed under tank . Why anyone wants to take them off road is beyond as its great on the road and i have an enduro bike for laning Yes its expensive but a bit different . Thanks for the great review .

Good honest review of a bike that would meet many peoples everyday needs...though i can't believe Ducati wanted your credit card details before you got the bike to review...as you are certainly a trusted and respectful reviewer

Really interesting review. I have to say as an owner of a few bikes one of which is an Icon (2018) with a number of mods, it's my favourite machine on a number of levels. Don't forget the increased servicing costs (I'm thinking belts every 5 years especially) and the fact that an owner cannot reset the service indicator lights all of which increase annoyances and running costs. I would be surprised if Enfield hit with you with similar when they release their anticipated 650 scrambler next year. Cheers

Hi Freddie n Monica .. great review never knew it was so small a bike I used to ride a ts 250 suzuki back in the days it even looks smaller than that bike. It would be a triumph 400 for me....

Appreciate this review very much. I thought you might mention the RE 650cc’s as a comparison. I’m just coming off a 10-day ride through Tuscany, on a 2023 Icon and I can tell you, I’m sold on it for all the reasons you mentioned. I was just about to put money down on a bigger bike with bigger specs and bigger everything. But with a few days on this bike, the irrationality of such a decision was made clear. Sometimes less is more, and this bike has plenty. Between 30-60mph (50-100 kmh), which is 95% of my riding, it’s hard to touch this bike. The guys on the big Adventure Touring bikes admittedly beat me on the big highways (which as a rule, I try to stay away from as much as possible. That for me is not motorcycling), as they sailed past at 130-150 kmh, but everywhere else they looked at me with great envy as I zipped past and manoeuvred with ease and agility, especially on twisties, and in parking lots and tight spaces. The gearbox and engine is an extremely fine-tuned piece of engineering, and although not mentioned in the video, in my mind that justifies its price. Earlier online, 2019 models and earlier, there were mentions of ‘sticky gearbox’ and it falling into neutral. I didn’t experience that on a 2023 model. This is a tried & true engine platform. The only serious complaint might be its size for tall riders. But at 181 cm (5’11”), it was perfect for me.

I agree with you about the placement of the USB port. It's puzzling why it ended up there.

As always, great review , which helped me find a great fit for a scrambler in my garage! I just got mine and absolutely love it. It handles exceptionally well, and really is very light. I thought I’d have an issue w the sound as I also own a Triumph speed twin 900 (who’s sound you cannot beat!). Honestly, this Ducati exhaust sounds amazing - it has a twinge of a racing note to it, and makes me want to go faster than I typically want to on the speed twin. Don’t ask me to choose my favorite of the two though 🤣 I’m 5’6” w/ ~30” inseam, and I fit perfectly on this bike. I’m also very comfortable with one-foot-down riding - it’s how I learned. My leg is bent comfortably when one-footing and my cheeks stay firmly planted on the seat (no need to hang off).

Great review Freddie, liked the comparison to the other brands and opinions 👊

Love your honest opinion mate, keep it up!

Great review, great video production and style, living the dream Freddie.😊

Thank you for this, it confirms I bought the right bike that I'll pick up next week. After 20+ years on sports bikes and for some reason never feeling safe or confident, I was without a motorcycle for a few years. Then came the Honda Supercub 125, that was so much fun. Low, light, upright riding. After a year and a few very long, multi-day trips, it did feel a bit under powered, having trouble getting by in traffic and up hill being a struggle. Looking at the Royal Enfield Himalayan, I ran into a Ducati Scrambler and that ticked all the boxes for me. A V-twin, a low, light bike, many electronics to make me feel safe. My only concern now is what you said about long trips but having survived an 8 hour, 360km day on the little Honda Supercub, I think I'll be fine. I still might ask @Shinyshideup about that comfort seat tho. 🙂

Good review Freddie, hope that sting heals well. I was looking at a Kawasaki z650rs but have ended up going with Triumph Trident.

I’m picking up mine tomorrow :-) I tried the Triumph and it was a lovely thing as well but not so suited to my style of riding, not as flickable, terrible suspension (roads are rubbish here in Belgium). The Ducati was just so easy, clutch feel, engine feel and sound, looks great in my opinion. Plastics are cheap to keep the price down as Ducati sells other colour combinations for 290 euros per set (in Belgium).No one likes to pay over the odds for servicing but as soon as the warranty is up it’s going to be done by myself or an independent if more complicated. Loved my test ride, hopefully the affair will continue 😂

Please continue to generate your valuable content. Monica and you, even though you may not be aware of it, are my dinner companions. Cheers! I was almost buying a new gen Ducati Scrambler, maybe I should change my direction to glorious Triumph. I, personally 100% agreed with you about fit and finish is much more premium on Triumph. Only thing holding me back from Scrambler 900 is, its skinny tires.

Enjoyable review Freddie. It would have been really interesting to take this Ducati on the same off-road bit you took the 900 Scrambler on for a closer comparison with its direct competitor.

I just love my 2022 Icon. I put Rizoma ATV bars on it and a Leo Vince exhaust and it’s just incredible sounding and riding.

Great review. Thank you

I would take the Triump scrambler think but the V85 TT is temping as well and you can easily do you own valve adjustment on them. Plus one thing I don't think you mentioned getting a Ducati serviced could be a hefty bill.😳

I love my 2023 Scrambler Icon. 1st motorcycle ever and it’s a blast. Suits my needs and current skills perfectly. I’m 5’9” and I find it so comfortable because comfort is subjective. Tall riders should test ride and decide for themselves. My only gripe is that I’m stuck in ‘sport’ mode and cannot switch out of it, so I have no idea what ‘road’ mode is like. Oh well!

Wow! You looked white and clammy in that pub! Whatever hit you, looks like it absolutely fleeced you! Another fantastic video Freddie, keep up the good work! 👍🎥 🏍️

good reveiw..had one a few yrs ago...but things like no stitching on the seat, no rear hugger, not even any plugs in the end of the ladder frame and very basic suspension i s a let down really as well as a snatchy throttle that you can get sorted with an ecu flash but thats extra money does make it a let down really for the money...just brought a low k husky svartpillen 701 and it runs rings around the ducati scrambler.

Hi Freddie, what a nice and interesting review. I'm looking to buy my first bike ( 56 years old, 175 cm tall ) can you compare it to the Fantic Caballero ? Any other suggestions in this range/size ?

Excellent video. I have a question about your pinky ring though. Where is it from? I have been looking for a nice pinky ring.

Nice bike thanks Freddie

One competitor you missed Freddie and one I’m certainly leaning to… Yamaha XSR700 💡 another top video, Ducati still a tempting proposition but found the 800 way too cramped when I rode one for an hour yet found the XSR absolutely fine riding over 6hrs a day 🤔

Looking forward to it 👍

The main thing that puts me off Ducati is the service costs, they make lovely bikes and this one has a lot for the money but when you look at what you can get for the same money these days it does seem a couple of grand too much for me. I still miss my Yamaha XT500 as a good simple scrambler, cheap to maintain and looks better than most modern ones. Great review

Great review. I like Ducati motorcycle a lot, especial love for the Monster's & Scramblers but the price tag & maintenance cost makes me look at Japanese motorcycles. I'm currently looking at Honda CL500 Scrambler & Triumph 400 Scrambler for my first motorcycle.

Henry Crew rode one of these around the world - i remember reading about it in Bike mag. Very impressive and proves theyre fairly reliable. I would much rather have the Guzzi v85tt though - more of a proper bike but still with drop dead gorgeous italian styling.

The usb plug under the seat isn't just a Ducati thing. My new Transalp has a usb c plug under the passenger seat, miles away from the handlebars. Not sure what the thinking is, because there's nowhere to store a phone under the seat while it charges. Great review Freddie. I'm kind of happy to accept the plastic parts to reduce weight. But sad to hear about the lack of comfort.

Thank you for the video. Which do you prefer, Freddie? Kawasaki Z650 RS and the Ducati Scrambler?

Honest review 👍 be interesting if Ducati offer you any more bikes 🤔😂. I rode the first version back in 2016 and found it had a tendency for steering wobble under hard acceleration . I also found the bars were too high even for a scrambler ... I have owned the Triumph Street Scrambler and much prefer it.

I really can’t wait to test ride the Triumph 400 Scrambler that can be a very attractive alternative to this bike. Thanks for this review 👍 Hope the hornet stuff will fade out quickly.

The usb is a bit of a stupid place. Is it direct to the battery or is there a relay? Having a 10 year old bike I had to fit my own power ports so one cigarette socket with a dual usb panel was duly fitted. Luckily I ride an NC700s so itnis fittednin the frunk to a thunderbox and nowt on the bars. I just run the usb or sat nav cable under the frunk lid. The rubber seal protects it and it is allbtidy. I can still fit my lid in as well.

Hey Freddie. I'm torn between the RnineT and the nightshift version of this bike. What's your general preference?

8:24 the background score the shot all gives a tron legacy vibe😊

Loving your reviews. Starting to prefer you to most of my regulars.

I had one and enjoyed the lack of weight, the performance, looks and feel. The previous 'Lady' owner had neglected it however and the finish was suffering accordingly. I would have another tho'. I'm 5' 4"

As a taller rider you need to try the Ducati Scrambler street sled, and better equipped for off reading. Great video thanks Freddie and Monica

Very complete and honest review, I bought the Scrambler Desert Sled here in America. I paid 12,500 dollars. I think they are fully overpriced.

I thought the suspension was to soft for its price .. would want fully adjustable as the front dive is quite of putting especially two up or emergency stops .

After 50 years of riding, I’m wondering if a RE Hunter (the half size Scrambler) might be even more fun around town. Probably half the price too. Of course the Ducati & Triumph look cool for those that need that.

“I wish that log wasn’t there” 😂 brilliant.

Excellent, well balanced review Freddie 👏👏

I test rode one, the peg position wasn’t for me, too far back. I ended up with a Moto Guzzi V7 850, and couldn’t be happier!

That is a very good looking bike Freddie 👍 🧡 Ps, Midge's beware Freddie's enjoying his ride 🧡

I liked the look of this Ducati and discovered there's a 400 version the sixty2, looks almost identical but expensive used, anyway I bought one. Happy days.

Freddie, the X on the headlamp is a nod to the old days when competition bikes (on and off road) were ridden to the event so they had to put tape on the headlamp so that there was no broken glass left after an accident. That immitation is quite horrid.

Great video, thank you Freddie! Ducati would never call the Scrambler a modern classic, or a retro bike because they had a line of Modern Classic bikes in the mid 2000s, a few years before the retro wave began. And of course they will never admit that their timing was off by a few years, so they make the Scrambler and call it a super modern bike for the young people (with the cash to afford buying it and maintaining it too) I have to disagree with you on the usb point though. If you buy this bike and ride it every day, you wouldn't want to have a wire going from the seat to your bike. You'd want it hidden away, so you'd buy a longer wire and lead it under the tank and make it as inconspicuous as possible. I know that because I've done it with all my Ducati's 😅

Spot on Freddie, it seems the Scrambeler only makes sense if you're a female rider or on the smaller / shorter side. The rest of the competition in that 800cc-ish middleweight category are all bigger more cumbersome machines so if you are on the smaller side it's probably the best choice (if somewhat overpriced as you mentioned).

Good review. For me the Ducati Scrambler is the only Ducati I would consider; but: You have to have too much money to waste to buy that Ducati Scrambler 800. It is not just the cost of the buying a Ducati, but the cost of spares and service costs. Ducatis generally do like to stay snug in a workshop being repaired.

Question. When did trail bikes become scramblers? I always thought a scrambler was a less potent user friendly moto crosser?

This is such a good-looking bike. It's everything I want. Just checked. Here in New Zealand $19,400. And that won't include on road costs. 20K!! And those plastics? Seriously? I think I'll just lower my sights and hope NZ doesn't ruin the price of the upcoming Triumph 400 Scrambler which will do everything this does, just more slowly! :)

Great in-depth review and the only other bike worth comparison is probably the Caballero700?

Freddy....I think I'm gonna replace my Mutt 250 with a Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled. That bike looks incredible and a legit off roader.

Love the channel , you need to review the Benelli 500 scrambler

I’m there with you on price Freddie, if you had said £6,500 I would say ok not bad but £10k is way too much. Not sure what’s happening with the bike market atm as I see so many discounts and second hand market prices dropping. Is it just the winter effect creating in 🤔

Great Video, good looking bike, would love to see some more off roading with this bike...

If u were reviewing this against competitors not on its own I don’t think it would come out too well. I’ve never owned a brand new bike but you can get a very nice second hand bike despite used values being stable. .. well at dealers. Many private bargains to be had as p/ex values low. Really appreciate your honesty and the viewers mostly echo ur thoughts. Wont be any more ducati tests I bet😏

Great review! I would love to hear your thoughts on the R nine T now!

Now you got me thinking here.. if I take performance out of the equation, it is after all a scrambler, and I think about options for what an, as you put it, a soft off road bike.. I can have 2 Himalayan's and not care about dropping them. Also the running costs, the touring kits.. why would I have a Ducati other than, the marque? Hmmm

I had it and sold it. The motor is almost good, the breaks are almost okay, the shocks are bad. I loved the look and I miss it a little bit.

What a brilliant review there Freddie. Some would say professional and how are you not on TV. Keep up the great work on your channel, love watching it.

I’ve had two monsters one brand new , 1 x 916 brand new and a Multistrada 1200 all fantastic bikes but !! Maintenace is subject to a mortgage offer 😂😂 now with the v4 to adjust the valves you have to take 😊the bike apart hence the longer service intervals but if you try and sell near the valve adjustment time , well good luck 😂 but love em . Have now a gs 1250 sorry ducati my heart is still Ducati 😂👍

Having the oil filter pointing straight down at the base of the bike unguarded with no bash plate is asking for trouble off road though.

The only two twins I’d buy for off road are the tenere 700 or the 790 adventure.

Rearset pegs and wide tires are usually more indicative of a sport bike. I think it's more of a street bike than a true off road scrambler.

Freddie, you mention seat of these type bikes, but this is more governed by leg length rather than total body height. Long leg with short back.can you tell us you leg measurement for comparison