I had the same decision to make back in 2021. Picked the Desert Sled. There is just something about this bike man. The retro dirt bike look. I think the Ducati design team knocked it out of the park with this bike. Especially if you throw some Motoz tractionator Rallz on it, bark busters, pivot pegs, a real skid plate from iconic parts, Sw motech sys 10 litter soft luggage. And an Alt Rider rear brake attachment, the rear brake is to low. Man the bike looks bad ass! Now discontinued…it’s a keeper!
I subscribed just because I love your comment. I absolutely LOVE my 2022 sled. I checked out the triumph bikes and they are badass but It’s not for me. Doesn’t feel like a hooligan
Yam, I just went to Dream Machines in Austin yesterday and test rode a 2020 Duc’ Scrambler Desert Sled. I haven’t had that much fun on two wheels since I don’t know when. I don’t know how long on a bike. You articulated the indefinable fun factor that made me fall in love with it. My wife said I was like a puppy, wagging its tail - true enough.
From an old Ducati rider the Desert Sled was appealing as it reminds me of the old Yamaha TT/XT 500’s. But it’s the Scrambler 1200 XE Chrome that won my heart.
The problem with the Ducati, is the fact that the price gap between them closes very quickly @ 3,000 miles. Having the Desmo valves adjusted is around $1500, and it needs to be done fairly often. Example... I wouldn't doubt that Yam has had them adjusted 3 times after 12,000 miles ($4500). That's a tough pill to swallow.
Have you even read a brochure on the Triumph? Power 89bhp, two different vids and still not right, frames on both models, XC and XE are bespoke to 1200 scramblers, not the rest of the twin line. What are fake tubes? Tubeless tires mounted on Akront hoops on the XE you were riding. That’s a good thing, Yam, not fake tube style, what ever those are. Maybe go over the real specs for 3 rd video?
Just going from spec.'s, the difference in front tire height is about two inches (25.6" DS vs 27.4" XE). It's surprising how much that would make a difference in roll-over.
I've got that exact same Ducati Desert Sled and lemme tell you, it's as cool as it looks online. I collect vintage motorcycles and restore them as well and the ducati desert sled is the only modern bike I own.
Gotta go triumph. Huge maintenance intervals. More power. Cruise, better display, etc etc. great package. Also uses regular fuel, which is kind of underrated
I own a 2019 1200XE and love this bike. I own many different bikes and have 1,300 miles on this one. I like to ride it like a super motard. Absolute grin machine.
There are a lot more forest roads in my state than there are paved twisties. I'd have to get a low exhaust because I just don't like that high exhaust on the Triumph Everything else seems awesome though.
I have the 2022 (blue) desert sled. I am very tall (6.5) and I have to say: what a comfortabele machine! Also really suited for off road and just enough power...for me at least 😂.
I have a similar Triumph v Ducati problem but in the naked sport category. I own a Street Triple 765 and a Streetfighter 848. I love both of them for their own reasons. They both look amazing but obviously Ducati is sexy in its own Ducati way and Triumph, it's own. The Ducati is definitely way more raw, visceral, and a more challenging but real motorcycle experience. While the triumph is also very capable, yet highly refined and extremely comfortable. I feel like I need to get rid of one but I really can't dump my Street Triple. I don't know if it's only a matter of time but I'd rather not dump the Streetfighter either.
I like the idea of the triumph because you could use that for touring with luggage, off road for scrambling or put the smaller wheel at the front for a cruiser, the new Enfield Gureilla looks like it is going to be very similar to the dessert sled 🛷 which I love but the Indian FTR rally is a gorgeous looking bike too 😅
Love when Yam gets dusted at 18:00. My buddy who outweighs me by 40 lbs (being generous) is getting the 1200 and I am looking for less power coming off my SFV2 so I can bomb gravel like this! Love this video!!
Personally I would love the 400cC Triumph Scrambler and am inspired I wanted the 250cC scrambler from Simba Automotives but now I am definitely going to get it. Beautiful day and good riding I love it.
Great review. Also really liked your earlier detailed review of the Triumph Scrambler 1200 XE. In this latest review when discussing tyres you mentioned that the Triumph had a fake tube setup. I know it’s tubeless so just wondering what you meant by this statement? Thanks.
Didn’t really get the Triumph scrambler after riding the 900 tiger. The tiger was better on longer trips, faster, nimble and did off roads. Scrambler was just tiring on longer trip and ran out off puff at high speeds. Desert sled was less capable than scrambler on fast flowing roads, but on country lanes the sled was better and so much fun. So, a do it all, tiger 900. For joy and charisma, the sled.
By the way Yammzzz you have some videos on how to handle street riding but I really hope you can do one to give me (at least) tips on how to handle a non dual sport bike on such rough trails
As a first time motorcycle buyer with some to moderate dirt bike experience, who is 6'5" and 240lbs with a 37" inseam.. Which one should I get? Help me out!! I'm torn!!
I think you nailed it on the head. As a triumph bonneville owner, I can say that triumphs are highly perfected and modern bikes; but they doesn't feel as authentic as it looks. It's so well-behaved and polished that you can't really "feel" the bike. Im comparison, bikes like the Guzzi V7, r9t, and ducati scrambler have odd quirks + some downright weaknesses & flaws, but they are mechanically true to their retro heritage, and you will feel it everytime you ride them.
I have the XC cause the XE was too tall. (that what she said xD) I just love the Triumph and the main reason why i choose the triumph was the cockbit for me is much more beautiful than ducatis and the exhaust, with the Zard exhaust the sound is outstanding.
@@Crazbaski am 177cm with boots the XE should fit nicely. I was beginner rider and the XE was to overkill for me. With the XC i felt safety. But if i could take again i would go with the old XE not the new.
