Photo: ducati.ms
Weeks ahead of the EICMA 2015 show in Milan, the rumor mill is spinning faster and faster and we've got two new bikes that are believed to surface in November. They both come from Ducati and it looks like their existence was a closely guarded secret, in case the rumors turn out to be true.
Apparently, some insider at Ducati has revealed to the Italian media that Bologna is planning to show a smaller version of the Scrambler. The new Scrambler is said to slot in the 400cc-ish class, powered by a smaller version of Ducati's air-cooled L-twin classic engine, possibly one from the older Monster series.
Looking back in time, the old Monster M400 comes to mind, with its shorter stroke and smaller diameter pistons. It used to produce 42 horsepower, which today makes it A2-compliant in Europe, yet still fun to ride, given the fact that the smaller Scrambler is also expected to be a lightweight machine.
Ducati's CEO Claudio Domenicali said that small-displacement motorcycles and even scooters are not to be regarded as blasphemous by Ducati fans. A smaller, cheaper, A2-friendly Scrambler could become a new hit for Bologna, as it could inherit some of the mojo that made the new Ducati Scrambler Italy's best-selling bike. And maybe be the first machine in a bigger family of small-displacement bikes...
Even more, the Multistrada 1200 is expected to receive a larger fuel tank and multiple revisions for the chassis and bodywork. All in all, Ducati may have decided it was high time they had a machine that can do off-road properly.
With such revisions, the Multistrada 1200 might become a much more attractive option for certain riders who like being able to travel a long distance in full comfort and not having to compromise on terrainability.
If such a version of the Multistrada 1200 makes it to the real world, we can only hope Ducati will manage to keep the prices down. The market for a very expensive bike that can do off-road is quite small, so the Multistrada 1200 should rival the higher BMW R1200GS trims, even with the bevy of electronics.
And Ducati must not forget about the new Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin, an enduro-travel machine that will shake up the segment when it starts shipping soon. Anyway, stay tuned, as we will be in Milan to bring you news.
Looking back in time, the old Monster M400 comes to mind, with its shorter stroke and smaller diameter pistons. It used to produce 42 horsepower, which today makes it A2-compliant in Europe, yet still fun to ride, given the fact that the smaller Scrambler is also expected to be a lightweight machine.
Ducati's CEO Claudio Domenicali said that small-displacement motorcycles and even scooters are not to be regarded as blasphemous by Ducati fans. A smaller, cheaper, A2-friendly Scrambler could become a new hit for Bologna, as it could inherit some of the mojo that made the new Ducati Scrambler Italy's best-selling bike. And maybe be the first machine in a bigger family of small-displacement bikes...
A Multistrada that can tackle rough terrain is also rumored
Ducati is also rumored to show a revised Multistrada 1200 with enduro-oriented upgrades. The list is said to include wire spoked wheels, longer suspension travel, and a new exhaust system.Even more, the Multistrada 1200 is expected to receive a larger fuel tank and multiple revisions for the chassis and bodywork. All in all, Ducati may have decided it was high time they had a machine that can do off-road properly.
With such revisions, the Multistrada 1200 might become a much more attractive option for certain riders who like being able to travel a long distance in full comfort and not having to compromise on terrainability.
If such a version of the Multistrada 1200 makes it to the real world, we can only hope Ducati will manage to keep the prices down. The market for a very expensive bike that can do off-road is quite small, so the Multistrada 1200 should rival the higher BMW R1200GS trims, even with the bevy of electronics.
And Ducati must not forget about the new Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin, an enduro-travel machine that will shake up the segment when it starts shipping soon. Anyway, stay tuned, as we will be in Milan to bring you news.
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