Ducati Scrambler Nightshift

Based on the standard Scrambler Icon, the Ducati Scrambler Nightshift has a rugged and tough design, which makes it look like an authentic scrambler. This purist look of the motorcycle makes it look purposeful, while it also getting all the new bits and features which the new-generation Ducati Scrambler has received in a whole.

Starting from the front, the Ducati Scrambler Nightshift comes with a new rounded all-LED headlamp, which has an X-shaped gloss black insert covering its entire middle part. This headlamp gets segmented daytime running LED across its circumference, while there are tiny rounded LED turn indicators placed on the long stalks fixed to the sides of the headlamp housing. Completing the frontal look of the Ducati Scrambler Nightshift are the bar-end rounded rearview mirrors and the flat handlebar, making the motorcycle look wide.

The side profile of the Ducati Scrambler Nightshift, like the other variants of the Scrambler series of motorcycles from Ducati, has a neat and minimalist look. Giving a rugged appearance to the motorcycle are the blacked-out spoke wheels and mild off-road spec tyres. While the Scrambler Nightshift gets a tiny chopped-styled fender above the front wheel, the rear wheel comes with a compact tyre hugger with license plate mount over it. The tiny rounded LED turn indicators are placed on the sides of the compact LED tail lamp placed behind the long and well-padded seat.

The Ducati Scrambler Nightshift also comes with a broad side panel below the front seat on both the sides, with the motorcycle also having a blacked-out theme for the engine and exhaust pipe. The high ground clearance of the Scrambler Nightshift further makes it look rugged. The motorcycle also gets the new-generation offset 4.3-inch full-TFT instrument console, with a semi-rounded panel for the digital tachometer and gear indicator on the right and a flat panel on the left for speedometer, trip meter, odometer and other data for the MID.

The real essence of the Ducati Scrambler Nightshift lies in its overall chassis setup, with the motorcycle sitting on a tubular steel trellis frame. The motorcycle has a suspension combination of upside-down 41mm Kayaba forks at the front and a pre-load adjustable Kayaba mono-shock at the rear. With 110/80 R18 front and 180/55 R17 rear Pirelli MT 60 tubeless radial tyres, the Ducati Scrambler Nightshift comes equipped with a braking combination of a 330mm disc at the front and a 245mm disc at the rear. 

The Ducati Scrambler Nightshift shares its four-stroke, L-twin Desmodromic, air-cooled, 803cc engine with the rest of the entry-level models of the Scrambler family from Ducati. This engine is coupled to a 6-speed transmission and churns out a maximum power output of 73 bhp and a peak torque output of 65.2 Nm. Known for its strong mid-range grunt, this engine pulls off nicely from the standstill, and thanks to the lighter kerb weight of the motorcycle, the overall performance feels enticing, with no lack of power in the entire rev range.

Compared to the previous-generation model, the Ducati Scrambler Nightshift gets a couple of new safety add-ons, thus keeping safety at paramount. The motorcycle comes with cornering ABS, traction control, two riding modes – road and wet, though we would have loved to see more riding aids from Ducati, a brand which is famous for its electronic riding aids on its other sportbikes. 

The Ducati Scrambler Nightshift is purely for those who don’t want just an exotic motorcycle, but a more subtle and balanced package in every sense. It is one of the most practical motorcycles from Ducati with a wholesome and usable performance for daily rides, rugged chassis setup and feels easy to ride.