Ducati Unleashes Two Mind-Blowing Scrambler Concepts: Mixing Café Racer Elegance with Mad Max Grit
The past weekend was a notable one for automotive and moto enthusiasts alike, thanks to major events on opposite ends of Europe. While Italy's Lake Como played host to the illustrious Concorso d'Eleganza Villa d'Este, London was bustling with the Bike Shed MotoShow.
The Concorso d'Eleganza, a melting pot for both cars and motorcycles, saw some extraordinary showcases, with BMW stealing the limelight thanks to its R20 concept motorbike powered by a colossal 2,000cc Big Boxer engine. Meanwhile, the Bike Shed MotoShow, exclusively focused on two-wheelers and rapidly gaining in recognition since its inception in 2013, treated approximately 17,000 visitors to an array of 300 astounding bikes last year. This year, Italian titan Ducati brought the heat with not one, but two groundbreaking Scrambler concepts.
The Mighty Ducati Scrambler Lineage
The Ducati Scrambler family has always stood out as one of the most dynamic motorcycle lines, tracing its origins back to the iconic scramblers of the 1960s. Reintroduced in 2015, today's lineup includes six models: Icon, Full Throttle, Nightshift, 1100 Tribute Pro, 1100 Sport Pro, and 1100 Dark Pro. Although diverse in aesthetics and minor features, these models share a lot in terms of mechanical architecture.
At the heart of the newest Ducati Scrambler models is an updated Desmodue engine housed in a steel trellis frame. This powerplant is not just lighter by 5.5 pounds but also boasts a redesigned clutch that's sleeker and smoother, allowing more space for the rider's foot. Building on this foundation, Ducati amazed audiences at the Bike Shed MotoShow with two compelling concept bikes: the Scrambler CR24I and the RR24I.
Introducing the Ducati Scrambler CR24I
The first in the spotlight, the Ducati Scrambler CR24I, exudes a rock-and-roll vibe. A nod to the 1960s British subculture known as the Rocker, this bike is an aesthetic masterpiece crafted by Ducati's Centro Stile. Although mechanically it sticks to the second-gen Scrambler blueprint, visually it's a radical departure.
The CR24I's bodywork is arresting, starting with a narrow but encompassing fuel tank-mounted fairing reminiscent of classic Ducati models like the 750 SS and the 500 Pantah. Sitting elegantly atop this sleek fuel tank are clip-on handlebars with end mirrors. The seat is another marvel, designed to switch seamlessly from a single-seater to a passenger-friendly setup with a detachable cover evoking the panettone saddles of the 1970s. The entire bike gleams on 17-inch wheels and flaunts a distinct bronze hue, a subtle homage to British rockers.
Dive Into the Post-Apocalyptic: The Ducati Scrambler RR24I
If the CR24I is all about classic rocker chic, the RR24I turns the dial to raw, minimalistic brutality inspired by post-apocalyptic sagas. This model strips down to basics, featuring a frame, engine, wheels, and a fuel tank, making for a minimalist aesthetic that doesn't skimp on impact. Every aluminum component is bare and highlighted, offering a skeletal but intricate visual experience.
The RR24I's fuel tank doesn't have covers but includes an attachment frame for luggage, mirrored in the detachable portion of the passenger seat, which also transforms into a luggage rack. Adding to its rugged appearance, the RR24I rides on staggered wheels—18 inches at the front and 17 inches at the rear—dressed in Pirelli Scorpion Rally tires. This bike isn't just about style; it's designed to be functional, robust, and ready for anything.
While Ducati has not disclosed future plans for these stunning concepts, enthusiasts everywhere are hoping they won't remain mere showpieces. Our fingers are crossed that these glimpses of genius make their way into production, bringing a piece of both rocker heritage and post-apocalyptic grit to the roads.