Source: Motorcycle Cruiser –
Ducati’s 800cc Scrambler family gets a series of substantial updates for the 2023 model year. (Ducati/)Ducati has already revealed several bold updates this year, but one of the highlights is the brand’s redesign of its top-selling Scrambler line. Announced earlier this month, the three-bike series receives upgrades to the chassis, clutch, and electronics, plus a number of styling touch-ups for 2023. The revisions for the new model year are found on the colorful Icon, the aggressive Full Throttle, and the refined Nightshift; all three bikes share virtually the same specs.For 2023, there are officially three models: the Nightshift, Full Throttle, and Icon (left to right). (Ducati/)To be sure, Ducati’s been tweaking the Scramblers since it resurrected the nameplate as a stand-alone brand back in 2014. But a major overhaul to bring the 800cc middleweights in line with their peers has been a long time coming. So for 2023, Ducati cast a wide net, giving what it calls the “next generation” of Scramblers a new steel tube trellis frame using the engine as a stressed member, a new rear suspension, and updated engine internals, all of which lessen the bike’s weight by nearly 9 pounds over the previous version. The new bikes also see the addition of ride-by-wire, updated LED lighting, and new instrumentation. And while Ducati also says the latest Scramblers are “completely redesigned,” it retains defining elements of the original, such as its air-cooled twin engine, trellis frame, and low center of gravity.Related: 2021 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift First LookThe signature air-cooled twin-cylinder Desmodue engine gets new internals, which reduce weight by more than 5 pounds compared to the previous generation. However, its 73 hp output remains unchanged. (Ducati/)The frame retains its trellis design, but has been updated and lightened. The swingarm is also redesigned, with the preload-adjustable shock absorber moving closer to the center of the bike, though the upside-down 41mm fork is unchanged. The chassis change also means a slightly increased steering angle, with trail slightly reduced. If you’re planning on doing some customizing, take note: The rear subframe is now easily removable without modifying the frame. The 2023 Scramblers keep the same 18/17-inch wheel sizing for all three models, but those rims are a new design this year, even if the Pirelli MT 60 RS rubber is not.The swingarm is redesigned with the rear shock moving closer to the bike center; the rear subframe is now removable. (Ducati/)While the Desmodue engine is for the most part dimensionally unaltered, Ducati says its internals have been modernized, resulting in lighter weight compared to the previous generation. That doesn’t affect output much, however, with the engine still producing 73 horses at 8,250 rpm, though the 48 lb.-ft. of torque comes on later, at 7,000 rpm. That power is now transferred by a new eight-disc clutch with a smoother pull and a smaller footprint, so the rider’s toe gets a bit more breathing room. On the outside, new crankcase covers are distinguishable by an X stamp and the exhaust is also new, with headers getting a simpler shape to leave the engine more visible.New eight-disc clutch has a smoother pull as well as being lower profile, giving feet more room to shift. (Ducati/)Perhaps the key feature update is electronic management on the Scramblers. The new ride-by-wire feature allows the 2023 bikes to adopt two new riding modes, Road and Wet, along with the integration of traction control. Wet mode is said to offer smoother throttle response and dial up traction control, and cornering ABS returns to further back up the safety aids. Ride-by-wire also makes it possible to install the Quick Shift option, which is available as an accessory on the Icon and Nightshift and standard equipment on the Full Throttle.Styling has been refreshed, with the new Icon getting a redesigned polished steel tank and plastic covers, with six accessory kits available. (Ducati/)The cockpit also sees various tweaks, depending on the model. All bikes get a new reshaped steel tank with swappable side covers, while the Icon gets an additional six accessory colors, available as kits, as well as a revised handlebar placed closer to the rider. The Icon’s seat is reshaped as well, giving it a more streamlined appearance.The new Scrambler Full Throttle goes a bit sportier with a dedicated saddle and livery. Red tags on alloy wheels, a homologated Termignoni silencer, Ducati Performance LED indicators, and standard Quick Shift complete the performance vibe. (Ducati/)The Full Throttle, meanwhile, gets its own dedicated seat and graphics package, a sportier riding position thanks to the variable section handlebar, side number plates, a shorter front fender, no rear fender, a Termignoni exhaust, and Quick Shift, all as standard equipment.For more attitude, the Nightshift blacks out most of its parts, and like the Full Throttle, features side plates, a sporty front fender, and compact LED indicators. (Ducati/)The Nightshift classes things up with its blacked-out aesthetics, black spoked rims, brown ribbed seat, and a flat handlebar capped with bar-end mirrors. Like the Full Throttle, it also has number plates, but there’s no rear fender.New 4.3-inch TFT instrumentation gives the dashboard a modern look while displaying new ride modes and other electronics. (Ducati/)As you might expect, Ducati is also rolling out a matching line of accessories to back the new Scramblers, featuring three Termignoni exhaust options, various saddles, tank covers, and machined aluminum components like footpegs, and mirrors, as well as luggage add-ons for touring or daily errand runs. All of these can be checked out on the online Scrambler configurator.A homologated steel silencer with black finish is available as an option, though it’s fitted as standard on the Full Throttle. (Ducati/)The Ducati Scrambler Icon and Full Throttle will hit US dealers in the spring of 2023, with the Nightshift model coming a bit later, in the summer.The Scrambler Icon will be available in ‘62 Yellow, Thrilling Black, or Ducati Red, with a starting MSRP of $10,995.You can get the 2023 Full Throttle only in the Red GP 19/Stealth color scheme, with a starting MSRP of $12,195.The Nightshift will be available only in Nebula Blue, and will begin at $12,195.The Nightshift is the only one of the three 800cc models with spoked wheels (now black). Nebula Blue color scheme and bar-end mirrors give it a more urban feel. (Ducati/)
