DUCATI SCRAMBLER 800 Icon (2019 - 2022) Review

Ducati's Scrambler models are retro-infused soft roaders that use the style of '60s dirt bikes with modern reliability and creature comforts.

The 2019 Scrambler Icon 800, like the previous version, is simple, easy-to-ride, but now softer, more comfortable, with improved looks and features like DRL, and cornering ABS. Ducati updated the Scrambler family in 2021 before launching a new version for 2023.

Costing well over £8000, it’s stretching your wallet a little more, and it’s a shame the engine lacks character. Even if you don’t buy into the hipster image, marketing hype and lifestyle it’s still a brilliant all-round attractive road bike. But it’s only a small step of an improvement over the old model, not a giant leap.

Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark introduced in 2020

In 2020 the Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark was introduced to the line-up, and as the name suggests, it had a darker paintscheme.

Based on the existing £8295 803cc air-cooled Ducati Scrambler Icon, the new machine will arrive in dealers in November and will be priced at £7595, making it the cheapest mid-sized Ducati retro, yet still £496 more expensive than the likes of Yamaha’s XSR700.

However, unlike the Yamaha MT-07-derived XSR, the Dark features dual-channel cornering ABS like the other 803cc Scramblers, alongside LCD instruments including a gear indicator and fuel level.

Finished in matt black, with a black twin-spar trellis frame and seat with a grey rim, the new machine also includes a steel teardrop fuel tank, complete with interchangeable aluminium side panelling.

Continuing the black theme is a die-cast aluminium swing arm, rounded mirrors and 10-spoke alloy wheels, which come as an 18in front and 17in rear and are shod with enduro-inspired Pirelli MT60 RS tyres, as found on the Icon.

Ideal for tackling the urban sprawl in style, the new bike comes with a manageable seat height of 798mm and weighs just 175kg dry. This is aided further by wide handlebars and a relaxed seating position, as well as a modest power output of 72.5bhp. A hydraulic clutch also features, alongside an adjustable lever.

Away from performance, the new bike is also fully compatible with the Ducati Multimedia System, allowing you to connect your smartphone directly to the machine, in order to listen to music, make calls and more.

Watch: Ducati Scrambler Icon 800 video review

In this video Chad tests the Icon on its launch in Italy:

The Kayaba suspension is completely new front and back. From the outside they appear the same, but the front now has hydraulic bump stops not mechanical, and the rear spring is completely new. Static sag has increase, which means the bike sits more with the rider on-board.

This results in a softer ride, the bike doesn’t jolt over bumps and takes everything in its stride. The increased suspension travel hasn’t affected stability, but the bike has more tendency to sit on the rear spring when ridden aggressively.

In extreme situations over undulations ground clearance has been reduced, which is a result of the softer spring. Although the new Scrambler has gained a few KG it’s light, easy-to-ride and manageable. The off-road looking Pirelli rubber is also impressive – as on the old bike.

Ducati have played around with the fuelling and added a hydraulic clutch instead of a cable, otherwise it’s unchanged. On paper, power is 2.5bhp down, but this is more than likely due to the new agreed way of measuring power across the industry.

The 803cc air-cooled motor is based on the old Ducati 796 Monster engine. The bore and stroke has remained the same, but the valve overlap, injectors, air-box and exhaust are all-new compared to the Monster.

Power is linear, starts from low down and is more than enough power for an entry-level bike, however more experienced hands may want a little more top end urgency and it lacks character; a disappointed soundtrack from the tweaked exhaust.

Reliability shouldn’t be a problem as the motor is based on the proven Ducati 796 Monster – service intervals are long every 7,500. The level of finish is very high – there is some lovely attention to detail.

We don't have any owners' reviews of the Icon, but those from the 2015 model show the usual Ducati trait of high servicing costs, and a few reliability and build quality problems but nothing that sounds too serious or common.

Technical improvements and tweaks to the styling have meant an unfortunate price hike. The first Ducati Scrambler back in 2015 was affordable, costing less than £7000.

Subsequent versions have edged over £8000, with the 2019 bike costing £8150 (£8250 in orange)  - it’s arguably no longer the ‘affordable entry-level’ option the first bike was. You’re buying into an exclusive brand, but now it’s going to cost you a little more. Fast-forward to 2021 and it's £8,395.

Its competition comes in the form of the the immensely popular Triumph Street Scrambler, the great value Yamaha XSR700 and the quirkier Moto Guzzi V7 Stone.

Ducati have installed cornering ABS, which means they’ve also added an IMU (internal measurement unit) to measure lean angle. The single disc Brembo braking is impressive; you can only feel the new system intervening off-road.

But, despite adding an IMU, Ducati haven’t added any traction control. The revised Kayaba suspension only has pre-load adjustment, but DRL lights now come as standard, the clocks are more informative with a clear gear position indicator and fuel gauge, plus there’s new switchgear.

During the 2021 update the Icon got a new red paintjob to accompany the standard colours.