Scramblers reloaded: Ducati’s air-cooled retro 800 range sheds weight and gets tech boost for 2023

Ducati have announced a series of weight-shedding upgrades to their 803cc air-cooled Scrambler line-up for 2023, plus new rider aids and the inclusion of a TFT dash.

The final instalment in a run of seven new model announcements that began back on September 2 with the Streetfighter V4 Lamborghini special, the new-school retros have been lightened by a claimed 4kg and will arrive in dealerships next year.

The reduced three-strong range will consist of the Icon, Full Throttle and Nightshift, with all three using the same revised engine and chassis parts. The base-spec Icon gets a redesigned tank and seat unit, which each of the body panels interchangeable for a truly unique paint scheme.

As the name might suggest, the Full Throttle is the sportiest offering in the line-up and is said to be inspired by American flattrack racers. The 62 numbering below the seat pays tribute to the introduction of the Ducati Scrambler name, back in 1962. Also included is a road legal Termignoni silencer, which should unlock a little more bark.

Finally, the Nightshift gets more of a café racer style with flatter bars and a mirror at either end. Expect a mixture of gloss and matte finishes, and even blue spoked rims, too.

Away from the visual changes, the Bologna factory claim the motor is now 2.5kg lighter, with a new eight-disc clutch for a softer lever action.

As well as being easier to engage, the clutch is also smaller – allowing more space for the rider’s foot – and gets a bearing-mounted shift drum with the aim of delivering fewer false neutrals.

Cradling this is a new minimalist trellis chassis, which works in tandem with a new swingarm and repositioned single shock that now sits more to the centre of the bike.

Unlike before, there’s now also a separate subframe, with all bikes rolling on redesigned 18in front and 17in rear rims.

The changes aren’t entirely mechanical though, with a ride by wire throttle also making an appearance to allow for the inclusion of traction control, plus Road and Wet riding modes. Whether an A2-restrictable 72bhp upright needs so much intervention remains to be seen but could be a god send on slippery inner-city streets.

There’s also cornering ABS, front and rear LEDs, and an up/down quickshifter as standard on the Full Throttle, which is available as an option elsewhere. An LCD display has also been replaced by a more modern 4.3in TFT display too, with mobile connectivity.

Both the Icon and Nightshift will arrive in dealers in March, with the Full Throttle still to be confirmed.