Ducati Scrambler 800 and Triumph Speed Twin

[Supermofo]

Good work. With test rides you pretty much know the 'one'. I did that with the GSX, the others were good, but after the Suzuki I couldn't stop babbling about it so knew my mind was made up.

[Beancounter]

Woo hoo!

Pretty much what she was saying on the test ride.

Nice.

The biggest issues I've heard of on the Scrambler is the suspension... that one has an aftermarket shock, result!

Agreed, always a boost if someone has spent some money on the suspension even if our riding is unlikely to trouble it.

Nice one, the yellow bike looks a lot nicer

It also looks a lot better in the flesh too.

Update from the dealer, initial collection date is the 17th May because their workshop schedule is full. They're optimistic of bringing that date forward but we won't know until later this week. Almost tempted to tell them to forget the PDI and just give us the keys but this is her bike so I'll just need to be patient.

[Rockburner]

Scrambler test ride booked for Friday. No idea on the others yet.

@Beancounter and???

Sorry, kids weekend so been distracted with them since yesterday afternoon.

Only had the opportunity to test ride the Ducati Scramblers yesterday but that was enough. Went out for an hour or so, her on the Ducati Scrambler Flat Track 800 and me following on my GS. We stuck with the main A28 between Ashford and Tenterden which was perfect for her on an unfamiliar bike. Mid-morning it's not too busy and it's interesting enough to have fun on at our level without worrying your licence. Within minutes of the ride she was giggling like she used to on her 125 - not something she's done on the MT-09. She was noticeably more comfortable and confident cornering on the Ducati. The dimensions of the Scrambler and the MT-09 that she's been riding aren't too dissimilar, the only significant differences I can see being the 18" front wheel on the Ducati and the slightly longer trail (112mm compared to 103mm), however the Ducati is lighter, lower and has massively wide bars. She was massively more confident walking the Scrambler around and when doing U turns - she felt in control.

The Ducati is clearly entry level so doesn't have a QS or riding modes, neither of which matter to us. More frustrating for her, it doesn't have a gear indicator, just a neutral light and it doesn't have a fuel gauge, just a warning light. The switchgear feels built to a price but did the job. Not much storage under the seat, room for a small toolkit which would be enough to get the plugs out and the rear wheel off (though it did also have a wee thing for pulling out blade fuses which I thought was a nice touch).

Despite having covered just over 5k miles the bike was mint, clearly the one previous owner cherished it, as evidenced with the stamps in the book.

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Back to the dealer where she handed the keys back and I took out the Scrambler Urban Enduro on the same run with her following on the MT-09. It was a nice bike with a lovely engine, punchy but not threatening, the noise from the Termi was superb (I'm not a fan of anything loud but this was addictive). Handling was more neutral than my MT-09 but the scalloped front tyre did get in the way..

It had covered 11k miles and it showed - scuffs on the Bakbuster handguards, boot scuffs on engine casing and on the tank, rusted fasteners and clips. Taking the seat off revealed sand and dried dirt not cleaned out from the last off road outing. Quite surprised the dealer let it go out like this tbh, if have thought they'd have cleaned the bike properly before putting it on the showroom floor. This would be a fun bike for riding around town or city, on the open road with the wind blast and wannabe-knobblies it's just a bit lacking. It also doesn't have the appeal of Scrambler Flat Track

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During my test ride she kept taking about the Scrambler shed taken out. She enjoys riding the MT-09 but much preferred the Scrambler and with that a deposit was paid for the Scrambler Flat Track and we're now just waiting on a collection date.

Off now to look at the accessories catalogue.

Excellent!

Can't wait to see it - when you coming down?

[tricol]

Very nice, the Scramblers are very cool. Judging by the test ride she is going to love it. Just in time for summer!

[Beancounter]

Good work. With test rides you pretty much know the 'one'. I did that with the GSX, the others were good, but after the Suzuki I couldn't stop babbling about it so knew my mind was made up.

Always a good sign. She was saying that she couldn't even remember the Speed Twin and all she remembered about the MT-07 was the blue wheels.

Excellent!

Can't wait to see it - when you coming down?

Good question, all depends on when she actually gets it. If collection isn't until 17th May, it'll be start of June before we get a weekend free because we've got the kids two weekends on the bounce.

Very nice, the Scramblers are very cool. Judging by the test ride she is going to love it. Just in time for summer!

Thanks mate, she's still gibbering about it. Apparently I need to make room in the garage for it.


Dealer has quoted £235 plus VAT for a 7,500 mile service which includes belts and rocker/valve check - that doesn't sound too bad to me.