Next Bike Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor for Ducati motorcycles in Malaysia, has launched the highly-anticipated Ducati Scrambler 1100. The Scrambler model is now available in two variants for the Malaysia market – Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special and Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport.

Dato’ Samson Anand George, Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings said, “The Scrambler 1100 aims to meet the needs of even the most demanding motorbike enthusiasts infusing more fun, style and freedom that has been the cornerstone trademark of the Scrambler. Global sales for the Scrambler have soared past the 46,000 units mark since its first introduction in 2015 and now, the Ducati Scrambler 1100’s arrival in Malaysia completes our Scrambler line-up offering here where the full range of Scramblers is now available through Ducati Malaysia.”

“With multiple touch points, activations and customer engagements throughout the last three years, we anticipate to see more movement of the Scrambler bikes for 2018,” added Dato’ Samson. Just like every other Ducati Scrambler bike before it, the Scrambler 1100 does not compromise on self-expression, iconic style and a flair for fun that the Scrambler brand stands for.

The bike has been developed so it can be modified with ease and the two variants available differ in a way that they coexist with one another in the range – the Scrambler 1100 Special, being a contemporary classic, draws inspiration from the custom world; and the Scrambler 1100 Sport, as its name suggests, is the Ducati Scrambler’s interpretation of muscle bikes heritage.

The Scrambler 1100’s design is essential, mature and carefully thought out, inspired by the iconic ‘70s model while remaining faithful to the ‘Land of Joy’ spirit. Being more commanding in presence, it is larger than other Scrambler brand models at 50mm wider, 69mm longer and a bigger seat to boot for the rider and a pillion. The bike’s balanced proportions make it compact yet beefy and comfortable to ride.

In keeping with the self-expression element of the Scrambler brand, the rear subframe is separate from the chassis to make personalisation easier. The round headlight retains the glass parabola shared by all Ducati Scrambler models but is now enhanced with a new aluminium trim. The grille divides up the Daytime Running Lights system to create the four trademark ‘Land of Joy’ light segments.

On the two-element instrument panel, riders are guided by a classic round section and an additional oval element to display broader info range. The round section is fully digital and displays rider information such as fuel level, selected riding mode and the selected Traction Control level. The oval element has a speedo, a kickstand warning light and information from the Ducati Multimedia System, available as an accessory when the Bluetooth module is fitted.

An improvement on the Monster 1100 engine, both the Scrambler 1100 variants are powered by a Euro 4 compliant 1079cm³ L-twin two-valve engine, and in perfect Scrambler style, this power unit has a 98mm bore and a 71.5mm stroke. To optimise efficiency, the engine has been redesigned to prioritise fluid acceleration across the rev range and great handling. The twin-cylinder Desmodue engine is equipped with a single 55mm full Ride by Wire throttle body with two sub-butterfly injectors, and when paired together with a generously-sized airbox, ensures fluid power delivery and accurate control of the fuel mix aspirated into the cylinders. For this same reason, each cylinder is fitted with twin spark plugs and a secondary air system.

Excellent pulling power is also put within the rider’s reach by the 16 degree valve overlap angle. The engine puts out a maximum power of 86 hp at 7,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 88.4Nm at 4,750 rpm, with an impressively smooth delivery across the rev range. The gearbox, meanwhile, is a 6-speed unit while the clutch is the wet multi-plate type with hydraulic control, and has a servo-assisted slipper function that limits rear wheel destabilisation during down-shifting.

As with all Ducati models, the Scrambler 1100 comes equipped with the iconic Desmodromic engine valve closure system that sets in motion intake and exhaust valves that close positively and precisely using a synchronous technique exclusive to the Ducati brand name. The chassis set-up of the Ducati Scrambler 1100 features an all-new twin upper spar steel Trellis frame that envelopes the engine with a rear aluminium subframe. Weaving through bustling city traffic and steep hairpin turns feels like child’s play thanks to the wide handlebars, and further supporting this concise stability even at high speeds is the 1,514mm wheelbase.

The steel fuel tank, with an unmistakable teardrop silhouette, can hold 15 litres. With an excellent frame and outstanding chassis geometry, and despite the beefed-up size and performance, the Scrambler 1100 remains user-friendly, agile and an ultimate source of satisfaction on the road. The Sport variant of the Ducati Scrambler 1100 mounts Öhlins suspension (Kayaba on the Special variant), with upside-down 45mm forks and a rear shock with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping. Both suspensions provide 150mm of wheel travel, ensuring the tyres hug the ground on any terrain – from city streets to easy-going off-road routes. It is this balance of comfort and performance that makes the Ducati Scrambler 1100 unique.

The Scrambler 1100 variants come standard with all-new aluminium machine-finished 10-spoke wheels. The 3.5-inch x 18-inch front wheel and the 5.5-inch x 17-inch rear wheel have been designed to be light, with Pirelli playing a part to exclusively design the front tyre for the Scrambler 1100.

Excellent safety features such as Bosch 9.1 MP Cornering ABS and Ducati Traction Control (DTC), a first in the Scrambler family of bikes, entails for the rider is a feeling of freedom in a superbly comfortable riding position specifically developed for this model. To maximise stopping performance, the front wheel has a dual 330mm disc with two 4-piston Brembo M 4.32B Monobloc calipers with a 34mm piston.

The Ducati Scrambler 1100 also features three Riding Modes. The Active Riding Mode provides full engine power (86hp), a direct throttle connection and a Traction Control level compatible with sport riding. Meanwhile, Journey Riding Mode is perfect for everyday use – full L-twin power (86hp), a more fluid throttle connection and a Traction Control level developed for carefree riding. The City Riding Mode lowers engine power to 75hp similar to the Scrambler 800, and sees the throttle control become extremely fluid and Traction Control maximising safety.

As with the Scrambler’s universe of fun, joy and freedom made of motorcycles, accessories and apparel, the 1100 sees the introduction of accessories and a dedicated apparel line specifically designed for the range that includes a leather jacket, a fabric jacket and an open-face helmet co-produced with Roland Sands.

The Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special’s ‘Custom Grey’ colour with black frame and black spoked wheels is as unique to this variant as the brushed-effect swing arm and adjustable front fork with gold-coloured anodised sleeves. On the other hand, the Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport comes in ‘Viper Black’ with yellow tank trim and dual yellow striping down the middle of the tank and mudguards, with black frame and wheels.

To enhance the premium aftersales experience for owners Ducati offers the Ducati Smart Service Program, a two-year free service for parts and lubricants, or up to 30,000km including Desmodromic service*. This free service offer goes on top of the current two-year unlimited mileage warranty and is available at all authorised Ducati dealerships and service centres nationwide.

The Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special and Scrambler 1100 Sport retails at RM83,000 and RM85,000 respectively, on-the-road without insurance (0% GST).

*Terms and conditions apply.