Ducati Scrambler merged threadfest

[Kev m]

For exploring, I hope the bike returns good fuel economy.  3.5 gallons won't get you too far down that lonely road.

Jenn's 696 regularly goes 150-160 miles before the low fuel light comes on at about 2.6-2.8 gallons.

And I think her tank is in the 3.5 range.

That's not bad, it's a comfortable 170 at least.

[Demar]

For exploring, I hope the bike returns good fuel economy.  3.5 gallons won't get you too far down that lonely road.

I want one with a sidecar with a 3 gallon rotopax attached.  ;-T

[Kev m]

One thing I did notice on the video was the fishtailing of the bike in the slippery stuff under acceleration. It looks a difficult to control the bike, the rear end wants to pass the front wheel.

Would that be due to a front weight bias?

No, that's lack of traction control that even a V7 II has...  :D :D :D

[kevdog3019]

One thing I did notice on the video was the fishtailing of the bike in the slippery stuff under acceleration. It looks a difficult to control the bike, the rear end wants to pass the front wheel.

Would that be due to a front weight bias?

No... hp and wringing it's neck.  I know we're not used to seeing that with our Guzzi's. ;)

[jas67]

Jenn's 696 regularly goes 150-160 miles before the low fuel light comes on at about 2.6-2.8 gallons.

And I think her tank is in the 3.5 range.

That's not bad, it's a comfortable 170 at least.

The specs say 3.6 gallon tank, same as the 796.

Another data point:

The low fuel light on my 796 (803cc) typically comes on after 115-120 miles, and takes 2.5-2.6 gallons to fill.    So, my MPG is a good bit lower.   "Comfortable" range is about 150 miles.

EDIT: I've only got 1,500 miles on it, so, the MPG may improve as it breaks in more.

[rocker59]

Jenn's 696 regularly goes 150-160 miles before the low fuel light comes on at about 2.6-2.8 gallons.

And I think her tank is in the 3.5 range.

That's not bad, it's a comfortable 170 at least.

 ;-T

[lc4dakar]

One thing I did notice on the video was the fishtailing of the bike in the slippery stuff under acceleration. It looks a difficult to control the bike, the rear end wants to pass the front wheel.

That's what dirt bikes do when you gas them with the front wheel turned.  You should see my KTM.  Or watch the videos of the Dakar guys at 110 mph and fishtailing  :o

I think the muffler and exhaust could hold about a pint of water, either from rain or washing.  Who would design exhaust pipes open on top  ???

[Penderic]

Ok, now I know.

After a wash wouldn't soap bubbles come out of that exhaust?

[mgfan]

The red colour is $100 cheaper specifically for the Guzzi crowd!   :BEER:

[DaSwami]

What's with the exposed (external) cam belts.  I've never seen that on a bike.  Is that an issue? Otherwise gotta say the bike is very interesting.

[Kev m]

Jay, I suspect your mileage will improve. Then again, Jenn is smaller than us and ride more sedately. But I still think it will improve.

What's with the exposed (external) cam belts.  I've never seen that on a bike.  Is that an issue? Otherwise gotta say the bike is very interesting.

Exposed? Are you talking about them being under those plastic covers (that's standard Duc practice), or do you mean something else?

[rocker59]

What's with the exposed (external) cam belts.  I've never seen that on a bike.  Is that an issue? Otherwise gotta say the bike is very interesting.

They're external, but under covers.  Been that way on Ducatis since the early 1980s and the TT600 racebikes:

[DaSwami]

Thank you for the education...not sure how i feel about that still, I've always had aversion to belts critical to motor function...

[Kev m]

Thank you for the education...not sure how i feel about that still, I've always had aversion to belts critical to motor function...

Meaning you're not sure how you feel about Ducatis in general then.

[DaSwami]

Correct, I own a Stone, as I see you do, plus you own a Duc.  Perhaps you can comment on your experiences between the two?

[Kev m]

Correct, I own a Stone, as I see you do, plus you own a Duc.  Perhaps you can comment on your experiences between the two?

What do you want to know?

I've compared and congested them many times.

Push comes to shove there's no comparison in performance/chassis etc.

But for practical use on the street there nothing our Stones can't do and I personally choose the Guzzi 9 times out of 10.

[jas67]

But for practical use on the street there nothing our Stones can't do and I personally choose the Guzzi 9 times out of 10.

I've got a Monster 796 and a V7 Racer (2013), and can do a partial  :+1.    I don't know that I'd choose the Guzzi 9 times out of 10.   I depends on the mission of the ride.   But, I agree that for practical use on the street, there is nothing that the V7 can can't do.     Plus, they ooze character, which, is sorely lacking in most modern motorcycles, and they're one of the simplest to maintain modern motorcycles as well.

[Demar]

From Leafman60's trip report to the Guzzi Factory....

"I specifically asked the production manage about several things:

1. He said they will begin assembly of the new V7 series with a 6-speed transmission within a few weeks to be sold as a 2015 model. The new V7's will also have ABS.

2. We talked in general about the V7 engine and I brought up criticism about its power output. He kept nodding knowingly and smiling. He said, yes, they know about those issues and agree with the criticism and assured me with a wide toothy smile that they, the engineers, "were working on it."

3.  I also asked him about a Baby Stelvio adventure bike and he became animated with another wide smile. He said that is what he personally wanted to see, a small block adventure bike.  Again, he assured me that this is something they ARE working on. He reminded that these things take time but they are not unaware of these issues."

So.... I'll wait for the Baby Stelvio and save a few $ every month until it's available.

[Matteo]

From Leafman60's trip report to the Guzzi Factory....

"I specifically asked the production manage about several things:

1. He said they will begin assembly of the new V7 series with a 6-speed transmission within a few weeks to be sold as a 2015 model. The new V7's will also have ABS.

2. We talked in general about the V7 engine and I brought up criticism about its power output. He kept nodding knowingly and smiling. He said, yes, they know about those issues and agree with the criticism and assured me with a wide toothy smile that they, the engineers, "were working on it."

3.  I also asked him about a Baby Stelvio adventure bike and he became animated with another wide smile. He said that is what he personally wanted to see, a small block adventure bike.  Again, he assured me that this is something they ARE working on. He reminded that these things take time but they are not unaware of these issues."

So.... I'll wait for the Baby Stelvio and save a few $ every month until it's available.

 Baby Stelvio...:food

[DaSwami]

Speaking of maintenance, I downloaded the Monster 796 owner's manual and browsed it.  I was stunned at the procedure for the battery removal.  If the Scrambler is similar i won't be interested.  Don't like unnecessary drama with motorcycle maintenance. 

As for the Stone, LOVE everything about it except the suspension (fixable) and the ergos (too cramped for my 6' 4" 285lb frame) (weight fixable, ergos prolly not)

I feel like I'm squatting on the Stone, knees just a smidge higher than the hips...

[Testarossa]

Icon Red $8,495 (USA), $9,295 (Canada), $129,990 (Mexico);

Mexican peso = 7.5 cents US, so the bike is only about $1000 more in Mexico than in the States.

[Kev m]

As for the Stone, LOVE everything about it except the suspension (fixable) and the ergos (too cramped for my 6' 4" 285lb frame) (weight fixable, ergos prolly not)

I feel like I'm squatting on the Stone, knees just a smidge higher than the hips...

taller seat?

[tiger_one]

Speaking of maintenance, I downloaded the Monster 796 owner's manual and browsed it.  I was stunned at the procedure for the battery removal. 

Really hard to get to the battery for sure, also the neutral light sending unit.  Another thing I disliked on the monster 696, the sidestand mounts to the crankcase.  Ours had broke the boss on the case for the main bolt ( I was able to use a longer bolt ).  The damage was done in shipping from Alaska by PO., do not ship these bikes with the sidestand down!

Does the 796 mount the side stand like that also?  If so, maybe they will change it on the scrambler.

[rocker59]

Really hard to get to the battery for sure, also the neutral light sending unit.  Another thing I disliked on the monster 696, the sidestand mounts to the crankcase.  Ours had broke the boss on the case for the main bolt ( I was able to use a longer bolt ).  The damage was done in shipping from Alaska by PO., do not ship these bikes with the sidestand down!
Does the 796 mount the side stand like that also?  If so, maybe they will change it on the scrambler.

Do not ship any bike with the sidestand down.

[Loftness]

Really hard to get to the battery for sure, also the neutral light sending unit. 

My Triumph Bonnie 2012 was the same way.  I basically needed a phillips, a hex and a star to get two or three different panels out of the way.  So dumb.

[steven c]

 First real motorcycle I ever rode was a Ducati Scrambler. My friend was teaching me to ride it one very hot muggy afternoon, we would kick it over and over till it started then I would stall it and kick and kick again, repeat, not sure why my interest in motorcycles lasted after that day, my leg is still sore!

[DaSwami]

taller seat?

Maybe.  I love the looks of the Stone as is, the seat is sculpted with the lines of the tank.  Not sure how/who I would turn to make a taller seat.   Not sure how much height would be enough to make it just right.

[Kev m]

Maybe.  I love the looks of the Stone as is, the seat is sculpted with the lines of the tank.  Not sure how/who I would turn to make a taller seat.   Not sure how much height would be enough to make it just right.

There are custom saddle makers in the US. In theory any upholstery shop could help.

You can open the stock seat and attach additional foam and test it like that, sculpting the foam before finally covering it again.

Perhaps a second seat pan would be helpful if you can find a used seat (especially one with some scuffs).

[Tazturtle]

I reckon the battery is in under the tank beside the airbox. Hopefully not too bad to get to.

My Ducati 848 is a breeze. 11 easy to access Allen bolts and the entire fairing side panel lifts away and there it is. My mate's Ducati ST4 on the other hand requires most of the entire fairing to be dismantled.

Italian bike designers  - sure, form over function sometimes, but thank god they are there!

I am loving my 848 now, but am seriously tempted by the Scrambler Classic - what a fun bike!

Kurt

[Steph]

Ha! I got dibs on the red Icon w/Termi's  :)

Nice website with the breakdown of each rendition available

http://scramblerducati.com/en

The video Could be a Budweiser commercial:  Good times, babes, beach, wet shirts... :D

The scrambler is growing on me, but the 13.5lt tank is too small, can't imagine it doing more than 120-130 in an urban environment.