2017 Ducati Scrambler Café Racer First Look

When Ducati debuted the Scrambler Icon at the end of 2014, the company had set out to create a new brand. Even now, when you go to Ducati's website, the Scrambler machines stand aside from the typical offerings of Monsters, Multistradas, and Panigales. Now the Scrambler brand has begun branching out in its own directions, with the off-road oriented Desert Sled and around a half dozen other variations.

Arguably the least “scrambled” of the line is the new-for-2017 Café Racer. It’s powered by the same 803cc, air-cooled engine that cranks out about 75 horsepower and rides in Ducati’s classic steel-trellis frame. But this cafe bike is much racier than the other Scramblers—it uses low-slung, aluminum clip-on handlebars instead of a taller, standard bar and a stubby, cowled tail that reminds us of Ducati’s own Monster.

Bar-end mirrors and a fully adjustable KYB fork add to the racy look, and Pirelli Diablo Rosso II rubber means there’s plenty of grip when you lean over. Whether or not parts drag, that remains to be seen. Racing or not, there are number plates mounted on the side, standard.

As with the rest of the Scrambler line, Ducati offers a gaggle of accessories for owners to personalize their bikes. Replaceable side panels on the tank and an easily removable, swingarm-mounted license-plate holder are just a couple of the things Ducati clearly expects people to fiddle with.