In 2015, Ducati scrambled (pun intended) to get a slice of the retro pie, giving us a lovely, playful motorcycle in the form of the aptly named Scrambler. While the bike's name wasn't so original, the formula was -- take a tried-and-tested L-twin engine and cram it into a narrow, minimalistic frame. The result: it turned into a sub-brand for Ducati, earning it a lot of money in the process.
In 2023, the Scrambler got a makeover; 80 percent of the motorcycle was new. Now, for 2025, there's a cosmetic update and a massive price cut. So, what's new and what's the same, whether for good or worse? Let's find out. Here are ten things you need to know about the 2025 Scrambler Icon Dark.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Ducati and other authoritative sources.
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1 The Cheapest Ducati Gets Cheaper Starting MSRP: $9,995
Ducati is known for many things, but being economical or value for money isn't one of them. Yet, the Scrambler line stands as an anomaly in the Italian automaker's fleet. After all, it has always been the approachable Ducati for intermediate riders. For 2025, the Scrambler gets even more approachable with the Icon Dark edition, now priced at $1,000 cheaper than the 2024 Scrambler Icon. A Ducati that costs under $10,000 wasn't on our bingo cards, for sure.
2 Not The Cheapest Middleweight To Service, Though Desmo Service Interval: 7,500 Miles
The Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark is powered by the old-school Desmodue engine, which has been around since the 1971 Ducati 750 GT. As its name suggests, it features desmodromic valves, which is not a problem in itself, but it becomes a major hassle when it's time for valve servicing. Enter the dreaded Desmo service.
While the desmodromic system is novel, it's outdated now, especially on the Desmodue engine. And we're not even comparing it to spring valves -- modern Desmo engines are more refined and require less frequent maintenance. Meanwhile, the Desmodue engine requires a valve clearance check every 7,500 miles. That's quite low for a bike targeted towards new riders who tend to ride regularly.
3 Any Color You Want, As Long As It's Matte Black
The 2024 Scrambler Icon was available in a bunch of lighthearted, fun colors. That's no longer the case with the cheapest Ducati of 2025. The new Scrambler Icon Dark comes in one color: matte black, with virtually everything blacked out except the fork tubes, discs, and exhaust.
The new color is definitely snazzy. It gives a new twist to the smallest Scrambler, especially when you consider the attention to detail in the design. The matte black brings those out instead of hiding them, which is a great thing.
Design Highlights X-shape DRLs dominate the front end of the otherwise minimalistic motorcycle Fender, forks, engine, and virtually everything else is blacked out on the motorcycle Matte-painted tank with glossy tank covers give the bike a more polished look Exhaust and front header run parallel to each other Related 10 Cheapest Ducati Bikes You Can Buy Today
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4 Playful Character That Hardly Needs Updating Chassis Type: Tubular Steel Trellis
If it ain't broke, don't fix it, and that seems to be Ducati's thinking behind the Scrambler Icon Dark's ride quality. It's mechanically identical to the 2024 Scrambler Icon, and that's a good thing. It's an easy-going, friendly, and peppy motorcycle you can enjoy in almost all kinds of conditions. Credit: its lightweight, responsive chassis, plush suspension, and playful engine.
Although, don't try to keep up with proper nakeds in the twisties and other scramblers off-road. This one won't like to be pushed to its limits. Instead, enjoy the Desmodue L-twin's character in the mid-range. Don't get us wrong, you can still be brisk with the bike, just don't expect it to respond well to everything like a proper middleweight naked would.
Chassis Specifications
Front Suspension
Upside-down Kayaba 41mm fork
Rear Suspension
Kayaba rear shock, preload adjustable
Wheel Travel
5.9 in/5.9 in
Front Brake
330mm disc, radial 4-piston caliper
Rear Brake
245mm, 1-piston caliper
ABS
Bosch cornering ABS
5 Perfect Second Bike For Newbies And Commuters Seat Height: 31.3 in
Swing your leg over the Scrambler, and you'll be greeted by friendly dimensions that may fool you into thinking you're sitting on a much smaller motorcycle. That's thanks to the narrow profile and upright riding position, which can be made even friendlier with the low seat accessory.
Get going and the Scrambler might just become your best friend in town. The light steering makes it easy to turn, the narrow turning radius means you can filter through traffic with ease, and the light clutch pull doesn't tire your hands out. All the while, the Desmodue engine has enough grunt to outrun the traffic. The Scrambler is forgiving and easy to ride -- an ideal upgrade for beginner motorcycles and commuters.
Dimensions
Wet Weight
388 pounds
Wheelbase
57 in
Rake
24-degree
Trail
4.25 in
Fuel Tank Capacity
3.83 gal
6 Air-Cooled Desmodue L-Twin Remains Friendly Horsepower Output: 73 HP @ 8,250 RPM
The narrow Desmo service interval is the only gripe we have with the Desmodue engine. It excels in everything else and fits the bike, despite being a relatively ancient platform. Sure, the power delivery may earn you any street cred at the local bike meet, but it perfectly matches the chilled-out attitude of the Icon Dark.
The L-twin engine picks up pace with ease with a sweet surge in the mid-range that can sometimes loft the front tire. You won't enjoy riding it at the redline, though. Shift early and let the engine sing in its mid-range -- that's where you'll have all the fun, especially when flowing through backroads.
Performance Specifications
Engine Type
Ducati Desmodue L-twin, desmodromic distribution, air-cooled
Displacement
803cc
Compression Ratio
11:1
Max Torque
48.1 LB-FT @ 7,000 RPM
Transmission
6 speed
Maintenance Service Interval
7,500 miles / 12 months
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1 7 Still Gets A Single Front Disc Brake With Brembo Calipers For Company
Tipping the scales at 388 pounds, the Scrambler is a light motorcycle and shouldn't need more than a single disc brake up front. That's true as long as you are riding sedately. The front brake, a single disc clamped by a Brembo caliper, should be just fine then. We hope a bigger disc is eventually thrown in, though.
8 It's Still The Scrambler To Buy
In the scrambler segment, the Icon Dark is one of a kind. Yes, it lacks the Triumph Scrambler 900's authentic feel. Instead, what the Scrambler brings to the table is the lovely L-twin engine, Italian flair, and a digestible price tag.
Compared to the Scrambler 900, the Icon Dark is significantly cheaper. It undercuts the British bike by nearly $1,200. Plus, you get the signature Ducati character -- all the good and the bad (ahem, Desmo service) -- without breaking the bank.
9 All The Electronics You'd Ever Need
The 2025 Icon Dark doesn't get any new electronics over its predecessor, and that's alright. The package includes a TFT display, ride-by-wire, traction control, and cornering ABS. It's everything you'd need on your middleweight retro motorcycle. However, if you want to take it a step further, you can also opt for the optional quickshifter and heated grips.
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10 If Nothing, Buy It As A Blank Canvas
Ducati has made the Scrambler a blank canvas retro motorcycle, giving you (almost) a free hand to turn it into whatever you want. Right when ordering, you can start decking up your Icon Dark with plenty of genuine Ducati accessories, including a Termignoni racing silencer, bar-end mirrors, and painted fairings. Let's not forget that the Scrambler makes up for over a quarter of the brand's sales, so the aftermarket community is also massive. Whether you want to turn your Icon Dark into an off-road capable scrambler or a shiny café racer, you'll find plenty of options on the market.