2021 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift First Ride Review

For 2021 Ducati has cut down the Scrambler range, removing the Café Racer and Full Throttle, and introduced one new model, the Nightshift.

The 2021 Scrambler Nightshift uses a relatively basic air-cooled L-twin is loosely based on the old Ducati Monster 796 (803cc) engine (which produced a quoted 87 hp). Bore and stroke are the same, but valves, injectors, exhaust, intake, airbox are all completely different. In 2019 Ducati introduced a lighter hydraulic clutch, instead of the conventional cable, and in 2021 the engine remains unchanged.

The base of the engine is more than 10 years old, and output, 73 hp at 8,250 rpm and 48.8 pound-feet at 5,750 rpm, will hardly impress your mates down at the gym. But the engine is bulletproof, eminently usable, and, crucially in this market, attractive. Ducati could have gone hunting for more power with a modern, water-cooled engine but it wouldn’t have had the visual allure and character of the simple air-cooled L-twin.

That flat torque curve gives great drive from anywhere, and when combined with typical Scrambler lightness, you soon realize this is anything but a slow bike. I’ve done incalculable miles on different variants of the Scrambler over the years, and I’m always pleasantly surprised by its energetic and well-measured performance, which is more than enough for the road and cruising along at freeway speeds without it feeling breathless. Experienced riders dropping down in capacity for a Scrambler may miss the lack of over-rev and might crave a little more excitement toward the top-end too, but the target audience of new and inexperienced riders will love its accessibility.

The straight and narrow handlebar, complemented by racy bar-end mirrors and retro side-mounted number plates, give the notion of a radical riding position, whereas it’s much more relaxed than it appears.

The new bars are not as natural as the standard Icon’s traditional Scrambler bars but, equally, they aren’t extreme or uncomfortable, even at low speeds. Taller riders may find the bars more compromising, but they aren’t as radical as you might think—the Nightshift may appear to have a sporty edge but, in reality, it’s as extreme as mini-golf.

The steering is a little slower—not as natural. On the standard Scrambler, you’re upright, turning with wide, welcoming bars. In comparison, on the Nightshift you’re further forward in the chassis, more over the fuel tank, which gives a racier feel. You feel more obliged to hang off the Scrambler midcorner, rather than sit back and simply turn in a conventional manner. I like it, though, the riding position encourages you to tuck in and stretch the cable a little more.

The bike is light at 397 pounds, flickable, and almost toylike at times. It is just as happy on the faster stuff as it is cutting up traffic around town. With an 18-inch front wheel and 17-inch rear and off-road-looking rubber, it shouldn’t really work, but it does.

Cornering ABS carries on from the previous model, yet there are still no additional rider aids like traction control. Are sophisticated rider aids needed on a relatively slow-revving air-cooled Ducati that has excellent mechanical grip and feedback anyway? Possibly not, but new riders might be more attracted to the competition which has TC as standard.

If the Nightshift isn’t individual enough for you, there is a plethora of accessories to personalize the Ducati further. One of the pleasurable characteristics of the Scrambler range is that you can add or remove parts easily; they are relatively simple to work on, and there is a hefty catalog of different exhausts, rear ends, and accessories to choose from.

Verdict

The new Nightshift carries forward the original bike’s attributes, namely being easy to ride, fun, lightweight, good looking, and powered by a charming engine with enough performance on the road.