Ducati Scrambler Full-Throttle

The 2016 Ducati Scrambler is the bike I love to ride. Every time I get back on Nero, yes I name my bikes, he once again brings a smile to my face and proves himself to be a joy to ride.

While some people criticize the Scrambler for being a “hipster motorcycle”, I think they are just finding something to criticize. That shouldn't be the focus when there's so much to enjoy on the Ducati Scrambler Full-Throttle. If you're stuck on the hyped up hipster reputation, get off and please hop on a Scrambler, I think you'll come to realize it’s a fantastic bike. It’s lightweight, über responsive and full of torque. Ducati has done a great job creating an attractive bike targeted at a younger generation that handles beautifully.

The Ducati Scrambler Full Throttle is black and yellow, giving it an intense, street look. However, I could do without the yellow, it resembles a bumble bee or a Transformer. Good news though, they're easily customizable. You can switch out the gas tank panels, mudguards, and seats quite easily if you so desire.

Inspired by the flat track, the Scrambler is compact and light, perfect for the streets of New York, LA and Austin (the location of my rides). Driving it feels easy, the bike seems to have an intuition and gives you what you need. You lean, and it follows without a fight. It easily pulls you along street thanks to all 803 ccs and the Pirelli dual sport tires. Throw on the hydraulic disc brakes and you’ll stop on a dime.

The bike sits low, which I personally prefer. Even as a 5'10" female, my center of gravity is lower. This bike fits me perfectly and I feel connected to it thanks to the particular stance. It has wider handlebars and an upright sitting position, making it a comfortable ride for about 3-4 hours and easy to control.

Nero is my second of three bikes, and my favorite. After moving to NYC and selling my Suzuki DRZ400SM in Austin, I spent about a year sans motorcycle. I spent the time adjusting to my new surroundings, but every time I saw a motorcycle, I was hot and bothered.

I stumbled upon a motorcycle cafe, Spiegel, next to my apartment and made it my regular spot. I became good friends with the owner and once again found myself surrounded by motorcycles. After a year of listening to me talk about missing motorcycles, my friends from the cafe took me to Gold Coast Motorsports with them. I walked in, saw the Ducati Scramblers, and knew it’s what I wanted. It had a sophisticated design, was well thought out, fit my needs and felt right when I was perched on the bike seat.

So, I bought a used one from Gold Coast Motorsports. I gave them a down-payment and they delivered it to me in New York when I returned from a trip. I was so excited for the new motorcycle, that I prepped by renting a moped in Rome.

I was nervous to get back on a motorcycle after my year-long break though. New York City doesn’t offer a lot of space for a rider to practice, the drivers are aggressive and pedestrians do as they please. However, I really missed riding. So I put my nerves on the back-burner, suited up and got a friend to take a ride with me up 1st Avenue.

I turned the key and the Scrambler came to life. The dials lit up and the engine snarled warmly at me. I ran my hands over the handlebars familiarizing myself with the levers and switches. I rearranged my mirrors, found my foot pegs, and when the light turned green, kicked it into first. I slowly released the clutch and twisted the throttle, it was responsive but gentle. Unlike my Suzuki DRZ 400SM, it wasn’t jerky and the riding position and height felt natural, even on my first ride. My friend was patient as we went about 20 mph in the right lane as taxis chaotically jumped by us.

It was like riding a bike all over again (pun intended). I had to relearn gear shifting, taking mental notes of RPMs as I shifted up and down. After awhile, you can hear and feel when to shift and it becomes second nature. Shifting through the gears was seamless and the Scrambler was forgiving even when I shifted too soon.

Riding allowed me to see the city in a whole new way. Things I had never noticed before were all I could see now. We rode by my favorite restaurants and shops, enjoying the challenge of the cobblestone streets in Soho and the adrenaline rush on the West Side Highway. I took note of the idiosyncrasies each block offered, each bump, pothole, bottleneck and stop light. The Scrambler easily darted between crowded lanes and pulled me out of some situations that could have been sticky. The bike’s size and stance made passing the lines of traffic on the Williamsburg Bridge painless as we snuck between lanes. I knew then that I loved this bike.

The most important aspect of the Ducati Scrambler is that it’s fun to ride. It’s nimble and lively on the road and welcomes the opportunity to ride how you like. It’s reliable and starts every time. Having a bike that works when you want to ride makes it an instant favorite for me. When you’re looking forward to riding, you want to be able to get on your machine and go.

The bike isn’t ostentatious, it’s smart looking. It’s petite but present on the road and was created with smooth lines and packaged to conceal the guts while maintaining it’s naked frame. Ducati did a great job adding all the things I want - torque, maneuverability, agility, race bike good looks - into a modern bike that pays homage to the past track bikes.

Ducati has also made the bikes super customizable and has provided variety in the multiple Scrambler models. They want you to find your best fit. And in a time when individuality is everything, this bike allows for everyone to be their own rider.