Thinking about a Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled? This bike has a unique style that blends classic looks with off-road intention. As an owner of a 2018 model, I’ve spent over a year putting it through its paces. This review will cover everything from daily commuting to weekend trail riding. I’ll share the good, the bad, and what you really need to know before buying one.
The Basics: Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled Specs
Let’s start with the core numbers. My 2018 model is powered by an 803cc air-cooled L-twin engine. It makes 75 horsepower and 68 newton-meters of torque. The bike weighs 209 kilograms when all fluids are in the tank.
The fuel tank holds 13.5 liters. You can expect fuel consumption around 18-19 kilometers per liter in normal use. The front suspension is fully adjustable. The rear suspension is adjustable for pre-load and rebound.
A key point is the model year. The Desert Sled first came out in 2018. For the 2019 model year, Ducati updated the entire Scrambler line. The 2019 and newer models got some useful upgrades. These include a proper fuel gauge and a gear position indicator. My 2018 model does not have these features.
Living With the 2018 Features and Controls
The dashboard on the 2018 model is simple. It shows your speed, a digital tachometer, and trip meters. It also has warning lights for low fuel, oil pressure, the side stand, and ABS. The lack of a fuel gauge means you rely on the low fuel warning light. This light typically comes on after about 180-190 kilometers of riding.
The switchgear on the 2018 model is a notable weak point. The turn signal, horn, and starter buttons feel extremely cheap. The housing and the buttons themselves have a flimsy build quality. The turn signal cancel function often requires wiggling the button. The starter button can need pressing at odd angles to work.
The horn button is particularly poorly placed. It is very small and awkward to press with gloved hands. You have to fumble to find it in an urgent situation. The hazard lights are also not intuitive. You must hold the turn signal button to the left for four seconds to activate them. This is not ideal.
These control issues were largely fixed in the 2019 model update. If these details matter to you, consider looking at a 2019 or newer bike.
Design Highlights: The Good Stuff
Not everything about the stock bike is a compromise. One excellent feature is the footpegs. Both the rider and passenger pegs are grooved metal. They have removable rubber inserts. You pull the rubber out for better grip off-road. You put them back in for more comfort on the street.
The rubber is good quality. It does a great job reducing vibrations through your feet. This is a smart, functional design that adds real value.
Off-Road Performance: Capable But Heavy
The Desert Sled has real off-road intent. The suspension offers a lot of travel. There is plenty of ground clearance for tackling obstacles. The riding position is upright and gives good control on dirt.
However, there are some significant limitations. First is the wheel size. The bike uses a 19-inch front and 17-inch rear wheel set. A more off-road focused 21-inch front and 18-inch rear combo would handle rocky terrain better. The current setup can feel sketchy on tricky climbs.
The biggest issue off-road is the bike’s weight. At 209 kilograms, it is heavy for its class. This weight is carried relatively high up. This gives it a high center of gravity. When the bike tips over on a trail, especially on an incline, it is very hard to pick up. Its slim profile means it can fall into awkward angles.
The engine’s air-cooling is reliable but generates a lot of heat. There is also a potential problem with the oil filter and skid plate. The oil filter points straight down. It sits just millimeters from the underside of the stock belly pan. A hard impact on the underside could crack the oil filter. This could leave you stranded. If you ride technical terrain, a more robust skid plate is a wise upgrade.
For simple trail riding or “green laning,” the Desert Sled is enjoyable and capable. Its ergonomics and suspension make it good for this. But it demands respect from the rider. It is not a beginner-friendly off-road machine.
On the Road: Commuting and Long Distance
Where this bike shines for many is as a road machine.
As a Daily Commuter
In city traffic, the Desert Sled is a great choice. It is slim, nimble, and easy to lane-split. The handlebars are not wider than most car mirrors. The suspension, even in its stock setting, is well-balanced. It is not too soft. This gives confident handling.
There are two main downsides for daily use. First is the heat. In stop-and-go traffic, the air-cooled engine radiates intense heat. This is especially felt on your left ankle and inner right calf. It is uncomfortable without protective gear like jeans or boots.
Second is the lack of a rear fender. The tail section is very short. When riding on wet or dirty roads, the rear wheel kicks up all the grime onto your back. You will need a top box or to wear a dedicated riding jacket.
As a Long-Distance Tourer
The engine is fantastic for highway travel. It has plenty of torque across the rev range. It maintains cruising speed comfortably for long periods.
The main problem for touring is the tiny 13.5-liter fuel tank. With its fuel consumption, the fuel light often comes on around 180-190 km. You will need to stop for gas every 200-230 kilometers at best. This can be disruptive on a long trip with friends on larger adventure bikes.
The bench seat is not very comfortable for long hauls. An aftermarket seat is a highly recommended upgrade. On the positive side, the heat issue is less noticeable at highway speeds. The wind carries the heat away from the rider.
Reliability and Known Issues
Modern Ducatis, including the Scrambler range, are mechanically reliable. However, there are specific items to watch.
The stock Ducati oil filter has a known failure point. The seal can break, causing the filter to leak oil. This happened to me. Oil dumped onto the rear tire and caused a fall. If you buy this bike, new or used, replace the OEM oil filter immediately. Use a high-quality aftermarket filter instead.
The other main issues are the 2018 model’s cheap hand controls, as already mentioned. These were revised in later models.
Where the Desert Sled Excels: Supermoto and Stunting
Surprisingly, the Desert Sled might be best suited for two fun activities: supermoto and stunting.
For supermoto track days, its nimble handling is perfect. The suspension can handle jumps well. The engine delivers power in a linear, predictable way. This makes it easy to control when accelerating hard out of corners.
For stunting, the bike also has great potential. It has plenty of torque for power wheelies. The high bars and open layout give lots of room for movement. The bike has a slim profile with few fragile parts sticking out. This means it’s less likely to suffer expensive damage in a fall. It’s a strong option for riders wanting more power than a small supermoto.
Conclusion: Is the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled Right for You?
The Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled is a bike of contrasts. It looks the part of a rugged off-roader. It can handle light trails with competence. Yet it feels most at home as a stylish, capable road bike.
The 2018 model has clear flaws. The lack of a fuel gauge and the terrible switchgear are low points. The high weight and vulnerable oil filter are concerns for serious off-road use. The small fuel tank limits its touring range.
However, it has a fantastic engine, comfortable ergonomics for most, and head-turning style. It is a joy to ride on twisty roads and in urban environments.
If you are considering a Desert Sled, your choice may come down to the model year. Seek out a 2019 or newer model to get the improved features and better controls. Be prepared for the heat and short fuel range. Plan to change the oil filter right away.
For the right rider, the Desert Sled offers a unique mix of Ducati character and scrambler utility. It is not a dedicated dirt weapon or a luxury tourer. It is a fantastic all-rounder with a strong personality. Test ride one and see if its charms win you over.