Review Ducati Scrambler Icon (2026)
73 hp Desmodue, Nine Color Options, Cornering ABS, 795 mm—the Most Colorful Ducati
The Scrambler Icon is the motorcycle Ducati uses to reach more riders than the rest of its lineup allows. 73 hp from an 803 cc Desmodue, 182 kg dry, 795 mm seat height, Cornering ABS, TFT display, three riding modes—and nine color options, six of them available as kits. No other Ducati offers more color choices.
As of: May 2, 2026 | Model: Ducati Scrambler Icon (2026; second generation since 2023; technically unchanged for 2026; new colors in kit program; anniversary promotion) | Manufacturer: Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., Borgo Panigale, Bologna, Italy; subsidiary of Audi AG | Price in Germany: approx. €10,890 plus €305 destination charges | Stationary noise: not officially published; confirm with dealer, Tyrol limit 95 dB(A) | Warranty: 2 years, unlimited mileage; 2 years roadside assistance
What’s New for 2026
The 2026 Scrambler Icon is technically identical to the second generation Ducati introduced in 2023. For 2026, there are new color options in the kit program and anniversary promotions offering up to €2,000 in benefits with the purchase of selected Ducati models, redeemable for accessories, apparel, or service.
The foundation consists of three standard colors—’62 Yellow, Thrilling Black, and Ducati Red—supplemented by six accessory color kits at €291.31 each: Storm Green, Rio Celeste, Tangerine Orange, Jade Green, Sparkling Blue, and Velvet Red. The fuel-tank cover can be swapped quickly. The Scrambler’s color concept is about changeable styling, not a permanent commitment.
Engine: 803 cc Desmodue—73 hp, Identical to Formula 73
803 cc, air-cooled, 90-degree L-twin, OHC, two desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder, 73 hp / 53.7 kW at 8,250 rpm, 65.2 Nm at 6,500 rpm, six-speed transmission, chain drive, Euro 5+, Ride-by-Wire, hydraulic radial clutch.
It is the same engine used in the Formula 73—there calibrated to 73 hp as an anniversary statement, here used in the standard Scrambler configuration. The Desmodue is neither a high-revving sport engine nor a tractor-like cruiser motor. Its best character lives in the midrange: substantial, clear, and unmistakable in sound. Fuel consumption is approximately 4.5 L/100 km. With the 13.5-liter tank, range is around 270–300 km.
Suspension: Marzocchi USD, Sachs Shock, 18-Inch Front Wheel
Up front is a 41 mm Marzocchi USD fork with 150 mm of travel. At the rear is an adjustable Sachs shock, also with 150 mm of travel. Braking comes from Brembo, with a 330 mm front disc and four-piston radial caliper, plus a 245 mm rear disc and Bosch Cornering ABS.
Wheel sizes are 18 inches at the front and 17 inches at the rear, with cast wheels standard and wire-spoke wheels optional. Pirelli MT 60 RS tires come from the factory. The 18-inch front wheel is characteristic of the Scrambler family. It turns in a little more slowly than a 17-inch wheel, but provides greater straight-line stability and suits the Scrambler’s relaxed character.
Ergonomics: 795 mm, Wide Handlebar, Upright Riding Position
Seat height is 795 mm, with a lower 775 mm seat available as an option. The handlebar is wide and high, the footpegs are centrally positioned, and dry weight is 182 kg. The Scrambler Icon has one of the most relaxed riding positions of any 800-class naked bike: hands around shoulder height, upright back, no pressure on the wrists. It is an enduro-cruiser riding position—light-footed and open rather than sport-focused.
A passenger seat with grab handles comes standard. The lower 775 mm seat and Ducati lowering kit can be combined.
The Scrambler’s color concept completes the ergonomic proposition. Riders who want to personalize the motorcycle visually while still having modern rider aids such as Cornering ABS, traction control, and riding modes will struggle to find a comparable combination anywhere else in this price class.
Electronics: Three Riding Modes, Cornering ABS, TFT
There are three riding modes: Road, Sport, and Wet. The electronics package includes DTC traction control, Bosch Cornering ABS, a 4.3-inch color TFT compatible with Bluetooth and the Ducati Multimedia System, full LED lighting, automatic turn-signal cancellation, and USB.
Cornering ABS on a motorcycle costing less than €11,000 cannot be taken for granted. Combined with Wet mode, which adapts throttle response and traction control to wet conditions, it makes the Scrambler Icon a safer everyday motorcycle than its casual appearance might suggest.
Icon vs. Icon Dark: The Only Equipment Choice
The Scrambler Icon and Scrambler Icon Dark share exactly the same engine, suspension, electronics, and weight. The Icon Dark gets a matte-black Dark Stealth finish, black engine details, and a lower price. The Icon gets the color options, gloss paint, and a higher price.
If you want the motorcycle black and minimalist, buy the Icon Dark. If you want color and customization, buy the Icon.
A2 Version and Desmo Service
The Scrambler Icon can be restricted to 35 kW / 47 hp, making it A2-compatible. That is a significant purchasing argument for A2 license holders who do not want to wait: a Ducati with a Desmodue engine, Cornering ABS, and TFT display from day one.
Desmodromic valve actuation also means a specific service schedule, typically every 15,000 km or two years at a Ducati dealer. Desmo servicing is more expensive than maintenance on non-Desmo engines. Buyers need to include that in their running-cost budget.
Price and Positioning
From €10,890 plus €305 destination charges and a two-year warranty. Accessory color kits cost €291.31 each.
The direct competitor in terms of price and positioning is the Royal Enfield Super Meteor 650 at around €7,900, with an air-cooled 47 hp engine and considerably less electronics. The Triumph Scrambler 900 at around €12,500, with 65 hp from a parallel twin, is the closest stylistic comparison. The Honda CB650R at around €10,000 produces 95 hp from a liquid-cooled inline-four and is both more powerful and less expensive, but it does not have Scrambler character.
If you want Ducati DNA, Desmodue sound, and color customization, there is no genuine alternative in this price class.
Verdict
The 2026 Ducati Scrambler Icon is the most accessible motorcycle in Ducati’s lineup: 73 hp, Desmodue, Cornering ABS, TFT display, 182 kg, 795 mm seat height, A2-compatible, nine color options. From €10,890.
For riders who want Ducati character without Ducati superbike performance, this is the right entry point.
Quick Check
+ Nine color options—three standard + six kits at approximately €291 each: no other motorcycle in this test series offers more color customization; interchangeable fuel-tank covers; 2026 anniversary promotion offering up to €2,000 in benefits for accessories/service
+ 803 cc Desmodue L-twin; 73 hp; desmodromic valve actuation; Cornering ABS; DTC traction control; three riding modes including Wet; 4.3-inch TFT; 182 kg dry; 795 mm seat height; Marzocchi USD fork; Sachs shock; Brembo 330 mm front brake; A2-compatible
+ Passenger seat standard; lower 775 mm seat optional; wire-spoke wheels optional; more than 100 accessory options in the Ducati program; 2-year warranty + roadside assistance; 13.5-liter tank; approx. 270–300 km range
+ Entry into the Ducati brand without intimidating performance: 73 hp is entirely sufficient for everyday riding and backroads; relaxed upright riding position; enduro-cruiser character; unmistakable Desmodue sound
– Stationary noise not published; confirm against Tyrol’s 95 dB(A) limit with dealer; Desmo service interval of 15,000 km / 2 years is more expensive than on non-Desmo models
– 73 hp and 65.2 Nm: Honda CB650R at around €10,000 offers 95 hp for less money; no wind protection standard; Pirelli MT 60 RS is a compromise tire between road and light off-road use, not a pure sport tire
– Only 2-year warranty; no Quick Shift standard, available only as an option compared with Formula 73 where Quick Shift is standard; no TFT Bluetooth/DMS functionality without optional app setup
– Icon Dark: completely black, less expensive, technically identical—if you want the Scrambler platform without paying for color customization, buy the Dark and save money; Triumph Scrambler 900 at around €12,500 with 65 hp parallel twin is the closest stylistic competitor, but has a different engine character
Technical Specifications: Ducati Scrambler Icon (2026)
Make / Model: Ducati Scrambler Icon (2026; second generation since 2023; technically identical to 2023 for 2026; new color kits; anniversary promotion); manufacturer: Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A., Borgo Panigale, Bologna, Italy
What’s New for 2026: New color options in the kit program; anniversary promotion offering up to €2,000 in benefits; technically identical to the 2023 generation
Icon vs. Icon Dark: Icon: color options with three standard colors + six kits, gloss paint, more expensive. Icon Dark: completely matte black in Dark Stealth, less expensive. Engine, suspension, electronics identical.
Engine: Air-cooled 90-degree L-twin, Desmodue; 803 cc; OHC; two desmodromically actuated valves per cylinder; Ride-by-Wire; Euro 5+; six-speed transmission; chain drive; hydraulic radial clutch
Power: 73 hp (53.7 kW) at 8,250 rpm; restrictable to 35 kW for A2 licensing
Torque: 65.2 Nm at 6,500 rpm
Top Speed / Consumption: Approx. 190 km/h; approx. 4.5 L/100 km; approx. 270–300 km range
Fuel Tank / Weight: 13.5 liters; approx. 185 kg fully fueled
Transmission / Final Drive: 6-speed; chain drive; Quick Shift optional
Electronics: Bosch Cornering ABS; DTC traction control; Ride-by-Wire; three riding modes—Road/Sport/Wet; 4.3-inch color TFT compatible with Bluetooth and DMS; full LED lighting; automatic turn-signal cancellation; USB
Front Suspension: 41 mm Marzocchi USD fork; 150 mm travel
Rear Suspension: Sachs shock; 150 mm travel; adjustable
Front Brake: Brembo; 330 mm disc; four-piston radial caliper; Cornering ABS
Rear Brake: 245 mm disc; single-piston caliper; ABS
Wheels: 18-inch front; 17-inch rear; cast wheels standard, wire-spoke wheels optional
Tires: Pirelli MT 60 RS; 110/80-18 front; 180/55-17 rear
Ergonomics: 795 mm seat height, lower 775 mm seat optional and compatible with lowering kit; wide high handlebar; centrally positioned footpegs; upright riding position; passenger seat with grab handles standard
2026 Colors: Standard: ’62 Yellow, Thrilling Black, Ducati Red. Accessory kits at €291.31 each: Storm Green, Rio Celeste, Tangerine Orange, Jade Green, Sparkling Blue, Velvet Red
Stationary Noise: Not officially published; confirm with dealer against Tyrol’s 95 dB(A) limit
Warranty / Service: 2-year manufacturer warranty with unlimited mileage; 2 years roadside assistance; typical Desmo service interval 15,000 km / 2 years
Price in Germany: From €10,890 plus €305 destination charges; color kits €291.31 each