The Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled Is A Great On-Road Bike, But Should You Actually Take It OFF-Road?

[@BS-np7ms]

great bike ! great views ! thx Alex

[@randygravel2057]

Really? He just rode it around LA on asphalt

[@yammienoob]

I've yeeted mine off-road in Mexico, Big Bend, New Mexico, and lots of trails in Austin, TX. It does great :) As long as you temper your expectations. Easily one of the funnest street bikes I've owned, and it looks rad.

[@bwanaPele]

Please explain what you mean by temper your expectations? Do you mean don't expect it to be great in town or the highway? I'm in the market for a Desert Sled or Triumph scrambler XE/XC. I'm not sure what to buy!

[@ironc5194]

And you pick it up solo 🤘🏼!

[@ironc5194]

@@bwanaPele I watched a vid comparing both I’m pretty sure it was a papa yams 🍠 special but anyway the desert sled is more capable but ride both and go from there.

[@bkc_edc]

@@bwanaPele He just means don’t expect it to feel like a dirt bike off road.

[@Butts0hboi]

My Beginner bike choice

[@garryventura]

Off road on a desert sled? yeah! I got lost in Coral Springs OHV Park just east of San Diego last year (2021). Went for a short ride... 4 hours later I was getting helicoptered out and paid a visit to a local hospital. The bike is definitely heavier when its on top of you. lol. I was as sore from picking it up after a couple spills as I was from the spills themselves (no lower body pads). Everyone from the sheriff to the guys that got her out for me a day later were impressed I got that deep in the woods on such a bike. But me being the off-road noob I was didn't realize it wasn't an option. I, in fact, had a blast. I've had just as much fun on the road topping out at 130mph on a nice flat stretch. My '21 one was stolen so I got a '22 now and I LOVE it!! All in all I think the sled is the best overall bike in the world right now. Can't wait to update the ECM and exhaust. Supposed to get some 100hp or close to it. ;)

[@briangc1972]

@12:40 your comment about the bike liking to be up straight is because your forks are too low in the triple clamps. Dave Moss tuning recommends raising the forks so 6.5 mm of black tube is above the triple clamps; as a starting point, you may end up with 8 to 9 mm after testing/ experimenting. Also, the factory recommend tire pressure is for 2 riders, so drop your tire pressure to 30 to 32 psi. Last, it appears you have too much fork spring preload. I could see the preload adjusters in the video and your adjusters are turned most of the way in. Conversely, when I adjusted mine, I ended up with the adjusters much farther out, more thread showing than yours (enough to be visibly different). Each of these changes will make the bike more agile and nimble, yet still be very stable at high speed.

[@hansart8266]

I ride about 70 on-road and 30 up to "medium" off-road with the Sled. Best fun-bike I ever had. For heavy off-road I prefer a lighter bike with a larger and thinner front wheel but the Sled is definitively a bike that gives you a feeling of: I can go anywhere....Freedom.... And I think, it will take you very far. Love it!

[@trakdoc9528]

I have the 2018 MY. LOVE this playful bike. I'm 5'8" with a 30"inseam. I have dropped this bike several times while crossing slime covered water crossings (I didn't have an issue lifting the bike but I work out regularly). The only damage suffered was bent shifter which I bent back VERY slowly (its steel). I love the aluminum tank coverings bc they are very easy to maintain and can be replaced instead of having to repaint a tank (no damage on drops). For on road, I installed Tourtech windscreen, which does an excellent job and provides an area up front for water bottle , small bag, etc. Good, comfortable wind protection up to about 110 mph (its not goldwing protection but wayyy better than naked). I can attest the SRTs are excellent on road craving given their dual nature. Suspension is great and easily adjusted with a dime or penny which I always carry in my pocket. For graded dirt roads I have no problems going street speeds (I have MX experience). For heavy sand, mud, I recommend the regular Rally tires which have a larger evacuation area. Texas Heat is not a problem for my legs with Dianese pants and boots for protection. Zero problems with this bike after 7,000 miles!

[@dinthepnws8948]

I love mine. Best bike in town. Speed bumps are fun little jumps. I’m not an off-road rider but I have taken it off road a few times and for the first time ever I feel comfortable off-road. Tires are amazing. You can lean it over pretty well and feel confident.

[@motoshark5847]

My opinion. My DS cooks most “ADV” bikes in technical off road terrain. It leaves GS’s behind and almost feels like cheating when riding with middleweight and 1000cc + ADV bikes. The ergos need massaging. The range stinks, bring rotopaks. It begs to be jumped and creeps along technical terrain with ease and the ground clearance is awesome. The motor is a perfect balance of punchiness and smoothness. If Ducati used this platform to build an ADV bike with 250-300 mile range and a bit of wind protection it would be a killer. This is not a “dirt bike”. It’s more of a middleweight ADV bike, that I’d argue is more dirt oriented than the standard Street biased ADV bike (VStrom, Versys, GS, CB500X, Africa Twin). It’s closest competitor would be a T7 or Ktm 790 maybe.

[@poppianejo3856]

The entire reason I want this bike is to race some of the offroad GP races, and the Mint 400. This bike is really no more expensive than KTM 500xcw or the Husky FE501. That said you can’t race those other bikes in the hooligan class, which is a super fun class to run. Hooligan class goes back to roots of off road racing. Just my 2 cents.

[@jimmyjoe1871]

I’ve got a 23 sled. I love it. I’m a big guy 6’3” and thick and itt was the perfect fit for my frame. I’ve got a new rear setup coming because it’s a little undersprung for me stock. It’s a great bike that has adequate power for most, but can be ridden fast when pushed. It sounds superb even stock.

[@pmieng4640]

Take mine off road all the time , it takes skill but trail riding in Northern Minnesota has been great, this guy doesn’t know what trail riding is

[@JeffGillis1]

For an enduro bike the engine seems exposed and unprotected? Does it require premium fuel? You said it looks great 500 times, but never mentioned the transmission? Does it have 5 or 6 speed gearbox? How easy is it to change the oil? It appears to have inverted front forks? What is the soft/ stiffness with adjustability? How does the ride feel with offset rear mono shock? You mentioned a small gas take but didn’t tell us mpg? Are there front fairing available that are easy add on given you review only shows tarmac riding? Interesting bike though your review left me with more questions then answers.

[@ryancraig2795]

You're right about southern California. I spent a day on a rental bike and went to the Mulholland highway, out to Neptune's Net, and back though Santa Monica. I definitely envy riders in southern California - great weather, great roads, lane splitting. Unfortunately I can't afford to live in Malibu.

[@willyd-adv]

You need to do a ADV comparison with the (better looking) 2021 Duc DS and the Yam T7. Almost identical on paper bar the bigger wheels on the T7 and the better suspension on the DS

[@capngeo2002]

Love it for exactly the reasons you mentioned. Cool style and light off pavement. Get on the 2021 Monster asap!

[@cesarroman9976]

That is a fantastic Looking motorcycle I just went to Foxborough to see one. I absolutely love it. I think I’m going to buy it. Your review was fantastic. Thank you so much.

[@carontecycles532]

I’m buying one just to do greenlaning in Wales (cowtrailing for the us), I am also tall and being Italian always wanted a Ducati (but never could fit on one)

[@actstuntcam]

Good review, good shots and sound. However, you really showed your ignorance comparing this with dirt-bikes. It is more comparable to a naked ADV, more like a road-focused T7, or Triumph 1200XE/XC, or similar. Agreed, it will be expensive to drop, but so will a GS, or a Honda AT, or KTM790/890 etc. Actually, the KTM790 is more expensive new and is really dirt focused. The Desert Sled is only marginally more expensive than a Husky 701, and that is a glorified enduro-bike. I think you are correct when you say most won't ride them off-road, but there are people doing it. A quick look on KZbin will have plenty of vids - Yammienoob for example. There is even a number of vids of people jumping them around MX tracks, so they are capable. Limiting factors are exposed engine and exhaust and 19" front wheel. But these don't exclude it from doing more technical trails with, skill and some engine protection.

[@grubb910]

Going into and out of 4th gear is the most problematic shift. Mine has gotten better, or maybe I've just gotten used to it, after 3,000 miles. I run mine on gravel roads regularly. It handles them very well. Luckily, I live in an area that has many unmaintained and gravel paved roads which wind through the many hills and hollows. I actually need to wash the bike, bad, it is filthy!

[@daltonconder7]

This is a great all around moto. I’ve had mine 2 years. Plenty of power and not too shabby off road. It’s heavy and tall, but mine has seen plenty of creeks and trails. You def feel like king of road on this bike. You can see over trucks.

[@rethinking-h8k]

How that ducati compars to the tuareg? Exept the fairing... Is it easier to handle offroad ?

[@ChrAdolff]

The only dirt my Fasthouse has seen yet is some gravel roads, i love riding it in Hamburg Germany. Nice vid thank you. 👍

[@tommays56]

After growing up riding enduro and motocross on 1980s 400cc such as Canam qualifier I just don’t get the appeal of off-roading on such heavy road bikes with sort of off-road tires

[@PetrolJunkie]

I ride an R1250GSA off road and I’ve run the tires that are on the dessert sled. What you have to realize is that off road is a really broad term. Dirt and gravel roads are off road for a lot of people. Fire roads, two track and single track trails. I’ve have even put down a few laps on a motocross course. It’s clearly not the best machine for any of these, but it’s definitely a better ride to and from the trail head. Some of us like the challenge of riding a less than ideal bike.

[@tommays56]

@@PetrolJunkie Thank You as I like to read the POV of people who our not making reviews

[@gregferris9378]

Needs hand guards and something to protect the exhaust. If you go off road.

[@dmegahan]

Looks like a great starter bike. Might pull the trigger on this one. Looks awesome too.

[@GypsyMotorrad]

Well said bruh! DS is good enough for the touring instead dirt! Heavy and Good looking, replacement of parts gonna be much more expensive! 😎

[@dcw0426]

No no no... I bought mine for some light off road... otherwise I would stick with my bonneville t120 ace edition... still have both by the way

[@usheffi]

Is lane splitting feels easy on this bike?

[@CraigSmith568]

I would think they would have done a better job routing the front brake line. They did a good job with the clutch, why the big loop with the brake?

[@alexp6409]

That's the slack in the line to allow for front suspension travel. Dirt bikes have the same thing.

[@dnzrdm]

It's a delibarete design decition in the scramblers. For the retro off road look.

[@CraigSmith568]

It isn't very appealing. Makes the bike look cheap.

[@alangrant5219]

I actually have a DS and do ride it off road. Not single track but mire ADV touring. If you want to be surprised compare the DS spec for spec with a Yamaha T7. As far as the false neutrals. It’s a real problem. But after 600 miles and my first oil change the gearbox got much much better.

[@nm-qt2hb]

A rolling work of art.

[@yorkchris10]

RockyMtn does a lot of stuff in Colorado, but I haven't seen Ducati IR (Ice Racer) using FT or Icon.

[@carlov.3017]

Looks like it could jump the Grand Canyon. Cue the ghost of Evil Knievel.

[@jimmyjames8736]

I think few owners will want to really use it in real off-road conditions that much. Not so much because of price though. More likely will be due to some of the reasons you mentioned like weight, fragility, and being an entry-level bike. Great bike but I think Ducati intended it's desert sled name more as style than occupation. The good adjustable suspension components should really eat up real world bad pavement and gravel/dirt roads. Looks great too. Just not something I would be eager to land after launching off a dune.

[@kiplambel4052]

I rode mine "off road" on two-track all the time. Same with my $21k BMW R1200GS, but the Sled, and so called adventure bikes are NOT dirt bikes, and don't ride like one! 155 miles is very optimistic for this bike. I never saw better than about 120, and out in the canyons, I wanted to be sure there was fuel nearby when I hit 100. You can get rid of a lot of the heat with a full race Termi exhaust, but they're not legal here in CA

[@PetrolJunkie]

Agreed, they don’t ride like a dirt bike and they shouldn’t. A dirt bike on the road is usually not the least bit enjoyable. I ride a 1250GSA everywhere my friends go with the likes of a Honda 450, though. I need momentum in some places, a fist full of throttle in others, sometimes it’s a matter of skidding the rear end around a bit more or slow speed precision where the Honda guys are just cruising along like it’s just another Tuesday. The guys on the big bikes are having more fun because they more challenged. I found the Honda 450 I borrowed boring.

[@petersymons7817]

Thank you

[@WW-wf8tu]

Good review. Good information. Good explanation of why you did not throw it around off pavement. And def. your drive/impressions is extremely helpful. I am sold on NOT looking into it. lol. Yes, California is where you should be doing your on road rides during the winters. IF you can get your hands on a KLX 250, I would be interested in your impressions on that. And the TW200.

[@sickjohnson]

I don't think anyone buying the Scrambler DS is going to take it far off road ever...and actually ride it like a dedicated dirt bike...? Ducati doesn't even try to compete against any dirt bikes right?

[@haroon420]

I think they won one of the classes in Mint 400 with this scrambler. Then they quickly monetised it by rolling out the FastHouse specced version

[@sickjohnson]

@@haroon420 Cool...no doubt they are selling good!

[@pmieng4640]

ATV trails are not a problem for my DS

[@sickjohnson]

@@pmieng4640 Mad respect!

[@devorobinson]

Very good road bike (why do people ride race relicas on the road, is for a smooth flat track), deals with pot holes, gravel, mud etc, stable at high speed and great upright riding position that allows you to look behind you, not too heavy but don't bother offroading her use a 100-120kg bike for that. easy beginner bike and very predictable cornering. seat is rubbish, throttle tube needs swapping for standard if road use only, and rear brake weak and mirrors horrible - have new seat and mirrors, doubt I will ever sell her unless traded in for a newer desert sled

[@strattongraves5568]

What seat so you have

[@gualberto921]

perfect for what we needed it for

[@dreadog6425]

Love this bike just the way it is. This is the Range Rover of bike, great as a daily driver for street and good for off road if you so chose.

[@ndguam]

Can ride all year round in a few states.

[@gregorjanos1740]

it's an extremely sexy looking bike but unfortunately don't have cylinders sticking out both sides for that really mean look😎

[@R.Nelson]

Morning Alex 😃...nice machine!!...looks fast!!!😎WOW...in between cars like that...be careful there!!...made me lil nervous watching that...but I know you have alota experience with bikes!!

[@YA-ee9zf]

Brother I can take a Corolla off road nothing can’t go off road it’s just how far can you go and what terrine

[@atvseatexchange2176]

Thanks for the ride, good job.

[@rogerj412]

Cool bike. Lane splitting is legal in CA but from what I remember when living there you're not supposed to do it at stop lights and it stopped traffic.

[@Chao_chandan25]

Nice one bro Absolutely in love with this machine ❣️

[@BlazinBlades]

Not 2019 buddy More like 2016 🍻🍻

[@diversityhobbit]

A guy took it off-road for a year around the world.

[@gregferris9378]

We have a lot of gravel roads where I live so it would be great for me.

[@ajsosa2]

Gotta love that “deep-throaty feeling”.

[@dougnoel3745]

Where was that made, you can't buy a Italian suit for 12,000.

[@mechcavandy986]

It’s a Desert Sled, not a LA sled! I don’t give AF how I look on the street! 😹

[@stefankoles]

Looks amazing. Love it❤️

[@cohocarl]

Like the dude on pump 5 @ 2:12

[@ampm9771]

it has traction control. The road mode is the traction control.

[@fuggle07]

Nope. Only ABS

[@grabir01]

Made in Italy?

[@rallyzamora8356]

Thailand

[@jamesonpace726]

Hmm, seems the boy is wise beyond his years. How many will go dirt? (As many as Rubicon their $$$ suvs, I expect.)

[@KiwiMoto72]

I got rid of mine - too hot. Runs way too hot.

[@johnb4921]

Don’t know why they can’t liquid cool it to solve that issue. Great for cold weather riding but awful in the summer heat

[@martyn_g]

@@johnb4921 air cooled as it’s advantages - mechanical simplicity! I ride a DR650, in Australia, our temps get pretty hot, I just splay my legs slightly at the lights. If this had a bigger tank, I might consider it.

[@dangrimes5078]

Your not wrong it's a street bike

[@randygravel2057]

“Freeway”

[@marekgalecki142]

To much money for this model.

[@06colkurtz]

A Duc is like a boat. Happiest days are when you buy it and when you get rid of it

[@bladecutter1]

I've had an 848 in the garage for over 12 years. Just bought a SuperSport to join it, and my wife's 2015 Scrambler. So, when do you recommend that I get rid of these bikes? I never realized that I could be happier if I didn't have it anymore.

[@vv5179]

@@bladecutter1 I have some riding friends that were Ducati owners and they had horrible electrical problems that never got ironed out and left them on the side of the road. They were ecstatic to get rid of them. That said, I really do like the desert sled, but it is a lot of money for a bike to have issues.

[@bladecutter1]

@@vv5179 I understand what your friends bikes might have gone through. Nothing worse than an electrical gremlin combined with a dealership that doesn't have a mechanic skilled in diagnosing electrical issues. My wife had a 2009 Monster 696 that we bought new, and in the first year of ownership, we lost 6 months of riding season due to it constantly going back to the dealership because of a CEL for the O2 sensors constantly being tripped. The dealership wound up replacing everything electrical from the 02 sensors, to the wiring harness, to the ECU, and finally, the entire throttle body unit, which finally solved the issue, but it took months of harping on the dealer and on Ducati USA in order to get them to take the issue seriously. My wife still loved the bike after everything was said and done, but she wasn't too impressed with the dealership, its Ducati Techs, and Ducati USA at the end of it all. She eventually replaced the 696 with a Scrambler many years later, so her confidence in Ducati didn't take a hit.

[@jamesclapp6940]

NEEDS real knobby tires on both ends if your going to ride it off road!

[@PetrolJunkie]

Honestly, the tires that are on it paddle well. They don’t do too bad in sand and mud even on a much heavier bike.

[@actstuntcam]

T7 has them as standard. Probably fine except in really tough going.

[@magicman003]

In india this entry level Ducati comes under 14-15 lacks, does it cheaper 😁😂

[@terremoto..6809]

How many watts is the motor?

[@app1mxh]

Need to make gas tank bigger.

[@Chuck88vert]

You didn't test in the dirt

[@spencerbodily1883]

Hey

[@badgerpa9]

nice looking bike.

[@TheDennisRobb]

Do the triumph scrambler

[@dcw0426]

I test drove triumph scrambler 1200xc and like desert sled better

[@coreykonkin5917]

@@dcw0426 Why is that? I'm stuck trying to decide between the two.

[@ROFLWAFFLEization]

"Really tall bike" *glances over at my 37" seat height ktm that I flat floot*

[@brettmorton6123]

take it off road

[@spencerbodily1883]

First

[@marktangney89]

A big spie. about why you didn't go off road. But I think we know why. It'd break. Its an expensive fake agg bike.

[@gordonwbell]

I wouldn’t say it’s a fake, expensive - not really. The T7 is $12K CDN, this was $13K, the KTM 790 Adventure R was $15K. The DS out of all the scramblers is probably the most capable and authentic bike for what the designers were intending it to be. It has the same fully adjustable suspension and travel as a T7, strengthened and reinforced frame, Offroad mode for the ABS, and spoked wheels. It’s biggest let down off road is the tires. But those are easily changed. I’ve taken mine Offroad and while it’s not a dirt bike it was still very capable and fun. But I sold my high maintenance dirt bike to buy this so that I could ride farther and connect more of the unimproved roads and trails.

[@marktangney89]

Agg bike.

[@andhygunawan2029]

hebat euy

[@rallyzamora8356]

👏👏👏👍