If you know anything about motorcycles, you’re probably aware of Ducati’s original, iconic Scrambler.
In the 1960s and 1970s, it was the ultimate bike: lightweight, beginner-friendly, great looking, and both smooth enough for a commute on paved roads and tough enough to take down trails or onto the beach. But the industry shifted, and minivan-size half-ton touring behemoths and window-rattling choppers squeezed the stripped-down, go-anywhere bike out of the market. That changes this spring, when Ducati .
There are four iterations of the reissue: , , , and . All nod to the original’s classic motocross styling—big round headlights, long seats, bright paint jobs—but the Icon most closely resembles the beloved original. It has wide, off-road-ready handlebars, a trail-friendly suspension system, and dual-sport wheels made to go on- or off-pavement. Yet it’s light and nimble enough to make quick trips to the grocery store or across town.
The Icon has a few modern touches—there’s a USB charger in the under-seat storage compartment and an LED headlamp on the front—but the reason we love this bike is that Ducati stayed true to the original. No flash, no touchscreens, just a machine that can handle any job it’s given. The biggest change is the 803cc L-Twin engine, with 75 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 50 foot-pounds of torque at 5,750 rpm. Translation: it goes faster than ever. And, unlike a Harley, you won’t have to take out a mortgage to get one. From $8,495.