For years, the Ducati Scrambler was known for being a raw, retro motorcycle. It was simple, mechanical, and focused purely on the "Land of Joy." However, the latest generation of the Scrambler 800 (including the Icon, Full Throttle, and Nightshift models) has taken a major leap forward.

While it retains the classic air-cooled look, Ducati has hidden a suite of modern technology underneath the fuel tank. This creates a bike that looks vintage but rides with the safety and convenience of a modern machine.

Here is a simple breakdown of the new technology on the Ducati Scrambler 800.

1. Ride-by-Wire Throttle

The biggest change to the new Scrambler is the introduction of "Ride-by-Wire." On older motorcycles, twisting the throttle pulled a physical steel cable connected to the engine.

On the new Scrambler, there is no cable. When you twist the grip, a sensor sends an electronic signal to the engine's computer (ECU). This electronic control allows Ducati to add advanced features like Riding Modes and Traction Control, making the engine response smoother and more manageable for all skill levels.

2. New 4.3-inch TFT Color Display

Gone is the old monochrome LCD dial that was sometimes hard to read in direct sunlight. The new Scrambler features a modern 4.3-inch TFT color dashboard.

• Design: It keeps the classic round shape to match the headlight, but the screen is crisp, bright, and fully digital.
• Connectivity: The screen is ready for the Ducati Multimedia System. If you pair your smartphone via Bluetooth, you can manage music, answer calls, and view turn-by-turn navigation directly on the dashboard (this usually requires an accessory module).

3. Riding Modes (Road and Wet)

Thanks to the Ride-by-Wire system, the Scrambler now offers two distinct Riding Modes. These modes change the personality of the bike at the push of a button:

• Road Mode: This is for everyday riding. It gives you the full 73 horsepower with a smooth throttle response. The traction control is set to a standard level to keep you safe without interfering too much with the fun.
• Wet Mode: Designed for rain or slippery surfaces. This mode softens the throttle response, making the bike less "jerky." It also increases the sensitivity of the Traction Control to prevent the tires from slipping on wet asphalt.

4. Ducati Traction Control (DTC)

Safety is a priority on the new Scrambler. The bike comes equipped with Ducati Traction Control (DTC).

If you accelerate too hard on gravel, dirt, or a wet road, the rear wheel might start to spin faster than the front wheel (losing grip). The computer detects this instantly and reduces power to the engine until the tire regains grip. You can adjust the intervention levels of the DTC through the dashboard menu, or turn it off completely if you want to slide around off-road.

5. Cornering ABS

Standard ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) prevents wheels from locking up during a panic stop in a straight line. The new Scrambler takes this further with Cornering ABS.

Using a specialized sensor called an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit), the bike knows when it is leaning over in a turn. If you grab the brakes while leaning, the system modulates the brake pressure to prevent the wheel from washing out, allowing you to stop safely even while turning.

6. Quickshifter (DQS) Up/Down

For riders who want a sportier feel, the new Scrambler supports the Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) system.

• How it works: This allows you to shift gears up and down without pulling the clutch lever or closing the throttle. It makes merging onto highways faster and city riding much more comfortable since your left hand doesn't get tired from using the clutch constantly.
• Availability: The Quickshifter comes standard on the Full Throttle model. It is available as an optional accessory add-on for the Icon and Nightshift models.

Summary

The new Ducati Scrambler 800 proves that you don't have to sacrifice style for technology. By adding a TFT screen, riding modes, and cornering safety features, Ducati has made the Scrambler lighter, safer, and more fun to ride, whether you are a beginner or an expert.