Spec comparison: Triumph Street Scrambler vs Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled

Triumph has just started sales of its Street Scrambler in India at Rs 8.10 lakh, ex-showroom pan-India. It is based on the Scrambler chassis but is more purpose-tuned to its role as an off-roader. This shows in the 19-inch front wheel, wider handle bars, higher compression shock absorbers, on-off road Metzeler Tourance tyres, switchable traction control as well as ABS and more. One look at the Triumph Street Scrambler and you know that it is inspired from the Street Twin. This includes the classic round headlamp, paint scheme, black cycle parts and the engine. While initially the seat does look the same, Triumph says that the Street Scrambler gets a wider seat while the pillion perch can be removed and in its place an aluminium rack can be placed. The Street Scrambler also benefits from the single-sided twin exhausts that hang parallel to the seat. This is indicative of the Scrambler's off-roading capabilities wherein it will be a tad difficult for the water to enter the exhaust pipes and into the engine. Better brakes are also part of the package now. Triumph has also added an engine bash plate which should protect the lower part of the motor from those stones and rocks. Powering the Triumph Street Scrambler is the same 55PS/80Nm 900cc parallel twin engine. This motor is mated to a 6-speed gearbox. Triumph claims to have tweaked the motor for better low down poke as well as throttle response. How all this translates on the road (or off), we will update you in a few days when we test the motorcycle.

The 2017 Triumph Street Scrambler comes with a new steel exhaust unit that sits higher up and parallel to the seat

The Ducati in the meanwhile was also launched earlier last month. The entire Scrambler range was off the shelf for a few months because of non conformity to BS-IV norms. The updated Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled is priced at Rs 9.32 lakh ex-showroom, pan-India. For the sake of comparison, we have taken the off-road focused Desert Sled here. The Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled is actually a luxury dirt bike and gets a higher front mudguard. The handlebars also get the cross strut while the headlamps get a grille. There is also the reinforced tubular frame as well as the double-sided swingarm that constitute the new parts. Chunky Pirelli Scorpion tyres sit on 19- and 17-inch front and rear wheels respectively. These knobby pattern tyres signal the off-road intent of the motorcycle. The instrument cluster looks the same as the regular Scrambler. The electronic aids include only ABS. Ducati offers a more powerful engine 75PS/68Nm 803cc twin-cylinder engine in the Scrambler Desert Sled as compared to the Street Scrambler.

While we will have a full fledged comparison between the Triumph Street Scrambler and the Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled, you will have to wait a few days for it. For now, you can take a look at the specs of both the motorcycles right here