2023 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift – Review

Ducati holds an almost mythical status among big bike enthusiasts, and is seen as the pinnacle of the bike world. This Italian marque boasts an impressive track record on racing circuits, urban streets, and off road. With the Scrambler line, Ducati lowered the barriers to entry to its brand, attracting riders from diverse backgrounds.

Among the latest additions to this lineage stands the Scrambler Nightshift, a retro-inspired machine with cutting-edge enhancements and upgraded technology. Designed for versatility, the Scrambler series promises thrill on asphalt, off-road terrain, and across both short commutes and long-haul journeys. The Nightshift embodies this ethos with a sleek and stealthy demeanor.

Recently, Jinno took a spin to review this model, and I had the luck to join in, experiencing the bike firsthand. Let's take a closer look at this compact, lightweight machine, and see if it’s the right bike for you. 

First impressions

Ducati's Scrambler range consistently embodies traits of being compact, lightweight, and exceptionally maneuverable—a signature that the Nightshift, refined for 2023, proudly upholds. Its compact build, slender frame nestled between your legs, and ergonomic design cater wonderfully to city riding. As a naked bike, it lacks fairings or a windscreen, exposing riders to the elements.

Staying true to its iconic Scrambler aesthetics, this model sports an 18-inch front wheel and a 17-inch rear wheel, both wrapped in versatile dual-purpose tires mounted on wire-spoke wheels. Its approachability shines through with a low 790-millimeter saddle height, welcoming riders of various shapes and sizes. Noteworthy improvements from its predecessor include LED lights and a TFT display, elevating both style and functionality.

Performance

Powering the Scrambler Nightshift is the reliable 803cc, air-cooled, fuel-injected 90-degree V-twin (or L-twin) Desmodromic engine, a seasoned performer residing comfortably in the "Goldilocks zone" of performance—it’s not excessively fast but certainly not sluggish. Delivering approximately 73 horsepower and 67 Nm of torque, it boasts ample low-end power that gradually tapers as the revs climb.

On urban roads, the Nightshift showcases nimbleness, agility, and an impressive lightness, making it very flickable. Its responsive brakes add to the confident handling, while the suspension, adeptly tuned for Manila's uneven terrain, offers a well-damped ride.

However, for more spirited riders, it might lack a bit in feedback, especially when pushing through corners at higher speeds—a point where enthusiasts seeking a heightened sense of connection with the road might find room for improvement.

Tech and Safety

While maintaining its stripped-down allure, the Ducati Scrambler Nightshift stands as a testament to contemporary engineering excellence. Boasting a diverse array of electronic rider aids including multiple ride modes, cornering ABS, traction control, and a standard-issue up-and-down quickshifter, it embodies modern innovation.

The bike’s new full-color TFT display offers a sharp, comprehensive readout of essential ride statistics, an impressive addition that caught my attention. Furthermore, equipped with full-LED lights and cleverly integrated turn signals neatly tucked into the bike’s tail section, it strikes a balance between functionality and sleek design.

The verdict

The Ducati Scrambler Nightshift emerges as an urban jack-of-all-trades, particularly appealing to those seeking a robust and powerful machine. Its versatility extends to touring with the simple addition of saddlebags, complementing its lightweight, agile nature that effortlessly navigates technical twisty roads. However, for riders emphasizing performance, its suspension and brakes might leave them yearning for more.

This bike embodies a laid-back demeanor, ideal for unhurried road trips to any destination. Priced at P790,000 in the local market, it does command a premium, yet its abundance of technology and enduring design, a modern classic in its own right, compensates for the higher cost, making it a compelling offering.

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