Ducati Scrambler 1100 Dark PRO Review (2020)
What Is It?
The Ducati Scrambler 1100 Dark PRO is a premium retro Scrambler style bike and is powered by a Euro 5 compliant air / oil cooled 1,079 cc V-Twin engine, producing 84.5 bhp at 7,500 rpm and maximum torque at just 4,750 rpm.
Specs
- Seat Height: Average (810 mm / 31.9 inches)
- Weight: Heavy (206 kg / 454 lbs)
- Economy: Average (40 mpg / 7.1 l/100km / 14.2 km/l)
- Range: Average (130 miles / 209 km)
- Power to Weight: Average (0.413 bhp/kg / 0.308 kW/kg)
- Top Speed: High (130 mph / 209 km/h)
Pros
- Smooth power
- Handling
- Comfort
- Brakes
- Looks
- Finish
Cons
- Expensive servicing
- Economy
- Gearbox
- Storage
What Is It Like?
Tell us a bit about you
I'm a 58 year old male, getting far too close to 60 for my liking. Not too short but certainly no hobbit or giant with legs on the short side.
I've owned bikes for years and passed my full bike test in 1993:
- Yamaha FZR1000 Exup
- Honda Fireblade
- Honda XR600 - that was fun
- Harley Fat Boy limited edition - thought it was a good idea at the time but realised I wasn’t at that age yet for a cruiser
- Ducati Scrambler - which I love to bits.
I am in the building industry and I know nothing about engines etc so can’t really comment much about recommending bits n bobs. I tend to like good quality and well equipped stock bikes.
Why did you choose it?
Just look at it. Plus it’s a Ducati with excellent build quality throughout. Also I really like the riding position, a sense of control and authority.
What is good about it?
It's superb to ride in a city or town with the nice wide bars; a superbly balanced bike you can weave in and out of traffic brilliantly.
It’s great fun on B and A roads. You can’t get too low in the corners though, but then that’s what a Scrambler is all about.
The sound is superb, especially with the Termignoni pipes. It also has a variety of settings for power, engine braking, traction control etc.
What could be improved?
It never sounds like it’s going to start on the first turn, but always does. Typical Ducati.
Sometimes it's awkward to find neutral and probably just wants adjustment, but I wouldn’t know!
There's zero storage, but I use a back pack anyway.
What is the economy like?
The Dark PRO is a bit thirsty but it’s a 1100 with loads of grunt.
Any mods or upgrades?
Just the Termi exhaust, which is excellent.
How is the engine?
Beautiful, air cooled and very smooth.
How does it handle?
Superbly.
What are the brakes like?
The rear brake does the job and the front brakes will stop you on a sixpence, which would be great for stoppies.
Is it comfortable?
My legs are on the short side and it’s great when you stop with the seat not too high. The leg position is perfect for the style of bike.
How reliable have you found it?
No problems so far.
What's the servicing frequency and cost like?
What you would expect fir a Ducati. Not the cheapest by far.
How would you sum up the model?
The Dark PRO is probably the best looking, most comfortable and pleasing bike I have owned.
- Paul D, 2020
Price Guide
Add Your Review
Do you own this bike? We would love to hear anything good, bad, unexpected or that you have changed plus anything that a prospective new owner might find interesting or useful.