![]()
No images available
Tap to enlarge
![]()
2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled Overview
For 2017, Ducati offers the Scrambler Desert Sled as an all-round motorcycle with 803 cc on tap. The 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled is built around a Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valve per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 11:1. Out on the road, the Scrambler Desert Sled delivers 55 kW @ 8250 rpm of peak power and 68 Nm @ 5750 rpm of torque. In everyday use, the 2017 Scrambler Desert Sled tips the scales at 207 kg, carries a 13.5-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 860 mm and spans a 1505 mm wheelbase. Every technical detail, from suspension travel to tyre sizes, is covered in the full 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled spec sheet below.
2017 Scrambler Desert Sled - Pros & Cons
Strengths
-
⚡
Strong power output: Peak output on the Scrambler Desert Sled is 55 kW @ 8250 rpm and 68 Nm @ 5750 rpm of torque - strong numbers for what it is.
-
🔧
Fuel injection: No choke, no jetting, no altitude compensation to think about - fuel injection just works across a wider range of conditions than carburetion.
Considerations
-
📏
Tall seat height: A 860 mm seat puts flat-footing out of reach for a lot of riders - sit on it in person before committing.
-
⚙️
Chain final drive upkeep: A chain drivetrain is the most common setup in its class, but it's also the one that demands the most regular hands-on maintenance.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Air cooling on the Scrambler Desert Sled keeps the mechanical layout simple, but heat management in slow traffic needs more attention than on a liquid-cooled bike - plan routes and gear accordingly in warmer conditions.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling on the Scrambler Desert Sled comes from fuel injection. Cold starts and throttle response stay consistent across altitude and temperature, the main practical edge over a carbureted equivalent.
Brake disc and pad wear
Single 330 mm disc, radial 4-piston calliper with ABS as standard equipment up front provides the primary stopping power; inspect disc thickness and pad wear at each tyre change to catch scoring before it becomes a rotor replacement.
Suspension condition on used examples
Suspension duties are handled by 46mm Fully adjustable usd fork up front and Kayaba rear shock, pre-load and rebound adjustable. Aluminium double-sided swingarm at the rear. Weeping fork seals aren't a dealbreaker on a used bike, but they're a fair basis for negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Chain final drive on the Scrambler Desert Sled means routine lubing and tension checks are part of ownership - skip them and sprocket wear accelerates noticeably.
Frame & chassis check
The Tubular steel Trellis frame chassis holds up well with normal use; on a used bike it's still worth checking the head-stock and swingarm pivot area for impact damage or corrosion.
Scrambler Desert Sled - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
A pre-purchase check on the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled should cover the same ground every time: service history, chain and sprocket condition, and any oil seepage around the casings. Start it from cold if you can - a well-kept Scrambler Desert Sled settles to a smooth idle within seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Oil changes are the cheapest insurance you can buy for a Scrambler Desert Sled's engine - keep to the manufacturer's interval rather than stretching it. Use the viscosity grade the manual specifies, not whatever's on sale.
Fuel system care
Injector systems like the Scrambler Desert Sled's hold up well with basic care - decent fuel, an occasional cleaner additive, and draining old fuel before any layup longer than three months.
2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled have?
The 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled uses a Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valve per cylinder engine with 803 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.
How much does the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled weigh?
The 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled weighs 207 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled make?
The 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled produces 55 kW @ 8250 rpm of power and 68 Nm @ 5750 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled?
The 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled has a 13.5-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 225-270 km between stops.
Is the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled suitable for shorter riders?
The 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled has a seat height of 860 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled have?
The 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled uses Single 330 mm disc, radial 4-piston calliper with ABS as standard equipment at the front and Single 245 mm disc, 1-piston floating calliper with ABS as standard equipment at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled use?
The 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled runs Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 120/70 R19 front and Pirelli Scorpion? Rally STR 170/60 R17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled have?
The 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled is fitted with a 6-Speed transmission.
Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled Spec Evolution
The Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled was produced across 2 model years (2017-2018). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2017 |
2018 |
| Fuel Capacity |
13.5 Litres / 3.57 US gal / 3.0 Imp gal |
13.5 Litres / 3.57 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption |
5.0 L/100km / 20 km/l / 47 US mpg / 56 Imp mpg |
5.0 L/100km / 20 km/l / 47 US mpg |
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valve per cylinder
Power
55 kW / 75 hp @ 8250 rpm
Torque
68 Nm / 6.9 kgf-m / 50 ft-lb @ 5750 rpm
Top Speed
Not published by manufacturer
Fuel Capacity
13.5 Litres / 3.57 US gal / 3.0 Imp gal
Advertisement
Full 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled Specifications
Year
2017
Make Model
Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
Seat Height
860 mm / 33.9 in - low seat 840 mm / 33.0 in available as accessory
Wheelbase
1505 mm / 59.3 in
Height
1213 mm / 47.8 in (brake reservoir)
Length
2200 mm / 86.6 in
Width
940 mm / 37.0 in (mirrors)
Dry Weight
191 kg / 421 lbs
Fuel Capacity
13.5 Litres / 3.57 US gal / 3.0 Imp gal
Wet Weight
207 kg / 456 lbs
Displacement
803 cc / 49.0 cu in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valve per cylinder
Bore x Stroke
88 x 66 mm
Compression Ratio
11:1
Cooling System
Air cooled
Emissions
Euro 4
Exhaust
Stainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, aluminium tail pipes
Fuel Consumption
5.0 L/100km / 20 km/l / 47 US mpg / 56 Imp mpg
Fuel Induction
Electronic fuel injection, 50 mm throttle body
Starter
Electric
Clutch
APTC wet multiplate with mechanical control
Final Drive
Chain; front sprocket 15; rear sprocket 46
Gear Ratios
1st 32/13, 2nd 30/18, 3rd 28/21, 4th 26/23, 5th 22/22, 6th 24/26
Primary Drive Ratios
Straight cut gears; ratio 1.85:1
Transmission / Drive
6-Speed
Frame Type
Tubular steel Trellis frame
Suspension - Front
46mm Fully adjustable usd fork
Suspension - Rear
Kayaba rear shock, pre-load and rebound adjustable. Aluminium double-sided swingarm
Rake
24°
Trail
112 mm / 4.4 in
Wheel Travel - Front
200 mm / 7.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
200 mm / 7.9 in
Brakes - Front
Single 330 mm disc, radial 4-piston calliper with ABS as standard equipment
Brakes - Rear
Single 245 mm disc, 1-piston floating calliper with ABS as standard equipment
Tyres - Front
Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 120/70 R19
Tyres - Rear
Pirelli Scorpion? Rally STR 170/60 R17
Wheels - Front
Spoked aluminium wheel 3,00" x 19"
Wheels - Rear
Spoked aluminium wheel 4,50" x 17"
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
Advertisement
Compare Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
See how the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
stacks up against similar motorcycles.
Build your own comparison →