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2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled Overview
The 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled is an all-round motorcycle built around 803 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valve per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 11:1. 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled delivers 55 kW @ 8250 rpm of peak power and 68 Nm @ 5750 rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2018 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. Scroll down for the complete 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2018 Scrambler Desert Sled - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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Strong power output: 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled makes 55 kW @ 8250 rpm with 68 Nm @ 5750 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
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Fuel injection: The fuel injection system delivers crisp throttle response and reliable cold starts regardless of altitude or temperature.
Considerations
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Tall seat height: The 860 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
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Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
Scrambler Desert Sled's air-cooled design means engine-bay temperatures build up more in stop-start traffic than on a liquid-cooled equivalent - a function of the cooling method itself, not a defect. Mesh riding gear and avoiding prolonged idling help in hot climates.
Fuelling & injector care
Fuelling comes from fuel injection. Systems like this are largely maintenance-free beyond keeping fuel quality decent and injectors clear - a fuel-system cleaner every service interval is cheap insurance.
Brake disc and pad wear
The Single 330 mm disc, radial 4-piston calliper with ABS as standard equipment front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.
Suspension condition on used examples
Up front, the Scrambler Desert Sled runs 46mm Fully adjustable usd fork and Kayaba rear shock, pre-load and rebound adjustable. Aluminium double-sided swingarm at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.
Frame & chassis check
The frame is Tubular steel Trellis frame - worth a visual check for corrosion or impact damage around the head-stock and swingarm pivot on any used example, since frame damage is far costlier to fix than any service item.
Scrambler Desert Sled - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained Scrambler Desert Sled should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any Scrambler Desert Sled. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Fuel system care
The Scrambler Desert Sled's fuel injection system is durable but benefits from quality fuel and the occasional use of a fuel-system cleaner additive. If the bike has been stored for more than three months, drain and replace the fuel to prevent varnish deposits in the injectors.
2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled have?
The 2018 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 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled weigh?
The 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled weighs 207 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled make?
The 2018 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 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled?
The 2018 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 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled suitable for shorter riders?
The 2018 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 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled have?
The 2018 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 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled use?
The 2018 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 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled have?
The 2018 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
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Full 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled Specifications
Year
2018
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
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
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.
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