Ducati Scrambler 800 Café Racer (2019) Review: Retro Styling Meets Modern Thrill
The Ducati Scrambler 800 Café Racer (2019) is a tribute to the golden era of motorcycling, where performance met panache in the most rebellious way. Ducati, known for its Italian flair and engineering excellence, brings back the café racer legacy with this beautifully tailored machine.
Falling within the retro-modern category, it blends vintage vibes with contemporary performance, making it one of the most unique offerings in the Scrambler lineup. It is not just about nostalgia—this bike is a statement on wheels for riders who crave character with capability.
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Engine and Performance
Under its stylish shell lies an 803cc air-cooled L-Twin Desmodromic engine that puts out 73 horsepower and 67 Nm of torque. While those numbers might not scream superbike, the real charm is how the power is delivered—smooth, predictable, and punchy.
Throttle response is crisp, and the torque kicks in early, making city riding a breeze and corner exits addictive. The six-speed gearbox shifts smoothly, and the slip-assist clutch reduces hand fatigue during longer rides. With a top speed hovering around 120 mph, it is spirited enough for canyon carving but still approachable for less aggressive riders.
Ideal for urban rides and weekend backroad blasts, the Scrambler 800 Café Racer offers that raw mechanical connection many modern bikes have lost.
Technology and Features
Though it leans on a retro aesthetic, the 2019 Café Racer is no slouch in the tech department. Standard ABS by Bosch ensures reliable braking performance without compromising rider confidence. The LED daytime running light and LED indicators add a touch of modernity to the vintage silhouette.
The LCD display is compact but effective, showing all vital information at a glance. While it doesn’t come with smartphone connectivity or advanced rider modes, that’s actually the charm—it encourages riding by feel rather than over-relying on electronics.
Comfort and Ergonomics
You might expect aggressive ergonomics from a café racer, but Ducati strikes a comfortable balance here. The seat height is set at 805 mm, offering a low center of gravity that works well for shorter riders without compromising legroom.
The clip-on handlebars do nudge the rider into a slightly forward position, but it's not extreme. You can comfortably commute or cruise without feeling like you’ve spent an hour in a yoga class. The suspension setup—41 mm Kayaba upside-down forks up front and preload-adjustable rear monoshock—soaks up road imperfections decently, though it does lean toward the stiffer side for sportier handling.
Design and Aesthetics
From the very first glance, the Ducati Scrambler Café Racer commands attention. Its 1960s-inspired styling is wrapped in a modern package, giving it a timeless look. The black and silver “Silver Ice Matt” paint scheme, paired with blue frame accents and gold wheels, sets a bold contrast that screams sophistication.
Clip-on handlebars and bar-end mirrors add a race-ready attitude, while the retro-style seat with a seat cowl pays homage to the café racers of old. The side-mounted number plates, sporting the number 54, honor Bruno Spaggiari, a Ducati racing legend. Whether parked or in motion, this bike looks like it belongs on both a racetrack and the cover of a vintage motorcycle magazine.
Braking and Safety
Stopping power comes courtesy of a single 330 mm disc up front with a radially mounted Brembo monobloc caliper, and a 245 mm disc at the rear. The feel at the lever is precise and responsive, giving you confidence when braking hard into corners or during emergency stops.
Bosch ABS comes standard and operates subtly, avoiding any intrusive feel. While it may not feature cornering ABS or advanced IMU-based safety tech, it still provides a secure and stable ride.
Fuel Efficiency and Maintenance
With a fuel economy averaging around 45 to 50 mpg, the Scrambler Café Racer offers a decent range from its 13.5-liter fuel tank. It’s more frugal than you might expect from a Ducati, making it a great choice for daily riding or weekend getaways.
Maintenance intervals are Ducati-standard—every 7,500 miles for oil changes and major services around 15,000 miles. Investing in quality parts like CNC Racing levers or an Evotech radiator guard can also extend the bike’s lifespan while adding some personal flair.
Comparison and Competitors
In the realm of retro-modern bikes, the Ducati Scrambler 800 Café Racer squares off against models like the Triumph Street Twin and the Yamaha XSR700. While Triumph offers more refinement and the Yamaha is lighter on the wallet, neither matches the Ducati’s design drama or brand legacy.
What gives the Ducati an edge is its balance of authenticity and daily usability. It looks custom-built right off the showroom floor and feels more exotic than its rivals—making it a perfect choice for riders who want individuality backed by solid performance.
Ideal Riders and Target Audience
This bike isn’t for everyone—and that’s exactly the point. The Scrambler 800 Café Racer appeals to riders who want a mix of heritage styling and daily practicality. It’s ideal for intermediate riders who appreciate mechanical simplicity with enough grunt to keep things interesting.
If you’re a city commuter who wants weekend thrills, or a custom bike lover who doesn’t want to build from scratch, this machine ticks all the boxes. It’s also a great platform for upgrades, whether you're looking at Termignoni exhaust systems, tail tidies, or café-style bar-end mirrors from our store.
Ducati Scrambler 800 Café Racer (2019) – Custom Retro Parts
Conclusion and Final Verdict
The Ducati Scrambler 800 Café Racer (2019) is more than just a motorcycle—it’s a lifestyle on two wheels. It celebrates the café racer spirit without becoming a museum piece, offering engaging performance, everyday rideability, and a head-turning aesthetic.
Sure, it lacks some high-end tech features, but it makes up for it in personality and charm. Whether you’re chasing curvy roads or cruising through downtown, this Scrambler turns every ride into an event.
Thinking of upgrading your ride? Explore our collection of premium parts and accessories tailored for the Ducati Scrambler lineup. From performance-enhancing exhausts to stylish bar-end mirrors and protective components, we have everything you need to make your bike uniquely yours.