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Ducati Scrambler Nightshift Review: A Different Kind of Shift

Ducati Scrambler Nightshift Review: A Different Kind of Shift

Weekdays in Mumbai are all about deadlines, meetings, and endless traffic. But when the weekend rolls in, I switch to a different shift — the Ducati Scrambler Nightshift.

The Scrambler might just be the most fun Ducati to ride on our less-than-perfect roads. But what it really wants is for you to hit the open highways — to explore the unexplored. It craves curvy roads, a bit of off-roading, and, in the process, it recharges your senses.

A Brief History

The Ducati Scrambler nameplate dates back nearly 60 years, first introduced in the early 1960s for the American market. Those single-cylinder 250cc and 350cc machines were aimed at young riders — built to be light, versatile, and capable of handling both tarmac and trails.

All these years later, that same dual-purpose DNA still runs strong in the modern Scrambler lineup.

Design & Presence

Visually, the Nightshift keeps the familiar Scrambler silhouette but stands out with its Nebula Blue colour scheme beautifully paired with a brown seat. It’s subtle, yet undeniably classy.

This edition also comes with a few unique touches as standard — spoked wheels, tubed tyres, bar-end mirrors, a flat handlebar, and racing-style indicators. Small details, yes, but together they give the Nightshift a distinctive, purposeful identity.

Engine & Performance

Powering the Nightshift is Ducati’s tried-and-tested 803cc L-twin engine, producing 73 hp and 65.2 Nm of torque. It’s a motor that blends usable performance with that unmistakable Ducati character — punchy, lively, and immensely satisfying.

Ride & Handling

This is where the Scrambler truly comes alive. The motorcycle offers a strong, torquey character with smooth, linear power delivery. Throttle response is crisp and immediate, whether you’re in Road or Sport mode. At times, I found myself gripping the handlebars tighter than expected — a small reminder that this bike means business when you open the throttle.

Ride quality leans slightly firm but strikes a fine balance between comfort and control. The suspension soaks up most undulations with ease, keeping the bike composed over rough patches and stable through corners.

And those Pirelli tyres? They’re not just for aesthetics — they offer exceptional grip and inspire confidence, both on tarmac and loose surfaces.

Feel & Comfort

The Nightshift feels right at home in Mumbai’s unpredictable conditions. Despite being a firm ride, it handles potholes and speed breakers surprisingly well. On longer weekend getaways — 250 to 300 km stretches — fatigue only begins to creep in after hours in the saddle, which speaks volumes about its comfort.

So yes, in my books, this is a Ducati that can go the distance while keeping you comfortable and engaged.

What Could Be Better

No motorcycle is flawless — not even the Scrambler. A few things could’ve been better:

1. The engine heat can get uncomfortable in slow-moving city traffic.

2. The rear mudguard doesn’t do the best job, often splashing muck onto the rider.

3. At around ₹12 lakh (ex-showroom), the Scrambler still misses out on a quickshifter, which should’ve been standard at this price point.

Verdict

Despite those shortcomings, the Ducati Scrambler Nightshift remains one of the most likeable bikes in Ducati’s lineup. It’s a neo-retro machine that feels at home on city streets yet equally capable of handling light trails.

Not everyone lives in the chaos of Mumbai — in less congested cities, that heat issue may never even surface. At its heart, this Scrambler is powered by an air-cooled engine that feels like old wine mixed with Red Bull — charming, raw, and ready to give you a shot of adrenaline every time you twist the throttle.