The Scrambler 400 will give Ducati a competitive edge in emerging markets while power will be coming from a twin-cylinder engine like the 800cc version.
Currently, the most affordable offering from the Ducati stable is the Scrambler 800 launched last year and which recently went on sale in India. However, the automaker plans to go more aggressive in the middleweight segment and is planning to introduce a smaller version of its entry-level offering. As per a recent report, Ducati is working on a 400cc version of the Scrambler that could make its debut at the EICMA show next month.
The report suggests that the Ducati Scrambler 400 will be based on the 800cc version retaining the same frame and styling but will be a ‘lighter’ model in comparison. The Scrambler 400 is said to be a part of the nine unveils that the Italian two-wheeler maker has planned for the motorcycle show next month. In terms of powertrain, a 400cc twin-cylinder engine is said to be in the offing instead of a single-cylinder unit as speculated earlier.
The 2016 Ducati Scrambler 400 is being regarded as a truly entry-level and global product that will cater to a variety of markets. While the small capacity will make it available to A2 license holders in Europe, the affordable price tag will help the automaker sell better in emerging markets. Imported as a CKD in India, the Scrambler 800 is priced at Rs. 6.77 lakhs (ex-showroom, Delhi) and one can expect the 400cc version to be around Rs. 1.8 lakhs cheaper in comparison.
All said, 2016 will be an ambitious year for Ducati and the Volkswagen owned company plans to offer a glimpse of the same at the EICMA show in Milan next month. Part of Ducati’s updated range will be a new variant of the Diavel that will bring it closer to Harley-Davidson customers while there will be updates in the Multistrada family. Then there will be updates to the Hypermotard and Hyperstrada models with the new Monster 1200 R and 2016 959 Panigale also being present at the pavilion. Ducati is aiming to sell an aggressive 60,000 bikes a year from the current sales between 40,000-50,000 units.
Source – Young Machine