2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled vs 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled

All-Round

Engine
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valve per cylinder
Power
55 kW / 75 hp @ 8250 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
207 kg / 456 lbs
2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000

All-Round

Engine
In-line four, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
526.9 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Small windscreen.
Year2017-
Colours-Orange/black, black, grey/black
Make ModelDucati Scrambler Desert Sled-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-155 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-6.1 inches
Seat Height860 mm / 33.9 in - low seat 840 mm / 33.0 in available as accessory845 mm / 33.3 in.
Wheelbase1505 mm / 59.3 in1,520 mm / 59.8 in.
Height1213 mm / 47.8 in (brake reservoir)1,405 mm / 55.3 in.
Length2200 mm / 86.6 in2,235 mm / 88.0 in.
Width940 mm / 37.0 in (mirrors)900 mm / 35.4 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight191 kg / 421 lbs-
Fuel Capacity13.5 Litres / 3.57 US gal / 3.0 Imp gal21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons
Wet Weight207 kg / 456 lbs239.0 kg / 526.9 lbs
Performance
Max Power55 kW / 75 hp @ 8250 rpm-
Max Torque68 Nm / 6.9 kgf-m / 50 ft-lb @ 5750 rpm102.00 Nm (10.4 kgf-m or 75.2 ft.lbs) @ 7700 Revolutions
Engine
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.0 x 2.2 inches
Engine Type-In-line four, four-stroke
Displacement (ci)-63.64 cubic inches
Displacement (cc)-1043.00 cc
Bore x Stroke (mm)-77.0 x 56.0 mm
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement803 cc / 49.0 cu in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valve per cylinder-
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke88 x 66 mm-
Compression Ratio11:110.3:1
Cooling SystemAir cooled-
EmissionsEuro 4-
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
ExhaustStainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, aluminium tail pipes-
Fuel Consumption5.0 L/100km / 20 km/l / 47 US mpg / 56 Imp mpg-
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection, 50 mm throttle body-
Ignition-Digital
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchAPTC wet multiplate with mechanical controlWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveChain; front sprocket 15; rear sprocket 46Chain
Gear Ratios1st 32/13, 2nd 30/18, 3rd 28/21, 4th 26/23, 5th 22/22, 6th 24/26-
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary Drive-Sealed chain
Primary Drive RatiosStraight cut gears; ratio 1.85:1-
Transmission / Drive6-Speed-
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel Trellis frameAluminium twin-tube
Suspension - Front46mm Fully adjustable usd fork43 mm inverted fork with stepless
Suspension - RearKayaba rear shock, pre-load and rebound adjustable. Aluminium double-sided swingarmHorizontal Back-link, gas-charged,
Rake24°27.0°
Trail112 mm / 4.4 in106 mm / 4.2 in.
Wheel Travel - Front200 mm / 7.9 in150 mm / 5.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear200 mm / 7.9 in150 mm / 5.9 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-9.8 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.2 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-310 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-250 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle 330 mm disc, radial 4-piston calliper with ABS as standard equipmentDouble disc. Petal discs. Dual opposed 4-piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 245 mm disc, 1-piston floating calliper with ABS as standard equipmentSingle disc. Petal disc. Single-piston caliper.
Tyres - FrontPirelli Scorpion Rally STR 120/70 R19120/70-ZR17
Tyres - RearPirelli Scorpion? Rally STR 170/60 R17180/55-ZR17
Wheels - FrontSpoked aluminium wheel 3,00" x 19"-
Wheels - RearSpoked aluminium wheel 4,50" x 17"-

Verdict

Winner on specs

2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled

The 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled edges out the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 thanks to its higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled - Advantages

  • More rear wheel travel: 200 mm vs 150 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.
  • More front wheel travel: 200 mm vs 150 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - Advantages

  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled vs 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled and 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
The 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled uses Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valve per cylinder, while the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 is powered by In-line four, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled or the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 has the lower seat at 845 mm, making it more accessible. The 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled sits higher at 860 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled or the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
Both are strong choices. The 2017 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled has the edge in higher rear wheel travel and higher front wheel travel, while the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 stands out for dual front discs. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.