2016 Ducati Scrambler Icon vs 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2016 Ducati Scrambler Icon 2016 Ducati Scrambler Icon

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
186 kg / 410 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.
Year2015 - 16-
Colours-Orange/black, black, grey/black
Make ModelDucati Scrambler Icon-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-155 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-6.1 inches
Seat Height790 mm / 31.1 in. low seat 770 mm / 30.3 in. available as accessory845 mm / 33.3 in.
Wheelbase1455 mm / 57.3 in1,520 mm / 59.8 in.
Height1150 mm / 45.3 in1,405 mm / 55.3 in.
Length2100 - 2165 mm / 82.7 - 85.2 in2,235 mm / 88.0 in.
Width845 mm / 33.3 in900 mm / 35.4 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight170 kg / 375 lbs-
Fuel Capacity13.5 Litres / 3.57 US gal / 3.0 Imp gal21.00 litres / 5.55 gallons
Wet Weight186 kg / 410 lbs239.0 kg / 526.9 lbs
Performance
Max Power55 kW / 75 hp @ 8250 rpm-
Max Torque68 Nm / 6.9 kgf-m / 50 lb-ft @ 5750 rpm102.00 Nm (10.4 kgf-m or 75.2 ft.lbs) @ 7700 Revolutions
Engine
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
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.0 x 2.2 inches
Fuel Control-Double Overhead Cams/Twin Cam (DOHC)
Displacement803 cc /-
Engine DetailFour stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valve per cylinder-
Fuel System-Injection
Bore x Stroke88 x 66 mm-
Compression Ratio11.0:110.3:1
Cooling SystemAir cooled-
Engine Lubrication-Forced lubrication, wet sump
ExhaustExhaust system with single stainless steel muffler with aluminium exterior cover, catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes-
Fuel InductionElectronic fuel injection, 50 mm throttle bodies-
IgnitionMarelli electronic Digital
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchAPTC wet multiplate with mechanical controlWet multi-disc, manual
Final DriveChain, front spocket 15, rear sprocket 46Chain
Gear Ratios1st 20/13, 2nd 30/18, 3rd 28/21, 4th 26/23, 5th 22/22, 6th 24/26-
Gearbox-6-speed
Primary DriveStraight cut gears, ratio 1.85:1Sealed chain
Transmission / Drive6 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeTubular steel trellis frameAluminium twin-tube
Suspension - FrontUpside down Kayaba 41 mm fork43 mm inverted fork with stepless
Suspension - RearKayaba rear shock, pre-load adjustableHorizontal Back-link, gas-charged,
Rake24°27.0°
Steering Lock35°-
Trail112 mm / 4.4 in106 mm / 4.2 in.
Wheel Travel - Front150 mm / 5.9 in150 mm / 5.9 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear150 mm / 5.9 in150 mm / 5.9 in.
Electronics
Equipment / FeaturesSteel tank with interchangeable aluminium side panels, headlight with glass lens, LED light-guide and interchangeable aluminium cover, LED rear light with diffusive lens, LCD instruments with interchangeable aluminium cover, machine-finished aluminium belt covers, 18"" front, 17"" rear wheels, underseat storage compartment with USB socket Classic equipment Spoked aluminium wheels, front and rear aluminium mudguards, seat with dedicated design, fuel tank with black stripe, dedicated logo, high plate support. Instrumentation LCD Ducati electronics dual-channel ABS Versions Dual seat-
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, 4-piston caliper with ABS as standard equipmentDouble disc. Petal discs. Dual opposed 4-piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 245 mm disc, 1-piston caliper with ABS as standard equipmentSingle disc. Petal disc. Single-piston caliper.
Tyres - Front110/80 R18 Pirelli MT 60 RS120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear180/55 R17 Pirelli MT 60 RS180/55-ZR17
Wheels10-spoke in light alloy-
Wheels - Front3.00 x 18-
Wheels - Rear5.50 x 17-

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2016 Ducati Scrambler Icon and the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2016 Ducati Scrambler Icon - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 790 mm vs 845 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - Advantages

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

2016 Ducati Scrambler Icon vs 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2016 Ducati Scrambler Icon and 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
The 2016 Ducati Scrambler Icon 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 2016 Ducati Scrambler Icon or the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
The 2016 Ducati Scrambler Icon has the lower seat at 790 mm, making it more accessible. The 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000 sits higher at 845 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2016 Ducati Scrambler Icon or the 2015 Kawasaki Versys 1000?
Both are strong choices. The 2016 Ducati Scrambler Icon has the edge in lower seat height, 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.