![]()
No images available
Tap to enlarge
![]()
2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled Overview
The 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled is an all-round motorcycle built around 803 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valve per cylinder engine, a compression ratio of 11:1. 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled delivers 55 kW @ 8250 rpm of peak power and 68 Nm @ 5750 rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2018 Scrambler Desert Sled tips the scales at 207 kg, carries a 13.5-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 860 mm and spans a 1505 mm wheelbase. Scroll down for the complete 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2018 Scrambler Desert Sled - Pros & Cons
Strengths
-
⚡
Strong power output: 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled makes 55 kW @ 8250 rpm with 68 Nm @ 5750 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
Considerations
-
📏
Tall seat height: The 860 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
Owner Experiences & Common Issues
General ownership notes
The 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled has built a reputation for solid everyday reliability when serviced to schedule. As with any motorcycle of this era, documented service history is the single biggest indicator of long-term reliability when buying used.
Scrambler Desert Sled - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained Scrambler Desert Sled should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any Scrambler Desert Sled. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled have?
The 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled uses a Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valve per cylinder engine with 803 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.
How much does the 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled weigh?
The 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled weighs 207 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled make?
The 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled produces 55 kW @ 8250 rpm of power and 68 Nm @ 5750 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled?
The 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled has a 13.5-litre fuel tank.
Is the 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled suitable for shorter riders?
The 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled has a seat height of 860 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled have?
The 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled uses Single 330 mm disc, radial 4-piston calliper with ABS as standard equipment at the front and Single 245 mm disc, 1-piston floating calliper with ABS as standard equipment at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled use?
The 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled runs Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 120/70 R19 front and Pirelli Scorpion? Rally STR 170/60 R17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled have?
The 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled is fitted with a 6-Speed transmission.
Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled Spec Evolution
The Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled was produced across 2 model years (2017-2018). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
2017 |
2018 |
| Fuel Capacity |
13.5 Litres / 3.57 US gal / 3.0 Imp gal |
13.5 Litres / 3.57 US gal |
| Fuel Consumption |
5.0 L/100km / 20 km/l / 47 US mpg / 56 Imp mpg |
5.0 L/100km / 20 km/l / 47 US mpg |
Key Specifications
Engine
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valve per cylinder
Power
55 kW / 75 hp @ 8250 rpm
Torque
68 Nm / 6.9 kgf-m / 50 ft-lb @ 5750 rpm
Fuel Capacity
13.5 Litres / 3.57 US gal
Advertisement
Full 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled Specifications
Year
2018
Make Model
Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
Seat Height
860 mm / 33.9 in - low seat 840 mm / 33.0 in available as accessory
Wheelbase
1505 mm / 59.3 in
Height
1213 mm / 47.8 in (brake reservoir)
Length
2200 mm / 86.6 in
Width
940 mm / 37.0 in (mirrors)
Dry Weight
191 kg / 421 lbs
Fuel Capacity
13.5 Litres / 3.57 US gal
Wet Weight
207 kg / 456 lbs
Displacement
803 cc / 49.0 cu in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, 90° °L° twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valve per cylinder
Bore x Stroke
88 x 66 mm
Compression Ratio
11:1
Cooling System
Air cooled
Emissions
Euro 4
Exhaust
Stainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, aluminium tail pipes
Fuel Consumption
5.0 L/100km / 20 km/l / 47 US mpg
Fuel Induction
Electronic fuel injection, 50 mm throttle body
Starter
Electric
Clutch
APTC wet multiplate with mechanical control
Final Drive
Chain; front sprocket 15; rear sprocket 46
Gear Ratios
1st 32/13, 2nd 30/18, 3rd 28/21, 4th 26/23, 5th 22/22, 6th 24/26
Primary Drive Ratios
Straight cut gears; ratio 1.85:1
Transmission / Drive
6-Speed
Frame Type
Tubular steel Trellis frame
Suspension - Front
46mm Fully adjustable usd fork
Suspension - Rear
Kayaba rear shock, pre-load and rebound adjustable. Aluminium double-sided swingarm
Rake
24°
Trail
112 mm / 4.4 in
Wheel Travel - Front
200 mm / 7.9 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
200 mm / 7.9 in
Brakes - Front
Single 330 mm disc, radial 4-piston calliper with ABS as standard equipment
Brakes - Rear
Single 245 mm disc, 1-piston floating calliper with ABS as standard equipment
Tyres - Front
Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 120/70 R19
Tyres - Rear
Pirelli Scorpion? Rally STR 170/60 R17
Wheels - Front
Spoked aluminium wheel 3,00" x 19"
Wheels - Rear
Spoked aluminium wheel 4,50" x 17"
Advertisement
Compare Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
See how the 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled
stacks up against similar motorcycles.
Build your own comparison →