Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark
2025 Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark: 73 hp matte black scrambler, air-cooled 803 cc twin, 176 kg, €9,990 (A2 version at the same price). Specs and reviews.
At a glance
The Scrambler Ducati Icon Dark is the all-matte-black entry-level version of the second-generation Scrambler 800, with the same air-cooled 803 cc Desmodue twin (73 hp) and chassis as the Scrambler Icon. Priced at €9,990 in France, A2 version included, it costs €1,300 less than the Icon, from which it differs only in its single livery and a few equipment details. No review of the Icon Dark itself has been published, but the press praised the same-generation Icon for its ease, agility and engine, while criticising its non-adjustable fork, firm seat, engine heat and high price.
World press review
Meta-score
7 sources
Press ratings
2023 Scrambler Icon: still a true Scrambler, easy, good-looking and with a characterful engine, simply better than the old one (smoother engine, lighter clutch, more precise gearbox).
2024 Scrambler Icon, 2,500 km test: agile and easy in town and on back roads, outstanding brakes; nervous at high motorway speeds, limited ground clearance.
2023 Scrambler Icon: clear progress in equipment and overall ability, easy to ride, careful finish; heat on the legs at a standstill, no protection on the motorway.
2023 Scrambler Icon: very good-looking, agile in town, sparkling twin and very Italian handling; firm seat, high price compared with Japanese retro bikes, engine heat.
Press synthesis
What the world’s press says
No review of the second-generation Scrambler Icon Dark has been published: the press only ran launch presentations. As its spec sheet is identical to that of the same-generation Scrambler Icon, the opinions and score below relate to the 2023-2024 Icon. The meta-score of 82/100 is the average of the scores from MCN (4/5), Motorcycle.com (86.75/100) and InMoto (7.8/10), all given to the Icon. Bennetts BikeSocial, 1000PS (2,500 km test), Moto.it and Caradisiac tested it without an overall score.
What reviewers like: an easy, agile bike accessible to beginners (MCN, InMoto, BikeSocial), a lively, characterful twin, a very slick gearbox and clutch (Motorcycle.com), outstanding brakes (1000PS), careful finish (Moto.it) and very successful styling (Caradisiac).
What they criticise: a non-adjustable fork that lacks support when ridden hard (MCN), driveline lash, short service intervals and limited steering lock (Motorcycle.com), a firm seat (Caradisiac), engine heat at a standstill (Moto.it, InMoto, Caradisiac), stability that could be better at high speed (1000PS) and a high price (InMoto, Caradisiac). That last criticism weighs less on the Icon Dark, which costs €1,300 less than the Icon.
Key quotes
"The Scrambler Icon is hard to fault, particularly when ridden in isolation, and the chassis and electronic updates simply inject a brisker edge to the ride, as well as providing a new and reassuring layer of safety. New riders will continue to love it as much as more experienced heads."
"The story still is, with the Scrambler Icon, you get what you see. It's an easy-to-use, basic motorcycle that motorcycles quite well – it's just a little less basic than before."
"Ducati worked on many, many details without touching its slightly seventies spirit. It is a bike for everyone, even for those just starting out, and it can be customised at will. If you like the genre, there isn't much better around."
"The new model is still a Ducati Scrambler in every way – still the same easy to ride nature, the same rugged good looks, the same characterful engine – it's just better than it was before."
"For experienced riders looking for an uncomplicated, fun, and stylish bike, the Ducati Scrambler 800 ICON is a great recommendation. It's not a bike to be judged rationally – you simply have to feel it."
"On the road, the lively, sparkling desmo twin combined with very Italian handling invites you to seek out strings of corners, and the relaxed riding position to pile on the miles. Sadly, the firm seat dampens the enthusiasm and somewhat spoils the picture!"
Pros
- Easy, agile bike, accessible to beginners
- Lively, characterful Desmodue twin
- Cornering ABS, traction control and ride-by-wire as standard
- Low seat (795 mm) and moderate weight
- A2 version at the same price
- €1,300 cheaper than the Scrambler Icon
Cons
- Non-adjustable fork
- Firm seat
- Engine heat in town
- Valve clearance check every 12,000 km
- No USB socket or quickshifter as standard
- Pricier than its Japanese and Indian rivals
Our review
What is the Scrambler Icon Dark?
The Scrambler Icon Dark is the most affordable Scrambler Ducati. Unveiled on 7 October 2024 for the 2025 model year, it takes the second-generation Scrambler Icon (known as “Next-Gen”, launched in 2023) and dresses it entirely in black: matte black teardrop tank, black-painted front mudguard, tank cover and headlight covers, black timing-belt covers and an anodised handlebar riser. It also gets the sporty tail of the Nightshift and Full Throttle. Ducati presents it as the “purest essence” of the Scrambler and the gateway to its range.
The spec sheet published by Ducati France is identical to the Icon’s: engine, chassis, dimensions and weight. Only the standard equipment list differs: the Icon Dark lacks the Icon’s under-seat USB socket.
Which versions and what price in France?
Ducati France sells the Icon Dark at €9,990, in a single Matte Black colour. An A2 version, restricted to 35 kW, is offered at the same price; Ducati does not publish its spec sheet. The rest of the Scrambler 800 range costs more: Icon at €11,290, Full Throttle at €12,790, Nightshift at €12,990 and 10° Anniversario Rizoma Edition at €14,990.
Ducati France’s configurator lists the Icon Dark as a 2025 model, while the Icon is already a 2027 model there; Ducati has announced no update to the Icon Dark since its launch. In the United States it is sold as a 2026 model from $10,295, and in the UK from £9,995.
How good is the engine?
The air-cooled 803 cc 90° Desmodue L-twin, with desmodromic valve actuation and two valves per cylinder, makes 73 hp (53.6 kW) at 8,250 rpm and 65.2 Nm at 7,000 rpm. It is Euro 5+ approved according to Ducati France. The throttle is electronic (ride-by-wire) and the hydraulically operated clutch is a slipper and assist unit. The gearbox has six speeds, with chain final drive.
On the same-generation Icon, Motorcycle.com finds the engine punchy and praises a very slick gearbox and clutch, but notes driveline lash. Bennetts BikeSocial finds it smoother than before, and 1000PS likes its responsiveness. Moto.it, InMoto and Caradisiac regret the heat on the legs in town.
How does it ride?
The steel trellis frame carries a non-adjustable 41 mm Kayaba upside-down fork and a preload-adjustable Kayaba shock, with 150 mm of travel at each end. The 18- and 17-inch cast light-alloy wheels wear Pirelli MT 60 RS tyres. Braking relies on a 330 mm front disc gripped by a radial four-piston Brembo caliper and a 245 mm rear disc, with Bosch Cornering ABS as standard.
The press praises the Icon’s agility, in town and on back roads, and its brakes. MCN says the non-adjustable fork lacks support when attacking corners on the brakes; 1000PS finds it nervous at high speed and short of ground clearance, and Motorcycle.com would like more steering lock.
What electronics?
The Icon Dark has two riding modes (Road and Sport on Ducati France’s page), Ducati Traction Control (DTC) adjustable to four levels and switchable off, Cornering ABS and a 4.3-inch colour TFT. Lighting is full LED, with an X-shaped daytime running light. The two-way Ducati Quick Shift and the Ducati Multimedia System are accessories, the bike being pre-wired for them.
Fuel consumption and maintenance
Ducati quotes 5.2 L/100 km, giving a range of about 279 km from the 14.5-litre tank. No review has published a measured consumption. Ducati specifies an oil change every 12,000 km or 24 months, an annual service and a valve clearance check every 12,000 km; the warranty is 24 months with unlimited mileage.
Who is it for?
With its 795 mm seat (780 or 810 mm as options), 176 kg without fuel and its A2 version, the Icon Dark targets new licence holders as well as riders who want a simple, easy-going bike. It does, however, cost more than the Kawasaki Z650RS or the Royal Enfield Interceptor 650.
Generations
The Scrambler 800 appeared in 2015. A first Icon Dark, based on the first-generation Scrambler, was sold from 2020 to 2022. The 2023 second generation received a new frame, a new swingarm, a lighter engine, ride-by-wire and traction control, saving 4 kg. No recall affects the current generation (RappelConso, NHTSA).
Specifications
| Displacement | 803 cc |
|---|---|
| Power | 73 hp (53.6 kW) @ 8,250 rpm |
| Torque | 65.2 Nm (48.1 lb-ft) @ 7,000 rpm |
| Weight | 176 kg (kerb, without fuel) |
| Power-to-weight ratio | 2.41 |
| Seat height | 795 mm |
| Fuel capacity | 14.5 L |
| Fuel consumption | 5.2 L/100 km — 120 g/km CO2 (Ducati France figure) |
| Maintenance interval | Oil change every 12,000 km or 24 months, annual service — Valves: 12,000 km (Ducati France) |
| Engine type | 90° Desmodue L-twin, 4-stroke, desmodromic valve actuation, 2 valves per cylinder, air-cooled |
| Cooling | air |
| Transmission | 6-speed, chain drive, slipper and assist clutch |
| License | AA2 Restrictable |
| MSRP | €9,990 |
Engine detail
| Bore x stroke | 88 x 66 mm |
|---|---|
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Fuel system | Indirect electronic fuel injection, 50 mm throttle body, ride-by-wire |
| Valve train | Desmodromic, 2 valves per cylinder, belt-driven overhead camshaft |
| Max power RPM | 8250 units.rpm |
| Max torque RPM | 7000 units.rpm |
| Starter | Electric |
| Euro standard | Euro 5+ |
Chassis & running gear
| Frame type | Tubular steel trellis |
|---|---|
| Rake angle | 24 ° |
| Trail | 108 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1449 mm |
| Front suspension | 41 mm Kayaba upside-down fork, non-adjustable, 150 mm travel |
| Rear suspension | Preload-adjustable Kayaba monoshock, 150 mm travel |
| Front brake | 330 mm disc, radial monobloc four-piston Brembo caliper (M4.32) |
| Rear brake | 245 mm disc, single-piston floating caliper |
| Front tire | 110/80 R18 (Pirelli MT 60 RS) |
| Rear tire | 180/55 R17 (Pirelli MT 60 RS) |
| ABS system | Bosch Cornering ABS as standard |
Electronics & rider aids
| Riding modes | Road, Sport |
|---|---|
| Traction control | Yes |
| Quickshifter | Accessory (Ducati Quick Shift up/down, bike pre-wired) |
| Dashboard | 4.3-inch colour TFT |
| Connectivity | Optional: Ducati Multimedia System (Ducati Performance module and Ducati Link app) |
| Other features | Ducati Traction Control (DTC), 4 levels, switchable off, Ride-by-wire throttle, Full LED lighting with X-shaped DRL, LED indicators |
Ergonomics & rider fit
| Riding position | Upright, wide handlebar, flat seat |
|---|---|
| Wind protection | None (no flyscreen) |
| Max total weight | 365 kg |
The Scrambler Icon Dark offers an upright position, with a wide handlebar and a flat seat at 795 mm (810 mm with the optional high seat, 780 mm with the low seat). On the same-generation Icon, Motorcycle.com gives ergonomics 9/10 and InMoto gives comfort 9/10; Caradisiac likes the relaxed position but finds the seat firm. With no flyscreen, it offers no protection on the motorway according to Moto.it, and 1000PS finds it nervous at high speed. Motorcycle.com regrets limited steering lock. Maximum permissible weight is 365 kg.
Ownership & maintenance
~~279 km (calculated from Ducati's figure: 14.5 L tank / 5.2 L/100 km)
km
Estimated range
| Oil change | every 12,000 km or every 24 months |
|---|---|
| Valve check | every 12,000 km |
| Spark plugs | every 24,000 km |
| Timing belt | every 24,000 km |
| Chain | Checked and lubricated at every service; chain kit to be replaced before 20,000 km (Ducati advice) |
Warranty
2 years / Unlimited mileage
Ducati France specifies an annual service and an oil change every 12,000 km or 24 months, after a first service at 1,000 km. As there is no manual specific to the second-generation Icon Dark, the 2025 Scrambler Icon manual (same spec sheet) applies: desmodromic valve clearance check every 12,000 km, then every 24,000 km replacement of the timing belts (or after 60 months at the latest), spark plugs and air filter. Fork oil is changed at 36,000 km, brake and clutch fluid every 24 months, and Ducati advises replacing the chain kit before 20,000 km. Motorcycle.com finds these intervals relatively short. Ducati France’s warranty is 24 months with unlimited mileage.
Direct competitors
Compare →| Model | MSRP | Power | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ducati Scrambler Icon Dark | €9,990 | 73 hp (53.6 kW) @ 8,250 rpm | 176 kg (kerb, without fuel) |
| Triumph Speed Twin 9002025 | €10,295 | 65 hp | 216 kg (wet) |
| Triumph Scrambler 9002026 | €11,995 | 65 hp | 221 kg (wet) |
| Kawasaki Z650RS2026 | €8,399 | 68 hp | 187 kg (wet) |
| Moto Guzzi V7 Stone2026 | €9,600 | 67.3 hp | — |
| Royal Enfield Interceptor 6502026 | €7,690 | 47.5 hp | 217 kg (kerb, 90% fuel) |
Generations
- Scrambler 800 Icon (1re génération)2015 – 2018
803 cc · 74 hp · 68 Nm · 186 kg (road-ready)
Launch of Scrambler Ducati: air-cooled 803 cc Desmodue twin, steel trellis frame, teardrop tank and 18- and 17-inch wheels.
- Scrambler 800 Icon (1re génération restylée)2019 – 2022
803 cc · 73 hp · 67 Nm · 189 kg (road-ready)
Bosch Cornering ABS, LED headlight with DRL, LCD dash with gear indicator and fuel gauge, USB socket; first Icon Dark from 2020 to 2022.
- Scrambler Next-Gen (2e génération) : Icon et Icon Dark2023 – today
803 cc · 73 hp · 65.2 Nm · 176 kg (without fuel)
New frame and swingarm, engine 2.5 kg lighter with an 8-plate clutch, ride-by-wire, traction control, 2 riding modes, 4.3-inch TFT, 4 kg lighter overall; the Icon Dark returns in 2025.
| Generation | Displacement | Power | Torque | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scrambler 800 Icon (1re génération)2015 – 2018 Launch of Scrambler Ducati: air-cooled 803 cc Desmodue twin, steel trellis frame, teardrop tank and 18- and 17-inch wheels. | 803 cc | 74 hp | 68 Nm | 186 kg road-ready |
| Scrambler 800 Icon (1re génération restylée)2019 – 2022 Bosch Cornering ABS, LED headlight with DRL, LCD dash with gear indicator and fuel gauge, USB socket; first Icon Dark from 2020 to 2022. | 803 cc | 73 hp | 67 Nm | 189 kg road-ready |
| Scrambler Next-Gen (2e génération) : Icon et Icon Dark2023 – today New frame and swingarm, engine 2.5 kg lighter with an 8-plate clutch, ride-by-wire, traction control, 2 riding modes, 4.3-inch TFT, 4 kg lighter overall; the Icon Dark returns in 2025. | 803 cc | 73 hp | 65.2 Nm | 176 kg without fuel |
Manufacturer figures (otherwise specialist press). Weighing conditions differ between generations: compare weights with care.
Available colors
Manufacturer recalls
No known recalls for this model.