Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled - 2018 Specifications and Reviews
The 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled combines retro styling with adventure-ready capability, making it ideal for riders seeking accessible off-road and on-road versatility. Known for its lightweight chassis, manageable seat height, and nimble handling characteristics, this middleweight scrambler excels at casual trail riding and urban exploration. Its compact dimensions and 207kg wet weight ensure approachable performance for both novice and experienced riders.
General information | |
| Category | Enduro / offroad |
| Year | 2018 |
| Model | Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled |
Engine and Transmission Specifications | |
| Exhaust system | Stainless steel muffler with catalytic converter and 2 lambda probes, aluminium tail pipes |
| Emission details | Euro 4 |
| Greenhouse gases | 116.0 CO2 g/km. (CO2 - Carbon dioxide emission) |
| Fuel consumption | 5.00 litres/100 km (20.0 km/l or 47.04 mpg) |
| Clutch | APTC wet multiplate with mechanical control |
| Transmission type,final drive | Chain |
| Gearbox | 6-speed |
| Cooling system | Air |
| Fuel control | Desmodromic valve control |
| Fuel system | Injection. Electronic fuel injection, 50 mm throttle body |
| Valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Bore x Stroke | 88.0 x 66.0 mm (3.5 x 2.6 inches) |
| Compression | 11.0:1 |
| Torque | 67.00 Nm (6.8 kgf-m or 49.4 ft.lbs) @ 5750 RPM |
| Power | 73.00 HP (53.3 kW) @ 8250 RPM |
| Engine type | V2, four-stroke |
| Capacity: | 803.00 ccm (49.00 cubic inches) |
| | |
Brakes, suspension, Frame and wheels | |
| Wheels | Spoked aluminium wheel |
| Rear brakes diameter | 245 mm (9.6 inches) |
| Rear brakes | Single disc. ABS. Floating disc. Single-piston caliper. |
| Front brakes diameter | 330 mm (13.0 inches) |
| Front brakes | Single disc. ABS. Four-piston calipers. |
| Rear tyre | 170/60-R17 |
| Front tyre | 120/70-R19 |
| Rear wheel travel | 200 mm (7.9 inches) |
| Rear Suspension | Kayaba rear shock, pre-load and rebound adjustable. Aluminium double-sided swingarm |
| Front wheel travel | 200 mm (7.9 inches) |
| Front Suspension | 46mm fully adjustable usd forks |
| Trail | 112 mm (4.4 inches) |
| Rake (fork angle) | 24.0° |
| Frame type | Tubular steel Trellis |
| | |
Physical measures and capacities | |
| Fuel capacity | 13.50 litres (3.57 gallons) |
| Wheelbase | 1,505 mm (59.3 inches) |
| Overall width | 940 mm (37.0 inches) |
| Overall length | 2,200 mm (86.6 inches) |
| Overall height | 1,213 mm (47.8 inches) |
| Alternate seat height | 860 mm (33.9 inches) If adjustable, highest setting. |
| Seat height | 840 mm (33.1 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting. |
| Power/weight ratio | 0.3822 HP/kg |
| Weight incl. oil, gas, etc | 207.0 kg (456.4 pounds) |
| Dry weight | 191.0 kg (421.1 pounds) |
Other specs | |
| Maintenance | Find parts, fluids, filters, maintenance tools and service items on eBay |
| Factory warranty | 24 months |
| Starter | Electric |
| Color options | White, black |
Performance Profile & Rider Fit
Best For
Rider Profile
| Best For | Best suited to intermediate to experienced riders who are comfortable with a tall, top-heavy bike on loose or uneven surfaces. |
| Purpose | Built primarily for off-road and adventure-style riding with genuine dirt capability, while remaining usable as a characterful daily or weekend road bike. |
| Rider Fit | The tall 840mm+ seat height and 209kg wet weight demand a taller rider with decent leg length and some strength for maneuvering it off-road or at low speed. |
| Character | A rugged, torque-friendly L-Twin with classic Ducati charisma, rewarding riders who want personality and dirt-ready hardware over outright speed. |
| Not Ideal For | Not ideal for shorter riders, pure speed seekers, or those wanting a light, flickable commuter for tight city traffic. |
Character map is an editorial estimate based on this bike's specifications, not a lab-tested measurement.
⚠ Safety Recalls (1)
Ducati North America (Ducati) is recalling certain 2018-2021 Scrambler 1100 motorcycles. The exhaust valve cable could contact the main positive battery wire and potentially short-circuit.
Risk: An electrical short-circuit increases the risk of fire.
Remedy: Ducati will notify owners, and dealers will install a new cable guide and self-locking cable tie to the exhaust valve cable, free of charge. The recall began January 22, 2021. Owners may contact Ducati customer service at 1-888-391-5446. Ducati's number for this recall is SRV-RCL-20-003.
Source: NHTSA. View all Ducati recalls →
Rider Reviews
MotorcycleDB Review
The 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled is a versatile and rugged motorcycle that is built for off-road adventures. The bike's powerful 803cc engine and long-travel suspension make it capable of handling rough terrain with ease. Its retro-inspired design, complete with high-mounted exhaust pipes and off-road tires, gives it a distinctive and stylish look. The Desert Sled is a great choice for riders who want a versatile and capable motorcycle that can handle both city streets and off-road trails. Overall, the 2018 Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled is a fantastic motorcycle for those who love adventure and off-road riding. Its powerful engine, rugged design, and impressive performance make it a top choice for anyone seeking a versatile and capable bike. Whether you're navigating city streets or tackling challenging off-road trails, the Desert Sled is sure to deliver an exhilarating and thrilling riding experience.Add a Comment
Related Motorcycle Specifications
More Ducati Motorcycles
- Motorcycles in database: 45863
- Technical specifications: 1490298
- Images of motorcycles: 72681
- Videos: 339
- Manufacturers: 501
Please Login or Register if you would like to leave a comment.