Ducati Scrambler Nightshift Replaces Outgoing Models

Admin · November 16, 2020

The 2021 Ducati Scrambler Nightshift. (Ducati /)

Ducati’s ever-morphing Scrambler lineup gets a new addition for 2021: the Nightshift, a stealthy tracker put together by the parts-bin hunters at Borgo Panigale that’s intended to replace both the Scrambler Café Racer and Full Throttle models.

As with most of the 803cc Scramblers—Desert Sled excepted—the Nightshift is mostly a styling remix. As such, it features number plates from the Full Throttle, a flat bar from the 1100 Sport Pro, bar-end mirrors from the Café Racer, and 18-inch front/17-inch rear wheels. Unique to the Nightshift are the spoked wheels and a new flat bench seat. MSRP is $10,995.

The Nightshift is available in an aviator gray color scheme. (Ducati /)

For 2021, the Scrambler 800 range will comprise the Nightshift, the Icon ($9,695, available in red and yellow), the Icon Dark ($8,895), and the Desert Sled ($11,995), which has a new Sparking Blue livery. No, that’s not a typo—it really is “sparking,” not “sparkling.” While the Icon and Desert Sled have become mainstays in the lineup, Ducati has continuously introduced new variants that riff on scrambler/tracker/café racer themes. It’s interesting to see the Nightshift morphing the tracker and café racer styles, begging the question: what else can Ducati do with the 803cc Scrambler lineup before it gets a major overhaul?

Is it a tracker, a café racer, or a scrambler? Whatever it is, it does put a grown-up spin on the Land of Joy schtick. (Ducati /)

Much of the Scrambler’s appeal is its simplicity, which, one would imagine, could complicate further product development. Moving forward, does Ducati give it higher-spec components or a more feature-rich technology suite? Is that antithetical? How much longer can the air-cooled engine survive in an age of more stringent emissions standards? For now, we’ll simply enjoy the Scrambler as it is and hope that tomorrow will take care of itself.