Scrambler Spied

[ducpainter]

We're dedicating about 9mts2-96sqft to the "Scrambler" brand . . . that's about the size of the room I am in right now in my house . . . and some new signs that say Scrambler . . .one clothes rack and that's it . . . factory is supporting us with a nice % of the cost since we're a "very small dealer"
 

What would happen if you said no to the dedicated space?

[DarkMonster620]

What would happen if you said no to the dedicated space?

nothing as far as I know . . .

[Kev M]

Keep in mind that franchise agreements and possibly even branding may be different in different countries.

[Skybarney]

The Scrambler is a cute little bike.  IMO it strays away from part of what made Ducs somewhat exclusive, price.  Perhaps a good marketing move to gt people to become brand loyal.  Personally I have never been a brand loyal kind of guy and like many different flavors of bikes. 

I look at the Scrambler and all I can think is Buell Blast. 

What will happen with Ducati over the next few years could be quite interesting.  They will most likely expand their market with bikes like the Scrambler just as they did with the Jetta, and the Boxster.

 

[twolanefun]

I look at the Scrambler and all I can think is Buell Blast. 


 

Your entitled to your opinion but that comment is way off the mark IMHO. - Gene

[Dirty Duc]

 

The Scrambler is a cute little bike.  IMO it strays away from part of what made Ducs somewhat exclusive, price.   

I think the Scrambler is priced about where the entry-level 2v Monsters were priced...

[ducatiz]

Your entitled to your opinion but that comment is way off the mark IMHO. - Gene

I read his comment as a op on the price-point, not the styling.  The Blast was the cheapest bike in the HD/Buell range.

I'm not sure that is off the mark totally, but I doubt the Scrambler will be priced lower than the cheapest Monster.  The Monster will likely remain the "entry price" point for Ducati, but that will still be a higher point than other marques.

[Kev M]

Well, he can clarify for us if he wants - but "Cute little bike" and "I look at the Scrambler and all I can think is Buell Blast" certainly seems more disparaging of the product than the price point.

As if to say it doesn't offer enough performance or quality to be considered an "exclusive" Ducati.

Personally I think the Buell Blast was built to be a trainer first and foremost. The ONLY similarity I see is that it was the entry level price point, but that doesn't make the Blast a Virago 250 or Honda Rebel anymore than that similarity makes the Scrambler a Blast.

[twolanefun]

Prices, at ~$8.5K - $9K, are not even down in the Bolt range. - Gene

[Kev M]

Prices, at ~$8.5K - $9K, are not even down in the Bolt range. - Gene

That's about "entry level" pricing for Harley, Tripumph and Guzzi right now:

HD 883L $8250 in black / $8800 two-tone
HD 883N $8400 in flat  /  $9200 candy

Guzzi V7: Stone $8500 / Special $9300 / Racer $10,500

Triumph Bonnie: Base $8100 / T100 Black $9000 / Scrambler $9100 / T100 $9400 / Thruxton $9500

[duccarlos]

I read his comment as a op on the price-point, not the styling.  The Blast was the cheapest bike in the HD/Buell range.

I'm not sure that is off the mark totally, but I doubt the Scrambler will be priced lower than the cheapest Monster.  The Monster will likely remain the "entry price" point for Ducati, but that will still be a higher point than other marques.

I believe that the entry-level Monsters will be phased out by the 821 and the Scrambler firmly set as the cheapest option.

[Skybarney]

I am with Duc Carlos.  Not disparaging the Scrambler other than to say it is not my cup of tea.  I do think that it will become the entry level bike for Ducati's price range.  To a new rider it will certainly be (or appear to be) easier to ride than a Monster. 

From a marketing standpoint it makes perfect sense.  From where I sit though?  Wish they built it in Italy.....

I have to admit thought that for the consumer I see a huge advantage with it being made in Taiwan.  No one working in a factory in Taiwan gets three weeks a month off.  So getting parts for it may be a bit quicker.     

[Triple J]

The only problem I see with the comparison is the Blast was a complete POS in every regard. The Scrambler will likely be a nice bike, albeit one with cheap suspension to meet the price point.

[Skybarney]

I was not comparing reliability.  I think Buells are crap (owned one) and the Blast was the worst of them all.  There will be no comparison between the two when it comes to ride-ability and reliability.  I was simply referring to market segment.   

[Curmudgeon]

I have to admit thought that for the consumer I see a huge advantage with it being made in Taiwan.  No one working in a factory in Taiwan gets three weeks a month off.  So getting parts for it may be a bit quicker.     

Where do you get Taiwan?  Ducati has had a plant in Thailand for two years. The "hard parts" are STILL made in Bologna.

Where you been, Sky?