Next Bike Sdn Bhd, the sole distributor for Ducati motorcycles in Malaysia, launched the highly-anticipated Ducati Scrambler 1100 to great fanfare at the 7th Annual Art Of Speed held at MAEPS, Serdang.

THE Scrambler model is now available in two variants for the Malaysia market – Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special and Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport.

Group CEO, Automotive Group, Naza Corporation Holdings, Dato’ Samson Anand George said, “The Scrambler 1100 aims to meet the needs of even the most demanding motorbike enthusiasts infusing more fun, style and freedom that has been the cornerstone trademark of the Scrambler.

Global sales for the Scrambler have soared past the 46,000 units mark since its first introduction in 2015 and now, the Ducati Scrambler 1100’s arrival in Malaysia completes our Scrambler line-up offering here where the full range of Scramblers is now available through Ducati Malaysia.”

“With multiple touch points, activations and customer engagements throughout the last three years, we anticipate to see more movement of the Scrambler bikes for 2018,” added Dato’ Samson.

Just like every other Ducati Scrambler bike before it, the Scrambler 1100 does not compromise on self-expression, iconic style and a flair for fun that the Scrambler brand stands for.

The bike has been developed so it can be modified with ease and the two variants available differ in a way that they coexist with one another in the range – the Scrambler 1100 Special, being a contemporary classic, draws inspiration from the custom world; and the Scrambler 1100 Sport, as its name suggests, is the Ducati Scrambler’s interpretation of muscle bikes heritage.

The Scrambler 1100’s design is essential, mature and carefully thought out, inspired by the iconic ‘70s model while remaining faithful to the ‘Land of Joy’ spirit.

Being more commanding in presence, it is larger than other Scrambler brand models at 50mm wider, 69mm longer and a bigger seat to boot for the rider and a pillion. The bike’s balanced proportions make it compact yet beefy and comfortable to ride.

In keeping with the self-expression element of the Scrambler brand, the rear subframe is separate from the chassis to make personalisation easier. The round headlight retains the glass parabola shared by all Ducati Scrambler models but is now enhanced with a new aluminium trim.

The grille divides up the Daytime Running Lights system to create the four trademark ‘Land of Joy’ light segments.

On the two-element instrument panel, riders are guided by a classic round section and an additional oval element to display broader info range. The round section is fully digital and displays rider information such as fuel level, selected riding mode and the selected Traction Control level.

The oval element has a speedo, a kickstand warning light and information from the Ducati Multimedia System, available as an accessory when the Bluetooth module is fitted.

An improvement on the Monster 1100 engine, both the Scrambler 1100 variants are powered by a Euro 4 compliant 1079cm 3 L-twin two-valve engine, and in perfect Scrambler style, this power unit has a 98mm bore and a 71.5mm stroke.

To optimise efficiency, the engine has been redesigned to prioritise fluid acceleration across the rev range and great handling.

The twin-cylinder Desmodue engine is equipped with a single 55mm full Ride by Wire throttle body with two sub-butterfly injectors, and when paired together with a generously-sized airbox, ensures fluid power delivery and accurate control of the fuel mix aspirated into the cylinders. For this same reason, each cylinder is fitted with twin spark plugs and a secondary air system.

Excellent pulling power is also put within the rider’s reach by the 16 degree valve overlap angle. The engine puts out a maximum power of 86 hp at 7,500 rpm and a maximum torque of 88.4Nm at 4,750 rpm, with an impressively smooth delivery across the rev range.

The gearbox, meanwhile, is a 6-speed unit while the clutch is the wet multi-plate type with hydraulic control, and has a servo-assisted slipper function that limits rear wheel destabilisation during down-shifting.

As with all Ducati models, the Scrambler 1100 comes equipped with the iconic Desmodromic engine valve closure system that sets in motion intake and exhaust valves that close positively and precisely using a synchronous technique exclusive to the Ducati brand name.

The chassis set-up of the Ducati Scrambler 1100 features an all-new twin upper spar steel Trellis frame that envelopes the engine with a rear aluminium subframe.

Weaving through bustling city traffic and steep hairpin turns feels like child’s play thanks to the wide handlebars, and further supporting this concise stability even at high speeds is the 1,514mm wheelbase.

The steel fuel tank, with an unmistakeable teardrop silhouette, can hold 15 litres. With an excellent frame and outstanding chassis geometry, and despite the beefed-up size and performance, the Scrambler 1100 remains user-friendly, agile and an ultimate source of satisfaction on the road.

The Sport variant of the Ducati Scrambler 1100 mounts Öhlins suspension (Kayaba on the Special variant), with upside-down 45mm forks and a rear shock with adjustable spring preload and rebound damping. Both suspensions provide 150mm of wheel travel, ensuring the tyres hug the ground on any terrain – from city streets to easy-going off-road routes.

It is this balance of comfort and performance that makes the Ducati Scrambler 1100 unique. The Scrambler 1100 variants come standard with all-new aluminium machine-finished 10- spoke wheels.

The 3.5-inch x 18-inch front wheel and the 5.5-inch x 17-inch rear wheel have been designed to be light, with Pirelli playing a part to exclusively design the front tyre for the Scrambler 1100.

Excellent safety features such as Bosch 9.1 MP Cornering ABS and Ducati Traction Control (DTC), a first in the Scrambler family of bikes, entails for the rider is a feeling of freedom in a superbly comfortable riding position specifically developed for this model.

To maximise stopping performance, the front wheel has a dual 330mm disc with two 4-piston Brembo M 4.32B Monobloc calipers with a 34mm piston.

The Ducati Scrambler 1100 also features three Riding Modes. The Active Riding Mode provides full engine power (86hp), a direct throttle connection and a Traction Control level compatible with sport riding. Meanwhile, Journey Riding Mode is perfect for everyday use –full L-twin power (86hp), a more fluid throttle connection and a Traction Control level developed for carefree riding.

The City Riding Mode lowers engine power to 75hp similar to the Scrambler 800, and sees the throttle control become extremely fluid and Traction Control maximising safety.

As with the Scrambler’s universe of fun, joy and freedom made of motorcycles, accessories and apparel, the 1100 sees the introduction of accessories and a dedicated apparel line specifically designed for the range that includes a leather jacket, a fabric jacket and an open-face helmet co-produced with Roland Sands.

The Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special’s ‘Custom Grey’ colour with black frame and black spoked wheels is as unique to this variant as the brushed-effect swing arm and adjustable front fork with gold-coloured anodised sleeves.

On the other hand, the Ducati Scrambler 1100 Sport comes in ‘Viper Black’ with yellow tank trim and dual yellow striping down the middle of the tank and mudguards, with black frame and wheels.

To enhance the premium aftersales experience for owners Ducati offers the Ducati Smart Service Program, a two-year free service for parts and lubricants, or up to 30,000km including Desmodromic service*. This free service offer goes on top of the current two-year unlimited mileage warranty and is available at all authorised Ducati dealerships and service centres nationwide.

The Ducati Scrambler 1100 Special and Scrambler 1100 Sport retail at RM83,000 and RM85,000 on-the-road without insurance (0% GST) respectively. Additionally, customers who place a booking at the Art Of Speed event on 28 th -29 th July 2018 until the Ducati Reddest Weekend on 4 th -5 th August will enjoy a special SST exemption.

*Terms and conditions apply

Bosch is making motorcycling safer the world over with the help of Bosch technology, dangerous traffic situations will not even occur in the first place.

SAFETY is one of the most urgent challenges in the motorcycle market. Whether smart assistance systems or connectivity packages, Bosch offers many solutions that make roads safer for motorcyclists. And with its innovative research projects, it is already planning for the next stages of development.

Sliding mitigation research project:

Whether wet leaves, an oil spill, or gravel on the road surface, wheels begin to slip sideways if they can no longer apply sufficient lateral force in a curve. In situations such as these, motorcyclists have practically no chance of righting their bikes.

Ideally, keeping them safely on course would require applying additional external lateral force. This is the idea behind the sliding mitigation Bosch is developing in a research project.

Like a magic hand, it keeps the motorcycle on track and considerably reduces the risk of a fall. A sensor detects sideways wheel slip. If a certain value is exceeded, gas is released from a gas accumulator of the type used in passenger-car airbags.

The gas flows into the tank adapter and is vented in a certain direction through a nozzle. This reverse thrust keeps the motorcycle on track.

Radar-based assistance systems

Giving motorcycles radar as a sensory organ enables these new motorcycle assistance and safety functions while providing an accurate picture of the vehicle’s surroundings. As a result, these assistance functions not only increase safety, they also enhance enjoyment and convenience by making life easier for riders.

• ACC adaptive cruise control

Riding in heavy traffic and maintaining the correct distance to the vehicle in front takes a great deal of concentration and is strenuous over longer periods. ACC adjusts the vehicle speed to the flow of traffic and maintains the necessary safe following distance.

This can effectively prevent rear-end collisions caused by insufficient distance to the vehicle in front. And not only does ACC offer riders more convenience, it also allows them to concentrate more on the road, particularly in high-density traffic.

• Forward collision warning system
In road traffic, even the briefest lapse in concentration can have serious consequences. Bosch has developed a collision warning system for motorcycles to reduce the risk of a rear-end collision or to mitigate its consequences.

The system is active as soon as the vehicle starts and it supports the rider in all relevant speed ranges. If the system detects that another vehicle is dangerously close and the rider does not react to the situation, it warns the rider by way of an acoustic or optical signal.

• Blind-spot detection
This system keeps a lookout in all directions to help motorcyclists change lanes safely. A radar sensor serves as the blind-spot recognition system’s electronic eye, registering objects in hard-to-see areas. Whenever there is a vehicle in the rider’s blind spot, the technology warns them by way of an optical signal – for example, in the rear-view mirror.

ABS

Since 1984, Bosch has been continuously perfecting motorcycle ABS technology in order to make this important safety technology available for all vehicle classes in every market.

According to Bosch accident research, roughly one in four motorcycle accidents involving fatalities and injuries could be prevented if all two-wheelers were fitted with ABS.

Worldwide, more and more countries and regions, including the EU, Japan, Taiwan, and Brazil, are mandating motorcycle ABS.

Since April 2018, motorcycle ABS is mandatory in India for all new two-wheeler types with an engine displacement above 125 cc. ABS 10 was designed specifically to meet the requirements for motorized two-wheelers in emerging markets.

MSC

MSC motorcycle stability control is the world’s first all-in-one safety system for two-wheelers. By monitoring two-wheeler parameters such as lean angle, the system can instantaneously adjust its electronic braking and acceleration interventions to suit the current riding status.

In this way, the Bosch system can prevent the bike from lowsiding or righting itself suddenly and uncontrollably when braking in bends, which is where the majority of motorcycle accidents occur.

The new 6D sensor in the MSC system is the smallest and lightest design on the market. It significantly improves mounting flexibility, and is less prone to vibration.

Motorcycle-to-car communication:

By enabling motorcycles and cars to communicate with each other, Bosch is creating a digital shield for motorcyclists. Up to ten times a second, vehicles within a radius of several hundred meters exchange information about vehicle type, speed, position, and direction of travel.

Long before a motorcycle comes into view, this technology warns drivers and the sensors in their vehicles that a motorcycle is approaching. This allows them to drive better and more defensively.

The public WLAN standard (ITS G5) is used as the basis for the exchange of data between motorcycles and cars. Transmission times of just a few milliseconds between transmitter and receiver mean that participating road users can generate and transmit important information relating to the traffic situation.

Emergency call, breakdown call, and information call:

On the basis of intelligent crash algorithms, eCall detects when a motorcyclist is involved in a crash, automatically transmits an emergency call, and informs the emergency services about the type of vehicle and its position.

In the event that the two-wheeler breaks down, the bCall independently contacts the repair shop and sends the necessary data. The iCall is a helpful assistant on any road. This makes accessing service information – such as the location of the nearest gas station – simple and straightforward.