[greenjeans]

Picked up a used '18 Desert Sled with only 300 miles a couple months ago for a sausage party trip to Moab, Zion, Durango, and the areas around it all. I'm usually a vintage rider. Looked into a couple adventure bikes - KTM 890, Triumph Tiger, and a couple touring bikes. The more I looked at them, I kept coming back to style - usually a terrible way to choose a bike for traveling. But, I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised by the sled. We went just over 3000 miles in about 9 days. The roads and routes we took were spectacular. The bike performed flawlessly.
Since we were going to do a lot of miles at 60-80mpg, I changed the front sprocket to a 16T from the stock 15T. That helped a bit with the top end, but still rev'd close to 6000 rpms when doing 75-80mph. It also took away more of the low end grunt than I thought it would. Wasn't too bad when I figured out it likes to be in the 4-6k rev range. The engine was smoother at 6k than it was at 4k. I was a little worried at first, but now, after the trip is done, the motor is broken in and much tighter.
I also put on a Puig windscreen in hopes I'd shove some of the wind around my 6'3 frame. It was more of a suggestion than reality. Not sure if it made the wind noise louder or not. It did seem to take a little wind off the chest. Not much though.
For luggage, I have a Hepko & Becker rear rack fitted with a moto-pax 1 gallon fuel can, some Wolfman 12L saddlebags for tools and daily stuff, tank bag, and a 50L dry bag.
I probably had too much - but, you never know.
For road riding and canyon carving, I was blown away with how well the Pirelli Scorpion rally tires did. No buzzy rumble like knobbies. Smooth and quiet. They were good on the limited gravel we found ourselves on from time to time. I'll probably go with them again when it's time to change them out.
The seating position is very comfortable for me. The actual seat got a little uncomfortable on the long days - but I just stand up from time to time. Everyone else in the group was standing as well. I don't know if there is a genuinely comfortable seat (outside of a Goldwing or Road King)
Cruising on the bike 65-80mph was very smooth. Passing took a little looking ahead, but once I figured out what the bike would do, it was fine. Definitely not as powerful as my Hypermotard 1100S. But - I'm about 235 all geared up, and had about 50lbs of gear and tools that was loaded on there as well.
When canyon carving, I found the handling great for my style of riding. (not sure what it is) I could lean/turn it very well. I was easily keeping up with all the other bikes through corners. My only complaint was coming out of corners. Was wanting more torque. Brakes were fine - never noticed the ABS.
I was consistently getting 50 miles per gallon. The fuel light came on between 125-130 miles. So - reserve was about a gallon. Only had to use my RotoPax once.
So, my fuel range was easily 150 miles and more.

Now, what will I change?

Need to look into tuning the suspension. It felt pretty darn good to me (not an expert) but, I'm sure it wasn't designed for geared up Clydesdales (230lb)
I never bottomed out that I felt. Looked to be within a couple millimeters on both the front and rear. Not sure what I will do there - need someone more knowledgeable than me. Maybe just a heavier spring on the back and in the front ?

I would also like a little more power. Just now starting to look into removing the CAT and getting a slip-on, different intake (filters or more?) and an ECU flash/tune to go with the exhaust/intake. Much of the reading I've been doing, doesn't seem to be recent. What are you guys doing along those lines?

 

[ScramblerKen]

803cc? Like mine? I have a 2017 803cc first year for Sled. You did great. I'll be the bike runs lean don't you?

 

[AnotherHobby]

I have a 2017 Sled. I think one of the biggest improvements you can make in throttle responsiveness is by getting a G2 throttle tamer: G2 Throttle Tamer Ducati - RevZilla.

Ducati over-corrected from the snatchier throttle on the early Icons (I had a 2015) and put a super lazy cam on it. You have to open the throttle damn near all the way to get it to scoot, and the G2 solves that. I love mine. It won't make the bike any faster, but it'll feel quicker and will respond faster to less input.

Also, that looks like an amazing trip you went on with some great scenery!

 

[h.grenade]

Awesome write up and the photos looks rad! Throttle tamer is correct, I don't have it yet but there is a big dif in acceleration coming off a 2020 Scrambler Icon. Everything is the same as far as I can tell so the throttle has to be the problem. And what you describe is the difference that I felt the most. Trying to hammer the throttle after the apex feels pretty boring. The arrow exhaust and removing the cat also wakes it up quite a bit IMO. I am also not an expert, it just felt faster right away.

 

[VVoltz]

Thanks for the pics and the description, sounds like it was a great adventure!

 

[kn00dl3]

Awesome write up! The trip looks like it was awesome! I just did a trip from western PA to the tail of the dragon and back on my 18 Icon and feel the same way about the throttle response coming out of corners I never seemed to have the oomph that I wanted. I'm 6'2" and put comfort seat and a set of SW Motech Ion foot pegs so I could give myself a little more leg room which I can't recommend enough if you're a taller rider. As a bonus when you take the rubber inserts out it makes a night and day difference when standing on the pegs off the pavement.

How did the Pirelli Scorpions wear throughout the trip? I replaced the rear on mine before the trip with about 3500 mi on it since it was almost to the wear bars and was squared off pretty bad but I'm already noticing some squaring after the round trip and they are just ok off the pavement.

 

[albymangled]

Great post.
Nice to see I'm not alone when I think the Scrambler would make a good (time) slow tourer.
By that I mean she's no interstate express but perfectly capable for distance work.
Thanks.

 

[aldntn]

I've got the original "quick" throttle tube. Excellent response if a little twitchy at parking lot speeds. My Icon drives out of corners pretty strong especially if you don't mind working the gearbox some. Up to 100mph I don't get dusted and my world is below 100.

 

[greenjeans]

The Scorpions show wear, that's for sure. I figure I can get another 500-1000 out of the rear. Front wasn't as bad.
Think I'll order the throttle tamer and see what it does. Still trying to figure out which exhaust I want to splurge on.

 

[retrolab]

Awesome post. I have to unpack everything and edit my post. Nice work.

Edit: I'll have to keep an eye on this thread as I too would like to find ways to add more power. Perhaps and upgrade to the exhaust, preferably without too much of a decibel jump.

Your post also reminded me that I need to stiffen the suspension. Super spongy right now when coming to a stop.

Looks like you had a fun ride! I wish I were closer to off-roady terrain as there's not much outside of the GTA. Here's to exploring!

 

[gumshoe]

I have a 2017 Sled. I think one of the biggest improvements you can make in throttle responsiveness is by getting a G2 throttle tamer: G2 Throttle Tamer Ducati - RevZilla.

Ducati over-corrected from the snatchier throttle on the early Icons (I had a 2015) and put a super lazy cam on it. You have to open the throttle damn near all the way to get it to scoot, and the G2 solves that. I love mine. It won't make the bike any faster, but it'll feel quicker and will respond faster to less input.

Also, that looks like an amazing trip you went on with some great scenery!

Do you know what year this throttle issue was sorted out? I'm in the process of buying a 2019 Desert Sled and curious if it will have a lazy throttle like you mention..

 

[archercc]

Do you know what year this throttle issue was sorted out? I'm in the process of buying a 2019 Desert Sled and curious if it will have a lazy throttle like you mention..

It wasnt sorted, this was the "Sort." The throttle was really direct and snatchy apparently for the type of rider who was buying the scramblers so they made it really, really lazy. I took out almost all of the free play and it still feels so disconnected when you rev, makes the bike feel so much slower.

There are options on the throttle tamer, I wonder which ones the guys were going with.

 

[gumshoe]

It wasnt sorted, this was the "Sort." The throttle was really direct and snatchy apparently for the type of rider who was buying the scramblers so they made it really, really lazy. I took out almost all of the free play and it still feels so disconnected when you rev, makes the bike feel so much slower.

There are options on the throttle tamer, I wonder which ones the guys were going with.

Did some reading after posting above and it looks like it just depends on how snappy you'd like it to be. I reached out to G2 for some input and they pointed to this page G2 Street Competition Quick Throttle Cam System – Ducati

The kit appears to come with three different cam profiles so you can select your preference. I'm waiting to hear back if it will work with my heated grip kit and if so will pull the trigger and try it out.

 

[archercc]

thanks, Im interested in your feedback if it works. Ive been on the fence because it would really make it feel better on the road but, honestly, I might swap back for dirt. I kind of like the lazy throttle In mud.