Ducati Scrambler Forum banner
Cancel

Ducati Desert Sled, year differences/improvements

516 Views 12 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  ScrambleEgg-Pepe, 
ScrambleEgg-Pepe
Hi, guys!

Are there any difference between year models? Like new tech, new abs, or the like? I remember riding both years, a first year Desert Sled and a third year Desert Sled and I‘ve noticed the difference in throttle responses and stability.

Just wanted to know before deciding on a different bike.

Thanks!
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
A
I’m not going to remember everything, but the 2019+ has;
-hydraulic clutch (vs cable clutch)
-LED turn signals and auto headlight
-rider modes to turn off/on ABS (way less steps compared to 2017-2018 years)
-fuel gauge
-calmer throttle cam
-cornering ABS

and I think the 2021+ years have a new seat design, new anti-slip material and anecdotally I think the foam is different as well.

If you are comparing the early model DS vs 2019+ and the prices are close enough, I would get the 2019+.
Reply
Save
Like
ScrambleEgg-Pepe
Many thanks! That was informative.
Reply
Save
Like
archercc
I just threw the older model seat on mine for when I want some looks (its the brown diamond "stitch" patterned one) and you can tell its different. More of a demarcation in the foam from the rider to passenger seat and the seat is overall slightly smaller. It all still mounts up but there is about an 1/8" more gap everywhere but over the tail light, which is kind of a feature as the stock one was rubbing the tank.

Also one thing to note about the 2019+ is the rear subframe is slightly different so the exhausts and luggage mount differently, I think everyone on the aftermarket has both covered but for the stock high pipes there is an A and a B model to accommodate the slightly different placement of the mounting holes.
Reply
Save
Like
ScrambleEgg-Pepe
Excellent! Thanks, @archercc
Reply
Save
Like
roadkillrob
Throttle cam is the only downgrade in my book of the newer one, but a cheap and easy fix to get a throttle tube that is linear.
Reply
Save
Like
archercc
If you do dirt though it's a feature because it's a lot of bike for that
Reply
Save
Like
roadkillrob
archercc said:
If you do dirt though it's a feature because it's a lot of bike for that
Click to expand...
I ride a few different bikes including a bike that weighs half as much off road with almost as much power so my wrist calibration doesn't work well switching to the sled as it doesn't do what I want with the lazy throttle tube, probably would have gotten used to it but was easier just to change it to what my my right wrist has learned for 50 years.
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
ScrambleEgg-Pepe
Yeah, I remember how responsive my old ’16 Ducati Scrambler Classic was and I love it. Then I went to demo the new Scramblers at Scrambler Days that was hosted at Alice’s Restaurant, they were very mellow and less abrupt. That’s fine since Ducati wants to sell more Scramblers to newbies. Expert riders can always change it to a more responsive set-up.

While I was selling the bike to a nice woman here in SF. I informed her that this bike is an older model and has a very abrupt response. She told me that she’s still new at riding motorcycles. I recommended her to have the throttle tube changed to a newer model one that‘s mellow. She asked why I left it like that and I’ve stated that I like it that way and I am quick road rider. She did went to a shop in SF to have them change it.
Reply
Save
Like
B
I think you guys missed the most important feature, that is the shift pedal pivot and linkage. In the Mint 400, one of the bike Desert Sleds run by FastHouse Racing DNF'ed on the final lap in the rocks because the shift pivot broke due to the lower linkage hitting a rock. Ducati redesigned it and flipped the linkage 180˚ so it is above the pedal; it is no longer the low point in danger of getting snapped off. For those of us that do ride off road, that was a major improvement in the design.
AS mentioned, the electronics package and the dash are much improved, though still a little behind what is provided on the Desert X and Aprilia Taureg 660.
Reply
Save
Like
ScrambleEgg-Pepe
Aprilia Tuareg is another bike I am thinking of getting and may go that route.
Reply
Save
Like
B
ScrambleEgg-Pepe said:
Aprilia Tuareg is another bike I am thinking of getting and may go that route.
Click to expand...
You need to decide what the main purpose/use will be of the m/c. I own both, neither one is a direct replacement for the other as they are sold. The Desert Sled could be an ADV, but good luck finding a front fairing and windscreen for long distance riding on the freeways. The Desert Sled does not have cruise control, the Aprilia does. The Aprilia carries it's weight much higher and feels heavier when going from one to the other. Performance is similar. Aprilia has better brakes. Desert Sled has better suspension as delivered. I'm installing new springs on my Aprilia and revalving the forks. Shims in both forks were damaged during assembly at the factory; as were all of them, see the thread:
www.advrider.com

Tuareg 660 Suspension extravaganza!

I'm starting this thread because, as far as I know, I'm the first to tear into the Aprilia Tuareg boingers. Why would I screw with a brand new...
www.advrider.com www.advrider.com
Also, unless you weigh 145 lbs with gear, you will need to install new springs in the Aprilia, the factory effective rate is 3.7, much too low for most riders.
I ride the Desert Sled for running around town, going out for a bite to eat or short 30 minute freeway excursions. I would ride the Aprilia for touring, traveling, sight seeing, etc. I like both, I am fortunate enough to be able to buy all 5 bikes I have so I don't need to comprise using 1 bike for everything.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 1
ScrambleEgg-Pepe
BrianC_in_AZ said:
You need to decide what the main purpose/use will be of the m/c. I own both, neither one is a direct replacement for the other as they are sold. The Desert Sled could be an ADV, but good luck finding a front fairing and windscreen for long distance riding on the freeways. The Desert Sled does not have cruise control, the Aprilia does. The Aprilia carries it's weight much higher and feels heavier when going from one to the other. Performance is similar. Aprilia has better brakes. Desert Sled has better suspension as delivered. I'm installing new springs on my Aprilia and revalving the forks. Shims in both forks were damaged during assembly at the factory; as were all of them, see the thread:
www.advrider.com

Tuareg 660 Suspension extravaganza!

I'm starting this thread because, as far as I know, I'm the first to tear into the Aprilia Tuareg boingers. Why would I screw with a brand new...
www.advrider.com www.advrider.com
Also, unless you weigh 145 lbs with gear, you will need to install new springs in the Aprilia, the factory effective rate is 3.7, much too low for most riders.
I ride the Desert Sled for running around town, going out for a bite to eat or short 30 minute freeway excursions. I would ride the Aprilia for touring, traveling, sight seeing, etc. I like both, I am fortunate enough to be able to buy all 5 bikes I have so I don't need to comprise using 1 bike for everything.
Click to expand...

I‘ve been going in Advrider.com keeping on tabs with Aprilia Tuareg 660. It‘s such a great bike. I demo’ed it and my mind was blow away on how good it is. It’s such a giggle-fest. I have just two more bike to test ride. That’s the Yamaha T7 and, still up in the air on when it’s coming to the USA, the Honda TransAlp 750. That’s where I’ll decided on whichever four bikes to get. I demo’ed Desert Sled two times, still a great fun rig with my all-time favorite engine, the air cooled Desmo.

I still have my other bike, the Triumph Street Triple 765 RS. Gawd, it’s a crazy machine. I love it to death.

Tuareg, heavy, errr… I sat it before demo’ing it and I’ve ask the salesperson if the bike’s dry (no oil, gas, etc) cuz I wasn’t sure. Brake fluid was there in front of my eyes but I was too puzzled by it’s weight. Jeez, it’s stupid-light. LOL
Reply
Save
Like
1 - 13 of 13 Posts
Ducati Scrambler Forum
A forum community dedicated to Ducati Scrambler owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, accessories, exhaust, reviews, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Scrambler Talk Scrambler Pictures/Videos Scrambler Gear & Accessories Ducati Scrambler: Desert Sled Scrambler How-To's and Guides
Top