[NickJ]

I was at DucatiAustin yesterday talking with the guys and they were saying that they have sold a lot of Scramblers, but unfortunately, they see a ton of them come back wrecked.

Why is that? Do people just not respect the power? Is this their first bike? What's the deal?

 

[scowa18]

Hey Nick, what kind of damage are they seeing? That might give an indication of what is happening. Front collisions? Rear? Laying it down? I'd be interested to know as well.

 

[NickJ]

They didn't go in to too much detail, but inferred that it was due to rider error. Comments like, "I don't think that they give this 800 the respect that it needs." "This thing is light and powerful enough to get you in to trouble."

So, I don't know what the exact situations have been, but on multiple occasions the Ducati boys have said that they are getting wrecked a lot.

 

[Vroom!]

Could it be the snatchy throttle for new riders?:angry9:

 

[scowa18]

They do have lots of go juice and you could easily get into trouble. I find that I ride muuuuch faster on my Scrambler than I do on other bikes because it does inspire lots of confidence. The quick power delivery, light and nimble feel, upright position and amazing brakes are an intoxicating combo. I would imagine it would be easy for an inexperienced rider to feel confident without the skill-set to match. That's when trouble likes to find you...

 

[Gort]

[cigar] Don't think the hipsters have read Twist of the Wrist.

 

[ELVISTO]

I'm not surprised Nick, I tend to agree with Scowa, I also tend to ride quicker on the Scrambler ( I don't mean top speed) than my other bikes, especially on the twisties and in the mountains, I've know idea what the top speed is on mine,

 

[motorhead1977]

I concur with both the Scrambler inspiring confidence and that there are many newer/younger riders who have not read or viewed Kieth Code's excellent material. There is no teacher like inexperience combined with confidence. More information would be interesting. Additionally I fear that if the loss ratio for Scramblers is greater than expected by the underwriters our insurance premiums will soon be rising sharply.

 

[Slaine]

I find it hard to believe that there is a high proportion of accidents on Scramblers, the bike is low, enough power but not too much, adequate brakes (ABS) and suspension.
One explanation, should it indeed be the case, is many people are going offroad and their ego far exceeds there actual ability.

 

[DaveInWoodland]

I've found that without exception I ride more often than I used to just because it's so easy to hop on and go. Previously I would give a thought to "do I want to get that beast out for a short ride" etc. with the Scrambler it's a no brainer.

It may just be that with their marketing they attracted many new riders and we all know how that can end up.

 

[JMarty]

Those guys at DucatiAustin were telling me the same thing. No real details, although on one of my visits there was an UE with a completely broken fork. Like sheared in two. Said that one hit a curb. I love my Icon and try every time I ride to give it the healthy dose of respect I should.

 

[scowa18]

Just for kicks I decided to look some of these up to see if we can learn anything here. I found a salvage site (Find Salvage, Used, Rental, Collision Vehicles and More | IAA-Insurance Auto Auctions) that lists 7 Scramblers. By selecting each one, the information identifies the primary damage location. I quickly compiled a list from this very tiny test group. Of the 7 bikes listed, here is what I found
5 of 7 Front Collision
1 of 7 Rear Collision
1 of 7 Side Impact

Thoughts?

 

[JMarty]

I was at DucatiAustin yesterday talking with the guys and they were saying that they have sold a lot of Scramblers, but unfortunately, they see a ton of them come back wrecked.

Why is that? Do people just not respect the power? Is this their first bike? What's the deal?

I'm not sure...What I do know is that Austin traffic is a big pile of dookie. Everyone is on their cell phone talking, texting, taking selfies while driving. It's horrible.

 

[zswickliffe]

Just for kicks I decided to look some of these up to see if we can learn anything here. I found a salvage site (Find Salvage, Used, Rental, Collision Vehicles and More | IAA-Insurance Auto Auctions) that lists 7 Scramblers. By selecting each one, the information identifies the primary damage location. I quickly compiled a list from this very tiny test group. Of the 7 bikes listed, here is what I found
5 of 7 Front Collision
1 of 7 Rear Collision
1 of 7 Side Impact

Thoughts?

13 miles on the UE!?

 

[DaveInWoodland]

Just for kicks I decided to look some of these up to see if we can learn anything here. I found a salvage site (Find Salvage, Used, Rental, Collision Vehicles and More | IAA-Insurance Auto Auctions) that lists 7 Scramblers. By selecting each one, the information identifies the primary damage location. I quickly compiled a list from this very tiny test group. Of the 7 bikes listed, here is what I found
5 of 7 Front Collision
1 of 7 Rear Collision
1 of 7 Side Impact

Thoughts?

Wow, one is a 2016 with 13 miles on the odo, that had to be painful.

 

[vibration]

texting while riding:acne:

 

[NickJ]

texting while riding:acne:

 

[Xtyling]

We text and ride here in the Philippines. But traffic is much slower than Tempe AZ.

 

[littleowl]

Possibly inexperienced reactions to the sharp throttle? I heard that the demo I tested before buying mine came a cropper and was written off before it got to the end of the road (not by me )

 

[DigitalStorm]

Bit stereotyping on write offs.

I had 11k miles on mine, had it for over year and was dialled into it.

No accounting for a woman pulling out on me from a side road without looking.

It's bikes in general my friend.