Ducati Scrambler Hashtag

The Ducati Scrambler Hashtag 400 is the world’s first motorcycle model only available online. To buy one, you will have to go to their dedicated Scrambler Hashtag website to buy a deposit voucher.

The Hashtag is a version of the 399cc Sixty2, and will come in a all black Midnight tank, mudguard and handlebars, with a Ducati Scrambler Desert Sled-style seat and an orange Scrambler logo.

Ducati Sixty2 Overview

Ducati has roots that go back to the original scrambler era, and the Sixty2 is actually built for genuine on- and off-road fun.

Ducati has a reputation for top-notch engine designs, and it built the Sixty2’s mill just for this purpose. The 399 cc, air-cooled, L-twin engine uses Ducati’s signature Desmodromic valve train to actuate two valves in each head, and a 50 mm throttle body with electronic fuel injection manages the induction. A pair of Lambda probes feed emissions information to the computer, and a catalytic converter burns off any remaining hydrocarbons to meet “Euro 4” emissions standards.

The engine cranks out 41 hp at 8,750 rpm, and 25.5 lb-ft at 8,000 rpm, predictably high ranges given the Desmo valve train.

A six-speed transmission churns the ratios through straight-cut gears, and delivers the power to the rear wheel via a chain final drive. This kind of bike really has no need for a slipper clutch, and so the mechanically actuated wet clutch is just fine for this application.

Steel tubing makes up the light, but strong, trellis frame that peeks out from under the sheet metal. The steering head is set at 24 degrees and the trail measures out at 4.4 inches. Seat height is variable. The stock height measures out at 31.1-inches high — a reasonable height for most riders — but accessory seats can be bought to drop it down to 30.3 inches / 770 mm, or raise it to 31.9 inches / 810 mm, so you can tune the fit to your body type.

Suspension travel is rather generous at 5.9 inches, front and rear. This is a reflection of the genuine off-road capability, and should be able to handle some fairly rough terrain. Ducati kept the front end old school with 41 mm, right-side-up forks.

An interesting looking swingarm works with an offset, Kayaba, coil-over monoshock. Front suspension parameters are fixed, but the rear shock comes with adjustable spring preload. Cast rims mount the 18-inch front, and 17-inch rear, Pirelli MT 60 RS dual-purpose tires that strike a balance between street and off-road traction.

This is a fairly light bike at barely over 400 pounds soaking wet, so it doesn’t take much in the way of brakeage to control it. The 320 mm disc with a twin-pot caliper up front and 245 mm disc with single-pot caliper in back are sufficient. Since ABS comes as standard equipment, you can use those brakes with confidence.