Ducati Scrambler (original)

Ducati 450 Scrambler

Manufacturer	Ducati
Production	1962-1976
Class	Scrambler
Engine	2-valve, 4-stroke, air-cooled, 340.2 cc single cylinder Bevel gear driven SOHC Alloy cylinder head cast iron cylinder liner
Bore / stroke	76 mm×75 mm
Compression ratio	9.3:1
Top speed	130 km/h (81 mph)
Power	27 hp at 8,500 rpm
Ignition type	Bosch electronic
Transmission	5-speed, wet clutch
Frame type	Single-beam steel cradle
Suspension	Front : Marzocchi telescopic 35 mm hydraulic fork Rear : Swingarm with Marzocchi shock, 3-position adjustable
Brakes	Front: 180 mm drum with two shoes Rear: 160 mm drum with one shoe
Tires	Front 3.50 x 18 in. Rear 4.00 x 18 in., Borrani spoked wheels
Seat height	770 mm
Fuel capacity	12.6 L (3.3 US gal) of which 1.6 L reserve
Fuel consumption	20 km/L (47 mpg‑US)
Related	Ducati Scrambler (2015)

The Ducati Scrambler was the brand name for a series of single cylinder scrambler motorcycles made by Ducati for the American market from 1962 until 1974. Its creation is attributed to the American Berliner Motor Corporation. Models were produced in 250 cc through 450 cc displacements. The 450 variant was sold as the “Jupiter” in the United States.

The first Scramblers (1962–1967) were derived from street-legal models, and featured “narrow case” engines with lightly altered frames. It originally derived from a Ducati Diana road bike converted by Michael Berliner for dirt-track racing in America. These Scrambler models all had a maximum engine capacity of 250cc, and are generally referred to as “narrow case Scrambler(s)”

• Scrambler OHC 250 (1962–1963)
• Scrambler 250 (1964–1968)
• Scrambler 350 (1967–1968)

The second series used a wider engine case. Frames were modified with experience derived from Bruno Spaggiari’s Ducati factory racing motorcycles.

• Scrambler 125 (1970–1971)
• Scrambler 250 (1968–1975)
• Scrambler 350 (1968–1975)
• Scrambler 450 (1969–1976)
• R/T 350 (1971–1974)
• R/T 450 (1971–1974) (desmodromic valves)

The Scrambler name is revived in 2015 as Ducati’s modern-classic styled motorcycle.

• Otto Grizzi; Carlo Perelli (June 1999). “Ducati Scrambler 250-350-450”. Motociclismo d’Epoca.

• 1970 Ducati 350 Scrambler, How Stuff Works
• 1969 Ducati 450 Jupiter: The Bike That Changed My Life, Motorcyclist, September 2012
• 1962 Original Ducati Scrambler