When Ducati launched the Scrambler line in 2014, it did so promising a template. A kind of 750cc, air-cooled blank slate, ripe for personalization with easily interchangeable body panels, seats, and cowls. A Ducati; just one reduced to its elements.
The Scrambler line was envisioned to gently and stylishly entice new riders into the fold. Which makes you wonder, seeing the Öhlins suspension, Brembo monobloc brakes and the over-under barrels of Termignoni silencers glinting against the matte black paint of the $15,500 Scrambler 1100 Sport Pro, if Ducati can even help itself.

The line-topping 1100 Sport Pro is a Scrambler for the savvy. Priced a hair under the Monster 1200 S, it boasts classic Ducati bark and aptitude, but with friendly upright ergonomics and broad bars. It begs for a fast ride through urban foothills. Makes you contemplate a canyon dogfight with sportbikes. Most of all, it begs for a flogging.

The air-cooled 1,079cc twin dates back to the Monster EVO. It meets Euro 5 emissions standards, is flawlessly fueled through by a new single throttle body, and that?s just about the only polite thing about it. It?s a classic desmo, snarfling air and fuel, turning them into thrust and vibrations and crackles and noise.
It?s this evocative nature that makes the engine of the 1100?despite being a generation or two past its prime?feel thrilling. There?s a raspy rawness to the big air-cooled mill that?s polished off and hushed by water cooling.

It comes with a...