When Ducati first released the Scrambler, there were some questions about how off-road capable it was with such a name. It would go on to become a huge sales success for Ducati, and the Italian firm responded by expanding the model lineup with with different displacement option as well as variants like the Icon, Nightshift, Cafe Racer, and one for the off-road enthusiasts: the Desert Sled. Cycle World called it “a Scrambler that might actually scramble.”
The Desert Sled was differentiated by a 19″ front wheel, a set of dirtbike handlebars, a skid plate, some off-road fenders, a set of Pirelli Scorpion dual sport tires, a one piece seat, a compact exhaust, and — of course — more suspension travel (7.9″ vs 5.9″).
In practice, such changes made for a competent mount, both on the road and off the beaten path. As Dirt Bike Magazine found in its review, “Marketing aside, the Scrambler Ducati Desert Sled is best described as an adventure stripper. If you take an adventure bike, remove the fairing, luggage and some of the fuel capacity, you have a smaller, lighter bike that’s less intimidating in the dirt. Think of it as a new mission statement; instead of week-long adventures, you have daytime excursions. The Desert Sled model takes the dirt part of the mission more seriously than the original did. It got a reinforced frame, a longer swingarm, longer suspension travel, spoked wheels and Pirelli Scorpion Rally tires. There’s a small skid plate and a wide handlebar.”
This example is VIN: ML0KAFPM6NT002312. The seller is the second owner, he acquired it two years ago from the original owner.
During his ownership, the seller has covered 2,700 miles. The odometer shows 4,399 miles.
“I bought it because of looks. It rides nice but I’m just missing the old Ducati dry clutch charm. I’m selling it to make room for an older S4RS.”
Maintenance:
“OEM oil and filter change at 4,000 miles – 9/1/2025 at home.”
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Moderate (1.5>3.0% of moisture contamination)
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Moderate (1.5>3.0% of moisture contamination)
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: Ok
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: Moderate (1.5>3.0% of moisture contamination)
Final Drive Condition: Ok
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 01/26
Tire Date Code Rear: 34/25
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 28 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 33 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.8V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 14.1V
Running Condition: Runs Well on Bench
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-All three hydro fluids (front brake, rear brake, clutch fluid) tested moderate for moisture contamination.
Recommendations:
-Hydro 3
Modifications:
Hepco & Becker engine guard.
Barkbusters.
Pivot Pegz.
SW-Motech racks and luggage.
Ohlins shock.
Solo Racer Lane Splitter mirrors.
ASV levers.
Ducati Scrambler rear turn signals.
Evotech Performance axle sliders.
Sargent seat.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Road 6 tires with date codes of 3425 and 0126.
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Ducati is offered on a clean California title with registration current through November 2026.
Have any Scrambler Desert Sled stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
