10-17-2018, 04:14 AM
Ducati revived the Scrambler name in 2015 for a line of air cooled v-twins, so it is entering its 5th year. I have an older 1000cc Ducati Multistrada with their air-cooled engine and while peak horsepower might be about what the CB1100 has, the 2 motors could not be further apart. From anything above 4000 rpm, the Ducati absolutely rips when compared to my 2017 CB1100. It has a huge surge of torque and builds speed when cruising on the highway in a way that my CB1100 can't even dream of. When the CB is taken up above 6000 rpm it really picks up steam, but there are certainly attributes that are very positive about a 1000 (or 1100) cc bike that weighs 100 pounds less than the CB. Both great bikes, though your wallet certainly takes a much bigger hit with any Ducati. Parts are very expensive, as are labor rates if you don't do work yourself, plus the work can be very time consuming. Here are some pictures of how far my Ducati has to come apart just to access the valves. Not visible in the pictures is that most of the exhaust system and rear of the bike also must come off. Plus, keep in mind that with the desmo, you have to check and possibly change both opening and closing shims. While a CB1100 has a lot more valves to check, it is pretty straightforward in comparison. I actually have to strip this much stuff off the bike just to access the air filter, which is very annoying.