How I Lowered My Ducati Scrambler
With a lot of help and knowledge from people around me, I was able to lower my Ducati Scrambler full throttle by 6cm (2.4 inches), my feet aren’t flat on the floor but they’re comfortably grounded. I am 5 ft 1 (154cm) so when I completed my driving test, I always thought I would be riding choppers for the rest of my life. Little did I know, that there was a world out there where I could make the bikes work for me. I weigh 40kg (88 lbs) and the thought of balancing a 200kg (441 lbs) bike is kinda terrifying. So for me, feet flat on the floor is important. If you’re short like me, I hope this post on how I lowered my Ducati Scrambler, encourages you to not give up hope on your dream bike. These tips can be used on almost any bike, it’s not just limited to the scrambler.
1. Invest in a Lowering Kit
My bike has been lowered using a lowering kit. Luckily, I bought my bike already lowered from the dealership.
What are Lowering kits?
Lowering kits are two words thrown around a lot when shorter people are looking for motorbikes. But what does it mean? and how do they impact the biker and bike? Lowering kits usually lower the full motorbike suspension or part of it, most commonly by compressing the shock absorber. The suspension is the part that bounces up and down when you go over bumps. By lowering the suspension you reduce the ground clearance, which could mean you feel way more bumps when riding.
Where can I find them?
You can order lowering kits for the Ducati Scrambler online or even buy it at the dealership. I would advise you get it fitted by professionals.
Advantages
- Lowers the bike by around 3 cm (1inch)
Disadvantages
- Cost: approx 250€ ($275)
- Installation cost: approx 100€ ($110)
- Reduces ground clearance
- May reduce comfort
- You may need to adjust the side stand height
- Might limit the legality of taking a passenger (check with kit manufacturer)
WARNING
If you decide to lower your bike, it’s important to consider your side stand. If you have a straight side stand, your bike may be overly straight when you park it, making it unstable. You will need to shorten the stand too or buy an angled one. Luckily, the Ducati Scramblers Full Throttle’s original side stand works as it is.
2. Change the seat
I replaced my original Full Throttle seat to the Cafe Racer seat. When you’re tiny like me, it’s not always about the seating height. Wider seats can be just as problematic. Luckily the Ducati Cafe racer seat is perfectly shaped and fits easily on the Scrambler.
Advantages
- It lowers the seating position by around 5cm (1.5inches).
- Cheaper than the lowered seat: 60€ ($65)
- Reduces the pressure around the thighs, as the seat is narrower
Disadvantages
- I couldn't think of any
What about the Ducati 'Lowered' Seat.
Before I bought my Ducati Scrambler, a lot of people told me about Ducati having a lowered seat for their smaller riders. After trying this seat, I wasn’t as optimistic. Sure the seat takes off 2cm (0.8 inches from the original, but for the €200 ($220) you spend, you can find cheaper, and more comfortable options.
3. Seat Customization
I didn’t need the seat customization for the Ducati Scrambler but I have used it in the past on my other bikes. If you’re shorter than me, or would like your feet even flatter on the ground, then you can invest in seat customization.
What's seat customisation?
Changing the seat and customising the seat are two different things. A seat specialist can reshape your seat, and remove foam to make it thinner. The lacking foam can be replaced by a thinner gel inlay. Ask the local dealer for recommendations nearby or google search a seating specialist.
Advantages
- It lowers the seating position by around 5cm (1inch). Your feet are definitely closer to the ground
Disadvantages
- Less cushioning, could hurt your behind in longer journies
- It's expensive, can cost approx 100€ - 300€ ($110-$330)
To save money, you could try it yourself, (video below)
SUMMARY
As a shorter rider, you can either learn to balance on one leg or invest in making some changes to your motorbike. I opted for making the changes part and I am really glad I did. I love my Ducati Scrambler and I feel a whole lot more confident about it, now that I can reach the floor. If you have any questions on how I lowered my Ducati Scrambler, leave them in the comment section below.
So happy to see other short person riding this Scrambler!! I’m 5’3 and had seat changed and lowered suspension. It’s great and I am definitely more comfortable but I’m hitting footpegs anything I need to move bike and it’s terrible, I already have bruises 🙁 wonder if I will learn how to get better with time or will I just have to move bike while standing next to it ♀️
You look great on in btw!!!!
🙂 Thank you for your comment and taking the time to read the blog post! 🙂 .. I Have the same problem, maybe another option is to pad those footpegs hehe or wear shin protectors. Or do the duck waddle backwards, make very small movements while rolling the bike!! 😀
Hi! I am a petite biker as well! I was considering a Scrambler too! May I ask you how much are you tall? I am 1,52 mt (barely 5 foot) and my legs are 68 cm (27 inches) fro inner leg to toe. I use a pair of Daytona Boots (made in Germany) they are for petite bikers just as us you may have a look. The give you almost 5 cm (2 inches) of leg length. But those and a lowered Ducati seat aren’t enough.
HI Sabrina, thanks for the message. I am 5,1 154cm. at the moment I lowered the bike and changed my seat to the cafe racer version, but you could even take it further and get the seat cut, this will bring you another 4-5cm to the floor, which would definitely work for you. If the Ducati doesn’t fit, I know the Honda rebel will, its a great bike for shorter riders, its light and you will definitely reach the ground on that bike.
Hi, sorry I missed you reply! I already own a Honda Rebel, great for putting feet on the ground but I know a Ducati Scrambler would be better for overall performance. The Rebel is for quite rides, and those large wheels aren’t the best always. have you considered Daytona Boots? Thank you very much!
Hi, do you have a link for the cafe racer seat or a de later? Sorry but I can’t find it. I have a ducati scrambler 400 and live in Mexico, so i have to buy it and send it back home.
Hi Rebeca 🙂 I got mines directly from the dealership, it would be an idea to ask your local duati dealer. – Maybe you can order it online from here – https://shop.oemducati.com/es/products but I recommend looking on eBay – maybe someone in the area could be selling it?
Thank you for this post! I am 157cm and I ride Ducati Scrambler Icon. I got a lowered seat, but I still am not stable enough putting my feet in the ground on some uneven roads. Did not realize that cafe racer seat is lower than the lowered icon seat. I am too hitting the footpegs while moving the bike so I ‘d normally get off it and move it standing next…
Hello Elena! I’m glad the post was useful to you. The cafe racer seat is only a tiny bit lower, but what makes the big difference is that its narrower, which helps bringing the feet closer to the floor. I find the seating position so much better too.
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Like!! I blog frequently and I really thank you for your content. The article has truly peaked my interest.
Thank you! 🙂
Hi, I have Scrambler Icon. Would love to have cafe racer seat. Would you reveal a secrwt where did you get yours?
Nice, I got my seat from the dealer themselves, you can ask you Ducati dealer if they are willing to order you one? 🙂
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hola ,me encanto todos tus comentarios , me podrías recomendar donde puedo comprar Asiento Cafe Racer Original, para mi ducati , Saludos desde Perú.
Hola Mau, gracias por tu comentario. Puedes comprar el asiento en eBay. Le compré las minas al vendedor de Ducati, tenía una de repuesto. ¡Buena suerte!
There are many things to learn, so much information on it.
Your blog really inspires me a lot.
Best regards,
Lunding Raahauge
Thank you for this post. I am planning to get a Ducati Scrambler myself but too worried about the seat height. I stand 5 feet (sometimes 5’1″) and just learned to ride a manual bike a month ago. I am planning to get a lower displacement bike first to practice before I get a Scrambler. Thanks again and safe rides!
Hi Agnes, thanks for the comment. I am 5,1 and was also worried, but lowering and changing the seat really helped and I am really close to the ground now and its perfect for petite people likes :-). Keep me posted on your journey. Good luck!
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