Last November 2023, I was fortunate to be able to join Norminring Motorbike’s annual Mindanao Freedom Ride (MFR). This institutional riding activity where in riders from all over the Philippines to participate in the motorcycle touring activity that aims to discover new places, embark in extra-ordinary motorcycle adventures, and immerse in the spirit of camaraderie. I have been covering this activity since 2016 and I have always consider the MFR as one of my best rides every year.
Earlier this year, I was fortunate to be one the first to ride and review the Next Gen Ducati Scrambler Nightshift in the Philippines. I had another sweet encounter with the same bike model, now to be ridden for MFR. I was fortunate to finally get to ride the bike aggressively this time.
The ride covered around 500kms from Molave, Zamboanga del Sur en route Zamboanga City via Labason, through Triple-S (Siocon – Sirawai – Sibuco). The route was infamous for MFR participants when we did the Mindanao Coastal Loop (clockwise) back in 2019. Triple-S back then was a developing coastal road network with tedious off-road sections, loose gravel and river crossings. Today, it nears completion with only about 10% left to develop.
The Next Gen Ducati Scrambler Nightshift is a motorcycle that is designed for both on-road and off-road riding. It is comfortable and have an upright riding position, as well as a long-travel suspension that makes it well-suited for rough roads. The Nightshift is also powered by a torquey L-twin engine that provides plenty of power for both city and highway riding, catching up with liter bikes. I found the Next Gen Ducati Scrambler Nightshift to be a very comfortable and capable bike for on-road riding. The upright riding position is great for long rides, and the seat is well-padded, wide and adequately comfortable. I also think it can comfortably accommodate a pillion.
I was able to enjoy its light and quick handling that can run at par with most agile bikes in the corners. Gutalac-Labason road is a fun twisty road where I was able to enjoy the Nightshift’s handling capabilities. I also want to commend the bike’s lean-sensitive traction control that adds up to my confidence.By the time we entered Liloy-Siocon road, the off-road section began, it was pretty hard to steer the bike’s flat-bar orientation off-road. I felt it’s too low but it’s actually manageable, despite its “cafe-racer” orientation. I was just glad it wasn’t totally on clip on bars. It would have made my life miserable. The bike is totally light for off-road use, and the throttle is not snatchy in a way you can carefully manage the loose terrain. The seat height is low which makes it easier to tap on the ground to balance frequently. The Nightshift was definitely scramblin’ in this section.
The suspension is also very well-tuned, providing a comfortable ride even on rough roads. The Nightshift’s engine is also very smooth and powerful, making it easy to overtake other vehicles and maintain a high speed on the highway. I was also impressed with the Scrambler Ducati Next Gen Nightshift’s off-road capabilities. The long-travel suspension provides plenty of ground clearance, and the knobby tires provide good grip on loose surfaces. The Nightshift’s engine also has plenty of power for off-road riding, and the bike is surprisingly agile and maneuverable.
The Next Gen Ducati Scrambler Nightshift is the motorcycle for anyone looking for a versatile motorcycle that can be ridden on both the road and off-road. It is a comfortable, capable, and stylish bike that is sure to please riders of all skill levels.
Here are some additional pros and cons of the Next Gen Ducati Scrambler Nightshift:
Pros:
Comfortable and upright riding position
Long-travel suspension
Torquey L-twin engine
Good on-road and off-road capabilities
Stylish looks
Cons:
Wind protection is limited
Seat height is a bit low for taller riders
Overall, I think the Next Gen Ducati Scrambler Nightshift is an excellent motorcycle that is well-suited for a variety of riding styles. It is comfortable, capable, and stylish, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking for a versatile bike that can do it all.