Ducati Scrambler 800 vs. Husqvarna Svartpilen 801 Comparison

Imagine being on the road for seven days across the Balkans. Not in a cozy tour bus, oh no! You're perched on the saddle of a bike that hurls you through four countries, from the narrow streets of Budapest to the breathtaking Adriatic coastlines. More than 2500 kilometers of pure riding pleasure! Doesn't that sound like the dream of every bike enthusiast? That's exactly what the Balkan Rally is, and here we tested two bikes that couldn't be more different yet equally delighted our hearts: the Ducati Scrambler 800 ICON and the Husqvarna Svartpilen 801.

What is the Balkan Rally?

The Balkan Rally is not your ordinary motorcycle tour; it's a blend of adventure, retro charm, and exclusive enjoyment. Originally designed for vintage automobiles, the event has opened its doors over the years to classic motorcycles and retro bikes. The rally traditionally kicks off in Budapest, from where participants ride through picturesque routes across the Balkans to the coast in the Kotor region. The organizers emphasize maximum comfort – each stage ends in carefully selected, luxurious hotels. Accompanied by an espresso mobile and evening champagne and wine tastings, the rally offers a stylish program that encourages interaction with automobile and motorcycle enthusiasts. But that's not all: during the daily stages, participants must determine their arrival time by solving puzzles and mastering photo challenges. Riding too fast or too slow results in penalty points – it's all about finding the perfect balance. Despite the rally's automobile focus, motorcyclists feel welcome in the group, as the relaxed atmosphere and diverse tasks make the rally a unique experience that goes far beyond an ordinary tour. In 2025, the Balkan Rally will once again feature new routes and challenges – an event that should be on every retro and motorcycle lover's bucket list.

More information about the rally here.

The 1000PS Crew's Gear for the Balkan Rally 2024

The entire crew opted for casual retro-style clothing from Held during the trip. Noteworthy is the Sirmione Gore Tex Sneaker and the cool leather jacket Jester.

We used the same luggage solution for all bikes: the Legend Gear tail bag from SW-Motech. It offers various mounting options and is very affordable and compact. The bag had to endure almost 3,000 km on 8 different bikes under adverse weather conditions!

Before the rally, we thoroughly waterproofed our clothes with PROTEX Spray from MOTOREX. During the rally, we used the small and refillable mini chain spray cans from MOTOREX.

Communication worked exceptionally well this time. The entire team was connected with Cardo Packtalk devices. The batteries lasted all day, and the devices were 100% waterproof. The sound quality was excellent, and the combination of "navigation instructions" + "music" + "communication" worked seamlessly. Even occasional phone calls couldn't overload the system. Highly recommended for big group adventures!

The entire team chose the HJC V10 helmet. It offers various design options and matched our beautiful bikes perfectly. On the long tour, we enjoyed the high wearing comfort.

For navigation, we had roadbooks from the race management. However, we tried to trace the course of the route as accurately as possible with Calimoto. On the way to Budapest and especially on the return trip from Kotor, we opted for the "fastest" highway option due to weather conditions. Those who want to follow the tour in good weather should set the sliders on Calimoto to "curvy" for these sections. Here is the link to the rough route.

The 1000PS Crew at the Balkan Rally 2024

• Amelie
• Mex
• Poky
• Philipp
• Carlos
• Marcel
• Wolfgang Weiß
• Micha
• Nils

Let's first take a look at our main contenders. In one corner, we have the Ducati Scrambler 800 ICON. Imagine Sophia Loren as a motorcycle – seductive, classically beautiful, and with a touch of Dolce Vita. In the other corner stands the Husqvarna Svartpilen 801, a bike that looks like Thor himself welded it together in his spare time – edgy, muscular, and with the charm of a Nordic god. The Ducati, with its 803 cc V-twin engine, purrs like a contented cat and delivers 73 hp. The Husqvarna, on the other hand, roars with its 799 cc parallel-twin engine and 105 hp like a rampaging lion. It's already clear: we're dealing with two completely different characters.

Before we delve into the depths of subjective impressions, let's take a look at the hard facts. The Ducati weighs 188.5 kg, while the Husqvarna is just a sandwich heavier at 189.5 kg. The seat height of the Ducati is 795 mm, while the Husqvarna stands at 820 mm. Both bikes are equipped with modern riding assistance systems. Lean-angle dependent traction control? Check! Cornering ABS? Check! The Husqvarna also boasts a standard quickshifter, whereas for the Ducati, you'll have to shell out an extra 267 euros. The front suspension on the Ducati is handled by a Kayaba 41mm USD fork with 150mm of travel, while the Husqvarna comes with a WP 43mm USD fork and 140mm of travel. At the rear, both bikes feature a monoshock with 150mm of travel. The difference? On the Husqvarna, you can adjust the compression and rebound, while on the Ducati, you have to take what you get.

Now it's getting exciting, folks! Because what good are the best technical specs if the bike feels like a stubborn mule? Let's start with the city. This is where the Ducati Scrambler is in its element. It's as nimble as a cat on caffeine and gives a feeling of lightness that borders on magic. Nasty Nils (that's me) nailed it: "As soon as you get on, your pulse drops by about 10 to 15 beats per minute." It's as if the Scrambler is saying, "Relax, dude! I've got everything under control."

The Husqvarna, on the other hand? Well, it's no clumsy beast in the city either. Mex, one of our test riders, describes it as "very, very nimble" in urban traffic. But it has this slightly aggressive undertone, as if it's saying, "Yeah, I can weave through tight alleys. But what I really want is to hit the countryside and give it the beans!"

Speaking of the countryside: this is where the Svartpilen shows what it's made of. Its engine is a real powerhouse. Mex raves: "In the range of 5000 to 8000 RPM, it has a really solid mid-range, lots of torque." It's like having a sports car under your butt – just without the annoying roof. The Scrambler? It also cuts a fine figure on country roads, but it's more of a lively cruiser than a grunty corner ripper.

Let's move on to the highway, the place where motorcycles either become highway stars or wind-whipped torture devices. The Husqvarna surprises positively here. Despite its nakedness, it remains stable even at higher speeds. The Ducati, on the other hand? Well, let's put it this way: In headwinds, you sometimes feel like a sailboat in stormy Bora winds in the Adriatic. It's lively, it's nimble, and at high speeds, it's also a bit nervous!

On a 2500-kilometer rally, the saddle becomes your best friend—or your worst enemy. The Ducati Scrambler takes the lead here. It's the comfy armchair among motorcycles. Even after hours of riding, you feel like you've just had a massage—if you like soft saddles!

The Svartpilen? Well, it's more like the sports car seat among bikes. Sporty firm, yet still suitable for long distances, as Mex emphasizes. The knee angle is designed so that you can endure long stretches comfortably. The Husqvarna feels sportier, more direct, and precise. So, those who prefer comfort will likely favor the Ducati.

Ah, let's get to the heart of every bike: the engine. The Ducati with its V-twin is like a well-aged wine – smooth, refined, and with just the right amount of kick. It may "only" have 73 horsepower, but these are delivered so smoothly that you feel like the king of the road. The Husqvarna, on the other hand? Its parallel-twin is like a shot of tequila – it hits hard and leaves you wanting more. With 105 horsepower, it has significantly more grunt, and you can feel it. Valentin Pokorny was surprised by the engine's elasticity: "I was surprised by how elastic the engine is, how the twin can move at such low revs." It's like having a tame tiger beneath you, ready to pounce at any moment. Personally, I missed some flywheel mass in the Husqvarna engine. The engine always felt a bit jittery and aggressive to me.

When it comes to riding dynamics, both bikes play in different leagues. The Ducati is like a good dance partner – it gently follows your movements and makes you look good, even if you have two left feet. It forgives mistakes and is simply fun to ride. The Husqvarna, on the other hand, is like a professional dancer – precise, direct, and always ready to spin an extra pirouette. Valentin compares it to the Yamaha XSR 900, another lightweight with a strong engine and playful handling. On fast tracks, the Svartpilen is in its element and makes the Ducati look old. The Husqvarna gets your pulse racing – the Ducati calms it down!

In terms of electronics, both bikes are up-to-date. Traction control, ABS, various riding modes – everything is there. But the Husqvarna goes one step further. Nasty Nils (that's me) was impressed: "On the other hand, the bike probably has the best riding assistance systems in this class and can easily keep up with all naked bikes." It's like having an invisible co-pilot who saves you from tricky situations. The Ducati is a bit more reserved in this regard. It has all the necessary systems, but it feels less intrusive. This is also due to the lower engine power. The gadgets here seem nice – but they are not really necessary.

Here we come to the point that cannot be measured in numbers: the character. The Ducati Scrambler is like the cool guy from the neighborhood who always has a good story to tell. It exudes a laid-back attitude that is contagious. Our colleague Wolfgang Weiß puts it perfectly: "At the end of the tour, I fell in love with the Scrambler and from then on, I only rode this bike." It's a bike that makes you smile, even if you've just ridden 14 hours in pouring rain. The Husqvarna, on the other hand, is like the mysterious stranger who walks into the bar and draws all eyes. It has an aura of coolness and competence. Valentin Pokorny says: "The Svartpilen 801 is certainly a borderline case in the category. Retro bike? More like a naked bike! But I think the Svartpilen doesn't necessarily want to be perceived as a classic motorcycle." It's the bike for people who want something special, something that not everyone is riding around the next corner.

After more than 2500 kilometers through the Balkans, countless twisties, a few curses, and even more moments of joy, we face a dilemma: Which bike is better? The answer is as unsatisfying as it is honest: It depends.

The Ducati Scrambler 800 ICON is the perfect bike for those who want to take life easy. It is the faithful companion for urban adventures, leisurely country road tours, and anyone who just wants to relax. It is the equivalent of a perfectly brewed espresso on a sunny afternoon in Rome.

The Husqvarna Svartpilen 801, on the other hand, is for riders who like it sporty. It is the bike for twisty mountain roads, spontaneous acceleration races, and anyone who likes to ride at the limit. It is like a shot on a cool Swedish evening – sharp, intense, and not for the faint-hearted.

At the end of the day, both bikes are winners. They show how diverse the world of retro bikes can be. Whether you prefer the relaxed Italian lifestyle or the cool Nordic precision – here, everyone finds their perfect bike.