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CFMOTO 700 CL-X Heritage versus Ducati Scrambler Icon - Head to head

These two bikes share quite a bit in common. Let’s break it down a bit, shall we?

EJ Punsalang EJ Punsalang on Feb 10, 2022
CFMOTO 700 CL-X Heritage versus Ducati Scrambler Icon - Head to head

These days, it’s pretty clear that the whole neo-retro craze is more than just a craze. If one thing’s for sure, it’s that retro will never go out of style. Today’s crop of cafe-racers, scramblers, and retro-style sportbikes are a testament to that statement. That being said, today’s comparo will feature two unlikely rivals—the CFMOTO 700 CL-X Heritage and the Ducati Scrambler Icon. While you may think that the Chinese newcomer has no business barking up Ducati’s tall and prestigious tree, if you look beyond the brand prejudice, you’ll notice that these two bikes indeed have a lot more in common than you think.

In essence, both the CFMOTO 700 CL-X and Ducati Scrambler Icon follow a similar formula. Both bikes are middleweight neo-retro road bikes powered by twin-cylinder engines. Both bikes pump out almost the same power figures, and both bikes are undeniably head-turners. Without further ado, let’s dive a bit deeper into the features, performance, and pricing structures of these two bikes, and determine which bike is best suited for your lifestyle.

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Performance

Ducati Scrambler Icon

When it comes to performance, CFMOTO has undoubtedly impressed with its newest engine. The new 693cc parallel-twin engine adopts a 180-degree crankshaft, electronic fuel-injection, and four valves per cylinder. This gives the 700 CL-X a power output of 73.5 horsepower and 68 Nm of torque. This engine is, in fact, CFMOTO’s most powerful powertrain currently available—that is, of course, while we’re still waiting for the official release of the 800 MT. This punchy motor is mated to a six-speed manual transmission equipped with a slipper clutch.

On the other corner, we find the Ducati Scrambler Icon boasting a true-to-its-name engine, the iconic Desmodromic L-twin. It takes the form of a 90-degree V-twin engine, hence the name “L-twin”, and is equipped with Ducati’s proprietary Desmodromic valve timing. It features a simpler architecture with two valves per cylinder, bigger displacement at 803cc, but the same amount of power at 73 horsepower. The Ducati is down in terms of torque, with 67 Nm of torque. It does get a six-speed manual transmission, too.  

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Features

CFMOTO 700 CL-X

As for features, it’s pretty clear who the victor among the two is. The CFMOTO 700 CL-X Heritage has pretty much thrown the entire list of features into the picture. The bike gets a full-LED lighting system, a digital instrument panel, riding modes, and dual-channel ABS as standard. As if that wasn’t premium enough, CFMOTO even included cruise control and self-canceling turn signals, making it even more premium. Standard equipment consists of KYB-sourced suspension components including an inverted front fork and preload-adjustable monoshock at the back. 

The Ducati Scrambler Icon, on the other hand, offers a more relaxed, barebones riding experience. Devoid of any fancy technology, the Icon delivers an engaging, exhilarating ride. It does, however, feature LED lights complete with an always-on DRL. Of course, it features dual-channel ABS for confident stops in all weather conditions. 

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Price

Ducati Scrambler Icon
CFMOTO 700 CL-X Heritage

When it comes to pricing, it’s pretty clear that CFMOTO also has the upper hand. At just P369,800, the 700 CL-X Heritage is nearly half the price of the most expensive variant in the Scrambler Icon range. In spite of that, it boasts better performance, more features, and a charming retro aesthetic. Because of this, the 700 CL-X is the clear winner for someone looking for a value-for-money, performance-oriented option, and is adventurous enough to try some of the newer offerings in the market. 

Now, you may be thinking that the 700 CL-X is the clear victor. However, when it comes to matters of the heart, well, the heart wants what it wants, right? If that means forking out P705,000 for the Ducati Scrambler Icon Standard, then that’s all well and good. Ducati has always been about the more emotional, visceral things in life. The Scrambler Icon is just that—a breath of fresh air from today’s crop of technology-overloaded machines, a nod to a simpler time, when performance wasn’t the most important thing. 

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