Altogether, these changes have made a world of difference, especially once we got the Icon going. We’ll start by highlighting the Icon’s improved ride and handling, which surely is the result of the new and recalibrated suspension hardware it rides on now.

Like before, the Icon still employs a pair of fixed 41mm inverted front forks and a pre-load adjustable rear monoshock. This newer hardware however felt noticeably softer and much more supple. Adding to that is the enhanced comfort of the new seat design, which also sits slightly lower now at 798mm and comes with more padding.

In terms of power and performance, this base Scrambler variant employ Ducati’s signature air-cooled 803cc Desmodromic L-twin as before. This update sees the mill getting polished further, gaining an improved throttle body and exhaust system that have bumped its output figures to 73HP and 67Nm.

Though not as raunchy as Ducati’s renowned Monster or Hypermotard, this mill still has enough to make point-to-point bursts in between corners, as well as high-speed cruising, a joy. What will impress most is the powertrain’s enhanced versatility as it’s easy to control in both urban and non-urban riding conditions.

Whilst here, it’s also worth mentioning said display’s newly added Ducati Multimedia System function. This Bluetooth-enabled smartphone connectivity module allows riders to listen to music and answer calls – a feature not present in the outgoing model.

Furthermore, Ducati hasn’t skimped on safety either in this refreshed Scrambler range. For the first time, the Scrambler now gets a new Cornering ABS suite from Bosch and yes, even the humble Icon base model gets it too, and it supplements the existing standard-equipped two-channel ABS module.

By the end of our half-day stint in the 2019 Scrambler Icon’s hot seat, we’re certain that Ducati have struck the right chord with this entry-level offering. It’s evidently clear that the Icon is ‘entry-level’ by name as it offers more than just the basics anyone expects out of the premium Italian marque’s offerings.

Moreover, it still has the charming Italian style and character as before, only now it’s a lot easier ride. In other words, this refreshed Scrambler Icon should welcome just about anyone to jump into Ducati’s hip, retro bandwagon easily.

Ensuring this are bits like its fully-adjustable high-travel suspension, which are all-new in this refreshed-for-2019 version. Indeed, they go well with the 19-inch front and 17-inch rear spoked wheels setup, both appropriately shod in Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR dual-sport tires.

Despite those off-road-specific bits, the Desert Sled surprisingly doesn’t feel too blunt on the pavement as most off-roaders do. It certainly has a comfier ride here compared to the Icon, and we reckon the improved seat design has contributed to this on top of the revised suspension mentioned earlier.

Of course, the Desert Sled shine brightest when it’s let loose across an open dirt trail. The affair is sweetened thanks to its dedicated Off Road riding mode present on board, which in turn brings forth the option to disengage ABS at the rear wheel. Experienced off-road and enduro riders will be chuffed with this bit indeed.

Truth be told, this writer isn’t a fan of riding through the rough. That being said, it was surprising to see just how much confidence the Desert Sled inspired this rookie off-roader when time came to blast through several dirt trails planned by Ducati during this press ride.

To sum up the Desert Sled, it’s a bike that’s surprisingly comfortable on road, extremely capable when taken off-road, and also one that still looks pretty even after getting itself dirty playing in the rough.

Surely, the Desert Sled’s appeal towards retro off-road enthusiasts remains as clear it was before. With the small improvements it boasts all round in its 2019MY guise, they’ve only sweeten things further indeed.

Sweet! But what’s the catch?
There’s no denying that in their updated 2019 forms, both the Scrambler Icon and Scrambler Desert Sled are a pair of exciting bikes indeed. However, avid Malaysian Ducatista need to wait for a bit for them to make landfall locally.

When exactly remains unclear, but the folks at Ducati Malaysia have hinted that both the Icon and Desert Sled, as well as its Full Throttle and Café Racer siblings will arrive “very soon.” You'll definitely here from us when they do, so stay tuned...