Ducati Accelerate Finance – Better by half?

Why, my fellow Superbike reader I hear you ask, is such a tome of online motorcycling journalism covering the trivial matter of a manufacturer offer in an editorial context? Well, my friend, that is a fantastic question, one whose answer has its roots firmly planted in the past. Ducati, the manufacturer in question is often maligned for being somewhat elitist and perhaps unfairly seen as an exclusive and expensive brand. That being said, if we cast our minds back twelve years or so, while Marvel’s The Avengers was smashing cinema screens and London welcomed the Olympics, the big red marque launched its PCP (Personal Contract Purchase) finance scheme in the UK under the guise of TriOptions.

Whilst it was a common purchase practice in the car world, Ducati UK and Black Horse Finance pioneered its use for those of us with a preference for two wheeled travel. This seemingly innocuous event went on to proliferate throughout the motorcycle industry, gradually changing the way we went about getting our legs over the latest models as more and more manufacturers brought out their own takes on PCP. The ability to place a relatively small deposit, enjoy low monthly payments and then have the option to repay the balance or chop in your bike for the latest shiny steed soon became the norm. Manufacturers and dealers alike fell in love with this methodology as it made sales easier and aided with sales retention every 2 – 3 years while also ensuring the used market was continually swelled with quality motorcycles. It made the unattainable attainable and the affordable even more so. Everybody won. So, those of you who have ever ridden a new bike using the PCP model should probably pour one out for Ducati.  

Now, fast forward to present day and while PCP is still a thing, many elements have begun to impact on its original gleam. Finance has become a very expensive proposition thanks to more factors than I could ever list here (that’s a task for someone with more tweed in their wardrobe than they’d care to admit and the word analyst in their job title). As the country is nestling into the next recession, the cost-of-living crisis is biting. With people now choosing between a bottle of milk and a loaf of bread as if they were selecting a family heirloom and the elderly unable to heat their homes without setting their grandchildren on fire – money and the choice of what to do with it is becoming more and more restricted.

Back when PCP was so successful, APR’s were often seen as low as 3% and 0% Hire Purchase were common. Now the average offered by manufacturers swings anywhere between 8.9 and 10.9%. More than ever, it is becoming increasingly hard to justify the selfish (and rightfully so) act of motorcycle ownership, as it is often not seen as a necessity and more a hobby or secondary mode of transport. We know better: it’s so much more than that, it’s a way of life. So once again, Ducati are stepping into the fray, this time with the Ducati Scrambler Accelerate finance program. Essentially it is still a PCP but it embraces the best elements of HP (Hire Purchase) and Lease Purchase… and crucially, is Interest Free. Based on the 50/2/50 principal the offer in a nutshell is as follows: you pay 50% of the cost of the motorcycle, ride for a period of 2 years with NO monthly instalments and then have the option to pay the remaining 50% off and own the bike in full, or part exchange and move on to a new model. 

Now the best bit – with Ducati being premium and as mentioned previously ‘expensive’, they traditionally have high residual values: depreciation is one of the few things the Italian brand does slowly! So, when you pop out the other end of the Accelerate scheme you will most likely walk out of the dealership having handed your keys back with money in your back pocket. Either that or enough to place a new deposit on your next finance package without spending an addition sum. Remember, all whilst only outlaying the original 50% price tag 2 years previous.

Now, be under no illusions: Ducati don’t deserve all the plaudits for this one, again the 50/2/50 was first incorporated in the car world with Vauxhall of all brands launching an almost identical scheme back in 1997, with some pretty successful results. Like the old adage of America sneezing and the world catching a cold, so too again with the car market influencing the motorcycle market.

At the moment – hence the name – Ducati Scrambler Accelerate is restricted to the latest Scrambler models: the Icon; Full Throttle and Nightshift. It is probably fair to say that the Scrambler range has never really found the traction within these fair Isles that it has on the continent. That can be cited for many reasons: perhaps it’s a clash of culture with most not wanting to mix their cannelloni with their cottage pie or maybe it’s a styling issue. Although since the model revision last year these next-gen 800cc Scrambler models certainly cut a handsome silhouette with some decent onboard tech and more than enough prowess for town and weekend b-road blasts. Personally, I feel price has often had a lot to do with it especially when compared to the likes of Triumph with their similarly heritage imbued Bonneville models and the latest offering from the Japanese retro revivals like the Kawasaki W800 or Honda CB750 Hornet to name a few.

However, when you look at the Accelerate offering, paying circa £5k for 2 years interest free riding on a next-gen Scrambler with the potential to progress with minimal outlay, the price issue would seemingly become redundant.

Returning to the original question, why are Superbike covering something as trivial as a finance offer? Well, that should now be obvious. Twelve years ago Ducati UK and Black Horse Finance changed the way the motorcycle industry went about selling its wares and subtly set the tone for sales on both the new and used market. As of March 2024 we are potentially on the precipice of another change: if the Accelerate program proves to be a success, not only will more manufacturers adopt a similar approach, but it will also open up opportunities for new riders and make new bikes more affordable and accessible to younger riders – no bad thing as most bikers these days have more miles behind them than in front!

As anyone savvy with finance will know, Interest Free is anything but – someone has to foot the bill somewhere and, credit where credit is due (pun fully intended), Ducati are happy to pay it. I will certainly be interested to see if the Accelerate Program expands, if it shifts the needle with Scrambler, I see no reason why Multistrada or Panigale Accelerate Programs shouldn’t be on the horizon. Will the industry take note and be better by half? That remains to be seen. What are your thoughts, will we be looking back in twelve years’ time to this article as prophetic or pathetic? Would you like the Accelerate type purchase option available on your next ride, if so what make or model? Sound off in the Superbike socials and let us know.

Find out specifics about the Ducati Scrambler Accelerate offer at https://www.ducati.com/gb/en/current-offers.

UPDATE: Since this piece was written, the Accelerate Finance program has been rolled out to also include the Ducati Monster range and Streetfighter V2 and V4 models. It would appear the afore mentioned needle has begun to shift!

One last parting shot from me, while it can be said that Superbike has never really been away, it’s coming back in a big way! Bookmark us now so you can get your biking news fix, reviews, opinions, related content, competitions and more. Follow us on our socials as we prepare to show our online competitors a clean pair of heels – we’d love to have you along for the ride.

Stay safe out there peeps.

Your ever-lovin’ blue-eyed Thing!