2026 Ducati Formula 73 First Look: A Limited-Edition Tribute To An Icon

Ducati is celebrating its centenary with the Formula 73, a limited-edition café racer inspired by one of the most important motorcycles in the Italian manufacturer’s history. Based on the architecture of Ducati’s air-cooled Scrambler family, the Formula 73 pays tribute to the 1973 Ducati 750 Super Sport Desmo with distinctive bodywork, period-inspired colors, and a modern electronics package. Production is limited to just 873 individually numbered examples worldwide.

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Positioned within Ducati’s Heritage collection, the Formula 73 takes a different approach from the manufacturer’s contemporary sportbikes. Rather than chasing outright performance, it combines a proven 803cc L-twin with exclusive styling and premium finishing details. The motorcycle carries a US MSRP of $19,995, placing it well above the standard Scrambler lineup and establishing it as a collector-focused offering.

A Tribute To The Motorcycle That Helped Define Ducati

The Formula 73 draws its inspiration from the 750 Super Sport Desmo, which followed Ducati’s historic victory at the 1972 Imola 200. Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari secured a one-two finish aboard the 750 Imola Desmo, establishing a foundation for Ducati’s subsequent success in production-based motorcycle racing. The roadgoing 750 Super Sport became Ducati’s first V-twin production motorcycle equipped with desmodromic valve timing.

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Ducati has recreated several of the original motorcycle’s defining design elements, including its silver and aqua-green paintwork, compact front fairing, clip-on handlebars, bar-end mirrors, and tapered tail section. A vertical gold stripe runs along the fuel tank, referencing the unpainted strip on the original Imola racer that allowed mechanics to monitor fuel levels. The result is a single-seat café racer with unmistakable connections to Ducati’s racing history.

Special Details For A Numbered Production Run

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Would-be owners will find several exclusive finishing touches, including machined aluminum brake and clutch levers, footpegs, and a Rizoma fuel cap. A Termignoni silencer features dedicated cosmetic detailing, while the silver engine covers carry a classic Ducati logo. Each motorcycle receives a numbered steering plate, a certificate of authenticity, and a presentation box containing historical photographs and design sketches.

A Proven Air-Cooled Twin With Modern Fueling

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Power comes from Ducati’s existing 803cc Desmodue L-twin, the same basic engine architecture used in the Scrambler 800 family. The air-cooled engine features two desmodromically operated valves per cylinder, an 11.0:1 compression ratio, and electronic fuel injection with a 50mm throttle body. It produces 73 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 48 pound-feet of torque at 7,000 rpm, with no increase in output claimed for this limited-edition application.

A six-speed transmission works with a hydraulically actuated wet multiplate assist-and-slipper clutch, while chain final drive transfers power to the rear wheel. Ride-by-wire throttle control supports the motorcycle’s selectable riding and power modes. The Formula 73 also features an up-and-down quick shifter as standard, giving this retro-inspired machine a useful piece of contemporary performance equipment.

Traditional Chassis Construction Meets Modern Components

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The Formula 73 uses a tubular steel trellis frame finished in aqua green to complement its bodywork. Suspension consists of a 41mm inverted Kayaba fork and a rear Kayaba shock with adjustable spring preload. Both ends provide 5.9 inches of suspension travel. The motorcycle rides on 17-inch spoked aluminum wheels fitted with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires, measuring 120/70 R17 at the front and 180/55 R17 at the rear.

Braking comes courtesy of a single 330mm front disc with a radially mounted four-piston Brembo caliper, accompanied by a 245mm rear disc with a single-piston floating caliper. Ducati lists a 56.5-inch wheelbase, 22-degree rake, and 3.6 inches of trail. Seat height is 31.8 inches, while the fuel tank holds 3.8 gallons. Claimed wet weight without fuel is 403 pounds, as such, expect the fully fueled motorcycle will weigh more than that figure.

Modern Electronics Behind The Vintage Styling

Ducati

Despite its old-school appearance, the Formula 73 incorporates an IMU that supports lean-sensitive cornering ABS and traction control. The electronics package also includes selectable power modes, and two riding modes consisting of Sport and Road. These systems provide electronic power-delivery adjustments without changing the motorcycle’s traditional mechanical layout.

A 4.3-inch color TFT display provides instrumentation, complemented by full LED lighting, self-canceling turn signals, and a USB charging port. Ducati also offers optional heated grips, an anti-theft system, smartphone connectivity, and turn-by-turn navigation capability. The combination gives the Formula 73 an equipment list more closely associated with contemporary premium motorcycles than conventional vintage-styled machines.

A Collector’s Ducati With Scrambler Foundations

At $19,995, the Formula 73 commands a significant premium over Ducati’s regular Scrambler 800 models despite sharing their fundamental engine architecture. Its positioning is defined by its exclusive café racer design, dedicated components, standard electronic equipment, and strictly limited production rather than additional horsepower or a completely new platform.

The Formula 73 is aimed at enthusiasts who appreciate Ducati’s racing heritage and want a modern motorcycle with a direct visual connection to its early desmodromic V-twins. With just 873 examples produced worldwide, its appeal rests as much on rarity and historical significance as it does on the underlying specifications.

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Source: Ducati