The Motorcycle That Perfectly Captures Ducati’s Soul
Racing has always been an obsession for Ducati. The Italian manufacturer has also been heralded for building some of the most beautiful motorcycles in the world. Over the years, these two passions have collided, delivering some of the most incredible sport bikes in history. The one thing that always let the brand and its loyal fans down was reliability. Although fast and beautiful, Ducati motorcycles have got a reputation for being some of the least reliable vehicles money could buy. That is slowly changing now.
Ducati Is Slowly Evolving Into A Mass-Appealing Brand
Currently, Ducati is dominating premier-class motorcycle racing. The brand has also started to diversify in ways previously thought unimaginable, with the introduction of a competition-spec Desmo dirt bike being one of the many new models introduced over the last few years. But it is the more subtle changes that have actually been the most impactful. For instance, modern Ducatis are more reliable than ever before.
For this feat, some credit needs to go to the Germans. Ever since the VW Group took the reins, the brand has been evolving. Much of this evolution has involved performance and pragmatism taking precedence over tradition. The introduction of modern powertrains, as well as improved quality control, has helped uplift the brand. It has not been a matter of throwing the “baby out with the bathwater,” though, and the bike in question is a great example of how the brand is still keeping some traditions alive and well.
The Formula 73 Is A Classic Ducati Design Masterclass
MSRP: $19,995
The Formula 73 is a limited edition model that draws inspiration from the old 750 Super Sport, in particular the highly sought-after “Green Frame” model. Today, those “Green Frame” bikes are highly collectible and worth a small fortune to the right buyer. The modern reinterpretation of the classic design is an absolute masterclass, and it certainly does justice to the original. It actually does a great job of summing up what the brand is all about, offering impressive attention to detail, and a level of quality which lives up to that premium price tag.
A Visceral Air-Cooled V-Twin Adds A Level Of Authenticity
Power: 73 Horsepower
Air-cooled Ducati engines have a certain charm to them. While they are a little underpowered when compared to more modern engines of a similar displacement, 70 horsepower is more than enough for a bike like this that only weighs a smidge over 400 pounds. These engines also offer meaty mid-range performance, something you would expect from any twin this size, and generally work pretty well in the real world.
Scrambler Bones
It is pretty easy to see that this model is essentially a fancy Scrambler, which means it comes with the same issues usually associated with any of the modern Scramblers. Desmodromic valve actuation and air-cooling combine to deliver a truly authentic riding experience, but there is a price to pay for this level of “authenticity.” If you live anywhere near the tropics, these engines get so hot that it can be a legitimate deal-breaker. In a cooler climate, that is less of an issue, but the one thing that will sting everyone is the dreaded desmo service. It is not an affordable endeavor, and no matter how much you paid for the bike, it quickly reminds you why Ducati is an exclusive brand.
The Formula 73 Is More Than Just A Pretty Face
Anyone looking at this bike and thinking it is just another retro cash-grab will be forgiven, but it really is more than that. Underneath its gorgeous design lies a truly modern motorcycle with a ride-by-wire throttle, ride modes, cornering ABS, lean-sensitive traction control, a quickshifter, and a tasteful TFT dash. With it being a limited production model, you will also get a gorgeous color-matched leather jacket and a color-matched Arai helmet with the bike. These are noteworthy inclusions because they genuinely add to its appeal and level of collectibility. The only thing missing is passenger accommodations.
Ducati decided that this model should be for solo riders, and while we are sure that you could retrofit something from the Scrambler range, that would defeat the point of the bike. The foot pegs were the first things to go on café racers, and that is precisely what the Formula 73 is emulating. It is a fun roadster that offers dynamic handling thanks to its trademark steel trellis chassis, something we no longer get on the latest Ducati sport bikes, largely thanks to how expensive it is to individually weld each frame. Contrary to popular belief, it has nothing to do with performance potential.
The Human Element That Sets Ducati Apart
This human element can be found throughout the entire production process. Not just with the chassis, or this model, but with every Ducati motorcycle. While certain elements have been streamlined, every Ducati is still put together by hand. This is what infuses each bike with a certain something that is very hard to describe, and what is often broadly referred to as “soul.” Naturally, this is a classic Italian cliché, but it doesn’t make it any less true.
It is this human element that we are paying for. Paying a human to do a job that a robot could otherwise do is a novel idea in a world where everything seems to be getting mechanized, including our art! We certainly admire the fact that Ducati still does it this way, but it does expose the brand to more human error. While quality control issues have been brought down to a minimum, all the bikes will be ever so slightly different, with slight flaws here and there. Some will appreciate these “quirks,” and others will balk at the fact that their $20k motorcycle is not “perfect.”
Suffice it to say, the Formula 73 won’t be for everyone, but with only 873 of them being produced globally, it isn’t exactly meant for everyone. This is an exclusive motorcycle from an exclusive brand, built by humans, no less. It is the exception to the rule, and in so many ways, that is what sums up the brand perfectly.
Source: Ducati
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