In the world of motorcycles, very few brands evoke as much passion and carry as much historical depth as Ducati does. The new Formula 73 is a testament to Ducati’s rich heritage in the world of motorsports.
What is the Ducati Formula 73?
The Ducati Formula 73 is a 2026 limited-edition heritage motorcycle unveiled as part of Ducati’s 100th anniversary celebrations. It is intended to pay homage to the iconic 750 Super Sport Desmo, the bike that Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari rode to victory at the Imola 200 in 1972, which marks Ducati’s first major international race win.
Only 873 numbered examples of the motorcycle will be produced worldwide, emphasising exclusivity and tying directly to the “73” theme of the motorcycle, inspired by its history and power output.
What inspired the design of the Ducati Formula 73?
The design of the Ducati Formula 73 takes inspiration from the 1973 750 Super Sport’s iconic cafe racer aesthetics and livery. The Formula 73 features a striking green frame, gold pinstripes, and the original race number “14” on the fairing.
The exposed tubular steel trellis frame, spoked wheels, and compact stance emulate the era’s raw aggression and rugged aesthetics while incorporating modern standards such as LED lighting, DRL, and self-cancelling indicators.
What Underpins the Formula 73?
The Ducati Formula 73 is underpinned by a tubular steel trellis frame suspended by a Kayaba suspension unit, a 41 mm upside-down fork at the front, and a preload-adjustable rear shock, both with 150 mm travel, ensuring confident and agile handling.
What engine powers the Ducati Formula 73?
At its heart formula 73 is powered by an air-cooled 803 cc L-Twin Desmodue engine with desmodromic valves and two valves per cylinder, a subtle nod to Ducati’s desmo heritage. The 803cc twin delivers 73hp (yet another nod at the 73 theme) at 8250 rpm and 65.2 Nm at 7000 rpm.
What electronics and features does it offer?
While Formula 73 exhibits traditional design aesthetics of a cafe racer from the 70s, it packs a very heavy modern punch in terms of its electronics suite. Ducati has equipped the motorcycle with modern features such as a 4.3-inch TFT colour display managing riding modes Road/Sport, turn-by-turn navigation, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), and Bosch Cornering ABS. Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Full LED lighting with DRLs, USB port, and self-cancelling turn signal.
