In its centenary year, Ducati has pulled the covers off the Formula 73 – a limited-edition Urban Café Racer that pays tribute to one of the most iconic motorcycles in the brand’s history, the Ducati 750 Super Sport Desmo.
Produced in a numbered series of just 873 units, the Formula 73 revives the spirit of the legendary Super Sport 750 Desmo in a modern package that blends period-inspired design with contemporary electronics and performance.
The original 750 Super Sport Desmo was itself a road-going replica of the 750 Imola Desmo raced to victory by Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari at the 1972 200 Miglia di Imola. That historic win marked a turning point for Ducati, laying the foundations for its dominance in production-derived racing – a legacy that now includes more than 400 world championship victories, 16 riders’ titles and 21 manufacturers’ crowns.
A MODERN TAKE ON A 1970s ICON
Styled by the Ducati Centro Stile using research from the company’s historical archives, the Formula 73 echoes the original 1973 machine with a silver and aqua green livery and a distinctive vertical gold stripe on the tank – a nod to the unpainted strip used on the Imola racer to monitor fuel levels.
Clip-on handlebars with ’bar-end mirrors, a short tapered fairing and a minimalist tail section reinforce its Café Racer attitude. The trellis frame is painted aqua green, becoming part of the visual identity, while billet aluminium details – including the brake and clutch levers, footpegs and a Rizoma fuel cap – add a premium finish.
Each Formula 73 carries its model name and serial number on the steering plate and is supplied with a certificate of authenticity along with period imagery and design sketches presented in a dedicated collector’s box.
The bike is also the subject of a short film titled A Piece of Timeless, starring Italian actor and Ducati enthusiast Stefano Accorsi, who draws parallels between acting and riding in his first experience aboard the Formula 73.
DESMO HERITAGE, MODERN PERFORMANCE
Powering the Formula 73 is Ducati’s air-cooled 803cc Desmodue L-twin engine with desmodromic valve operation. Euro5+ compliant, it produces a claimed 54kW (73hp) at 8250rpm and 65.2Nm at 7000rpm. Ducati says the engine’s character is central to the bike’s personality, combining classic mechanical feel with modern refinement.
A type-approved silencer developed in collaboration with Termignoni delivers what Ducati describes as a full, evocative voice, while ride-by-wire throttle control ensures progressive response across the rev range.
The steel trellis frame is paired with a 41mm KYB upside-down fork and a preload-adjustable KYB rear shock. Braking is handled by a four-piston Brembo radial caliper gripping a 330mm front disc, while 17-inch spoked wheels wear Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres in 120/70 and 180/55 sizes.
Wet weight (without fuel) is listed at 183kg.
ELECTRONICS PACKAGE
Despite its retro aesthetic, the Formula 73 features a comprehensive electronics suite. An Inertial Measurement Unit underpins cornering ABS and Ducati Traction Control, while two Riding Modes (Sport and Road) tailor the bike’s response.
The standard equipment list also includes Ducati Quick Shift, full-LED lighting with DRL, a 4.3-inch TFT display, and Ducati Multimedia System readiness with turn-by-turn navigation capability.
AVAILABILITY
The Ducati Formula 73 will be produced in a strictly limited run of 873 numbered units. European deliveries are scheduled to begin in the Australian autumn 2026, with distribution to the rest of the world to be completed by the end of winter.
Ducati has also developed a range of matching technical apparel, including a helmet created in collaboration with Arai and a sports jacket inspired by the Formula 73’s distinctive livery.
You can check out the launch video for the Formula 73 is available on Ducati’s official YouTube channel.
