Ducati just turned 100, and to celebrate, they’re dropping a limited-edition café racer that pulls straight from one of the most consequential moments in the brand’s history. The Formula 73 is a direct nod to the 750 Super Sport Desmo, the road-going replica of the machine Paul Smart rode to victory at the 1972 Imola 200. That win kicked off Ducati’s production-derived racing dominance and cemented desmodromic valve timing as the brand’s technical lineage. Now, 50-plus years later, that same rebellious spirit is back in a package that balances heritage with modern-day tech.
Built on Bologna’s Blueprint
The Formula 73 wears its inspiration openly. Its aqua-green trellis frame and silver bodywork was lifted straight from the early ’70s. The gold stripe running down the tank mimics the transparent section on the original Imola Desmo’s fiberglass tank — a practical racing feature turned into a design flourish. Ducati nailed the details with bar-end mirrors, a compact front fairing with a smoked screen, and clip-on bars.
The 803cc Desmodue L-twin under the frame pumps out 73hp at 8,250 rpm, tuned for responsive street riding. The Termignoni silencer with a gold band adds that proper Italian exhaust note, and the engine cover gets a classic Ducati logo that ties the whole package together.
Where Classic Meets Capable
Despite looking incredibly retro, the Formula 73 has a throughly modern electronics suite, with ride-by-wire throttle, cornering ABS, DTC traction control, Ducati Quick Shift, and two riding modes that all come standard. Other features include 17-inch spoked wheels wear Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV rubber, Brembo brakes (a four-piston caliper up front clamping a 330mm disc), and KYB suspension.
The billet aluminum bits — brake and clutch levers, footpegs, Rizoma fuel cap — add a tactile quality. Seat height sits at 31.8 inches, while wet weight sits at 403lbs with no fuel.
The Collector’s Angle
Limited to 873 numbered units worldwide (a subtle reference to 1973), each Formula 73 comes with a serialized steering plate, certificate of authenticity, and a box of period sketches from Ducati’s Style Centre. Ducati’s also offering a matching Arai Concept-XE helmet and Dainese jacket for those who want the full period-correct look.
Spec Sheet
Engine: 803cc Desmodue L-twin, air-cooled
Power: 73 hp
Torque: 48 lb-ft
Weight: 403 lbs (wet, no fuel)
Seat Height: 31.8″
Wheels: 17″ front/rear spoked aluminum
Tires: Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV (120/70R17 front, 180/55R17 rear)
Electronics: DTC traction control, cornering ABS, Ducati Quick Shift, two riding modes
Limited Edition: 873 numbered units
Pricing & Availability
The Ducati Formula 73 will hit European dealerships this spring, with the rest of the world seeing deliveries by late summer 2026. At $19,995, it’s priced well above the standard Scrambler range it’s based on, but that premium buys you exclusivity and finish details that separate limited editions from catalog bikes.
Recap
2026 Ducati Formula 73 Limited Edition
Ducati’s celebrating their 100th birthday by dropping the Formula 73, a limited-edition café racer that pulls directly from the 1972 Imola-winning bike that launched their racing legacy. It’s got that proper ’70s aqua-green and silver look with modern electronics underneath, 73 horses from an 803cc L-twin, and they’re only making 873 of them for $19,995.
