Ducati unveils limited-edition Formula 73 motorcycle, only 873 units planned

Limited Reveal: Ducati has unveiled the Formula 73, a limited-edition motorcycle created in its centenary year to honour the 750 Super Sport Desmo. Production is capped at 873 numbered units worldwide, each carrying a serial number on the steering plate and a certificate of authenticity. The model will reach European dealerships in spring 2026 and is scheduled to arrive in India in the fourth quarter of 2026.

Historic Tribute: The Formula 73 celebrates the 750 Super Sport Desmo, the first Ducati road motorcycle with desmodromic valve timing. That model replicated the 750 Imola Desmo race bike ridden by Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari to victory at the 1972 200 Miglia di Imola, the first European competition for production-derived motorcycles, a milestone that shaped Ducati’s later success in production-based racing.

Racing Legacy: Ducati links the tribute to a racing record that includes more than 400 victories, 16 riders’ titles and 21 manufacturers’ championships. The company says the Imola win marked a defining moment for its motorsport credentials and influenced decades of engineering direction. The Formula 73 is positioned as a road-going reminder of that turning point and the era that established the brand’s competition identity.

Heritage Design: The motorcycle adopts a silver and aqua green livery inspired by the original Super Sport Desmo, with a vertical gold stripe on the fuel tank referencing the unpainted strip used on the Imola race bike to check fuel levels. Café racer elements include clip-on handlebars with bar-end mirrors, a short tapered fairing, a sculpted tank and a clean rear section.

Chassis Details: A steel trellis frame finished in aqua green underpins the Formula 73, maintaining visual continuity with earlier Ducati designs. The bike rides on 17-inch spoked wheels fitted with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres. Billet aluminium components include brake and clutch levers and foot pegs, alongside a Rizoma fuel cap, contributing to the model’s specified hardware package.

Engine Package:; Power comes from an 803cc air-cooled Desmodue L-twin engine with two valves and desmodromic distribution, producing 73hp at 8,250rpm and 65.2Nm of torque. The Euro 5+ compliant unit uses ride-by-wire throttle technology. A Termignoni exhaust developed for this model delivers the acoustic profile while meeting compliance standards applied to current production motorcycles.

Electronic Suite: Despite its retro inspiration, the Formula 73 includes modern electronic rider aids. These comprise Ducati Traction Control, cornering ABS, Ducati Quick Shift and two riding modes labelled Sport and Road. A 4.3-inch TFT display supports connectivity and navigation integration, while the electronic package is intended to enhance stability, safety and usability in everyday riding conditions.

Collector Package: Each motorcycle is supplied with a certificate of authenticity and a collector’s box containing period images and sketches from the Ducati Style Centre. The model name and serial number appear on the steering plate. Ducati has also developed a matching helmet with Arai and a sports jacket carrying the Formula 73 livery for owners seeking coordinated riding gear.

Film Debut: The Formula 73 features in a short film titled “A Piece of Timeless” starring Italian actor and Ducati enthusiast Stefano Accorsi. The film draws parallels between motorcycling and acting while presenting the motorcycle’s design and riding experience. Ducati describes the project as part of the model’s lifestyle positioning beyond its mechanical and historical significance.

Global Availability: Ducati will produce the Formula 73 in a strictly limited run of 873 motorcycles for global distribution. The company says the model blends heritage styling with contemporary engineering while targeting collectors and enthusiasts. Distribution begins in Europe in spring 2026 and will expand to other markets by the end of summer, with India among the later destinations.