Ducati unleashes a blast from the past with a modern twist! Get ready to feast your eyes on the new Ducati Formula 73 limited edition, a stunning blend of classic 1970s design and the thrilling performance of a scrambler, all for a price tag of £15,095. This isn't just any bike; it's a celebration of Ducati's 100th anniversary, a nod to their rich heritage, and a collector's dream!
Ducati has been buzzing with promises of exciting new models to mark their centenary, and the Formula 73 is the first to arrive, following closely on the heels of their UK Managing Director's hints about upcoming celebrations. This retro twin is set to be a highly sought-after machine, with only 873 units being produced worldwide and expected to hit dealerships in the springtime.
For those who know their Ducati history, the Formula 73 will immediately evoke memories of the legendary 750 Super Sport Desmo. This iconic bike was a true pioneer, being the first production road bike from Ducati to feature their groundbreaking Desmodromic valve timing system. This innovative technology, which ensures precise valve control, was inspired by the unforgettable one-two racing victory of Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari at the 1972 200 Miglia di Imola in Italy. This very same historic event was honored before with the breathtaking Paul Smart 1000 LE model back in 2006.
But here's where it gets truly captivating: the aesthetics of the Formula 73 are its biggest draw. It sports a striking silver and aqua-green livery, a direct homage to Smart's original race bike. Adding to its vintage charm, a gold strip runs along both sides of the 14.5-litre fuel tank. This isn't just for show; it mirrors an unpainted section on the original fiberglass tank that allowed the race team to keep a close eye on fuel levels during intense competition.
The retro vibe extends to the details: you'll find vintage Ducati logos on the tank and engine casings, complemented by gently set clip-on handlebars and bar-end mirrors that frame a compact front bikini fairing and a smoked screen. While it pays tribute to racing heritage, it's designed to be an easy-going roadster, perfect for leisurely rides through scenic countryside, perhaps with your favorite leather jacket and jeans ensemble.
And this is the part most people miss: the visual inspiration for the Formula 73 isn't entirely new. Ducati showcased a similar design language at the Bike Shed Moto Show in London in 2024. There, they unveiled two custom Scrambler concepts, one of which was the CR241 café racer. This concept shared a striking resemblance with its nose bodywork, tank shrouds, cross-hatched circular LED headlight, rear seat cowling, and an upswept Termignoni exhaust. The key differences between that concept and the production Formula 73 lie in the overall color scheme and the wheels – the special edition features silver spoked aluminum designs instead of the concept's black cast rims. Subtle changes like the upward-pointing bar-end mirrors and different mudguard and under-seat bodywork further distinguish the production model.
The Scrambler lineage continues under the skin. The Formula 73 is powered by the robust 803cc V-twin engine from the Scrambler 800 family, complete with those signature Desmodromic valves. It delivers a healthy 72bhp at 8250rpm and 48lb.ft of torque at 7000rpm, all while weighing in at a claimed 183kg (wet, without fuel).
Comfort is also a consideration, with a rider-friendly seat height of 808mm. The engine is housed within a classic tubular steel trellis frame. Up front, you'll find non-adjustable 41mm KYB forks, paired with a single rear shock that offers preload adjustment. For stopping power, a potent four-piston Brembo radial caliper works with a 330mm front disc, complemented by a 245mm rear rotor and a single-piston caliper. Both ends are equipped with Bosch cornering ABS for added safety. The technology package doesn't stop there, boasting a ride-by-wire throttle, traction control, a quickshifter, and two riding modes.
As a special Ducati edition, expect plenty of billet aluminum touches, including the brake and clutch levers, footpegs, and the Rizoma fuel cap. To truly commemorate this special model, the model name and serial number are elegantly etched onto the top yoke. Each owner will also receive a certificate of authenticity and a unique box of design sketches, making this a truly collectible piece.
Given that the Formula 73 draws inspiration from the CR241 concept, it's reasonable to wonder if the second Bike Shed prototype from 2024, the RR241, might also see a production reality. That bike, at the time, was described as being inspired by post-apocalyptic TV and film sagas, featuring a high-mounted Termignoni exhaust, a high front fender, cross-spoked wheels (with a 17-inch rear and 18-inch front, similar to the current Nightshift model), and Pirelli Scorpion Rally STR 50/50 tyres.
To complete the retro look, Ducati is also offering a special sports jacket and a unique Arai Concept-XE retro helmet, both featuring special livery and Ducati logos.
So, why the intriguing name 'Formula 73'? It's a direct tribute to the Super Sport 750 Desmo, the very first road bike from Ducati to showcase their signature Desmodromic valve timing system. This groundbreaking machine was first unveiled at the Milan Motorcycle Show in November 1973, and it served as a precursor to what we now recognize as modern superbike design. Its design featured a raised exhaust for ample ground clearance during lean angles. Following the 1972 racing success that inspired the road bike, the 750 also paved the way for victories by Franco Uncini in an Italian championship in 1975 and Cook Neilson in the Daytona 200 crown in 1977. Uncini later went on to become the 500cc Grand Prix world champion with Suzuki in 1982.
The MCN Take: While the Formula 73 has already garnered significant online praise, I can't help but feel a slight pang of longing for a more substantial front fairing. I'm not necessarily advocating for a full-blown race bike, but rather a more complete modern interpretation of that iconic 1972 Imola winner. What are your thoughts? Do you think Ducati struck the perfect balance, or do you agree that a more prominent fairing would have elevated this tribute even further? Let us know in the comments below!
