The Ducati Formula 73 just dropped for Ducati’s 100th anniversary, and it’s essentially a “love letter” written in gasoline and silver paint.
While it looks like it belongs in a museum next to a vintage bottle of Chianti, it’s actually a high-tech rebel in disguise. Below are top 5 “secrets” that make this limited-edition beast (only 873 units exist!) more than just a pretty face:
1. The “Ghost” Fuel Gauge
Look closely at that sleek silver tank. See that vertical gold stripe? That’s not just a fancy racing stripe. It’s a tribute to the original 1972 Imola Desmo race bike. Back then, riders didn’t have digital displays; they had a translucent fiberglass strip on the tank so they could literally see how much gas was left while pinning it at 100+ mph. On the Formula 73, it’s a metallic nod to “old-school transparency.”
2. The “Wolf in Hipster Clothing” Chassis
Ducati is being a bit sneaky here. While the Formula 73 is positioned in their brand-new “Heritage” segment, its skeleton and heart are actually snatched from the Scrambler Gen 2. It uses the same trellis frame and the 803cc Desmodue engine. Why? Because that engine is the last air-cooled, 2-valve L-twin left in their lineup—the only one that still “thumps” with the soul of 1973.
3. The “Retirement Fund” Stealth Feature
At nearly $20,000 (roughly ₹16-17 Lakhs), it’s almost double the price of a standard Scrambler. But here’s the secret: Ducati deliberately limited production to 873 units. In the world of Ducatisti, “Numbered Edition” + “Centenary Year” = “Investment.” You aren’t just buying a bike; you’re buying a mechanical NFT that you can actually ride to a cafe.
4. The “Quick-Shift” Paradox
For a bike that looks like it requires a kickstart and leather goggles, it’s packed with 2026 tech. It comes standard with Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) Up/Down. This means you can bang through the gears without touching the clutch, all while looking like a 1970s GP legend. It’s the ultimate “lazy rider’s” way to look like a pro.
5. The Aqua Green “Frame Game”
That specific shade of green on the trellis frame? It isn’t just “green.” It’s Aqua Green, meticulously color-matched from the Ducati archives to mimic the exact frame of the original 750 Super Sport. It’s a color that was controversial in the 70s and remains a “if you know, you know” handshake among serious collectors today.
The Ducati Formula 73 (2026) is a beautiful piece of engineering, but how much of that 1973 “DNA” is actually under the skin?
When you put the new limited-edition café racer next to the legendary 1973 750 Super Sport (SS) Desmo, the results are a mix of touching tribute and modern reality.
Here is the breakdown of the DNA transplant:
The “Heart” (Engine)
The Original (1973): It featured a 748cc “Round Case” L-twin, pumping out roughly 72 hp. It was the first Ducati road bike to feature the Desmodromic valve system, which became the brand’s signature.
The New Formula 73: It uses the modern 803cc Desmodue L-twin. Funnily enough, Ducati tuned it to produce exactly 73 hp—almost an identical power figure to the 1973 original, despite having a larger displacement.
The Verdict: The “soul” is there—both are air-cooled, two-valve, Desmo twins. It’s the most “authentic” engine choice Ducati could have made from their current parts bin.
The “Skeleton” (Chassis)
The Original: A rigid steel frame designed for the high-speed stability needed at the Imola 200. It was long, low, and built for racing.
The New Formula 73: It sits on the Scrambler Gen 2 trellis frame. While it’s still steel, it’s much more compact and agile for “Urban” riding rather than pure track dominance.
The Verdict: Visually, the Aqua Green paint on the frame is a perfect DNA match, but the geometry is modern “street” rather than vintage “racer.”
The “Weight” (Agility)
The Original: Tipped the scales at roughly 187 kg (dry). For its time, it was a lightweight scalpel.
The New Formula 73: Weighs in at 183 kg (dry/no fuel).
The Verdict: This is where the DNA is strongest. Ducati managed to keep the new bike almost exactly as light as the original, which is impressive given the heavy modern electronics, catalytic converters, and ABS systems.
The “Tech” Gap
1973: Carburetors, no fuel gauge (just a fiberglass strip), and brakes that were “good for the time.”
2026: Fuel injection, Cornering ABS, Traction Control, and a Quick Shifter.
The Verdict: This is a “reinterpretation,” not a replica. The Formula 73 gives you the look of 1973 with the “don’t-crash-me” safety of 2026.
Source
Official Ducati Global Page: Ducati Formula 73 – Heritage & Timeless Style
Official Design Deep Dive: The Design Spirit of Formula 73
Technical Specifications: Full Specs & Equipment List
Official Launch Film: “A Piece of Timeless” featuring Stefano Accorsi
News & Heritage Story: The Legacy of the 750 Super Sport Desmo
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