Buckle up, Ducatisti. It looks like the Borgo Panigale factory is digging through its trophy room to cook up something special for 2026.
Leaked documents from the California Air Resources Board (CARB) have spilled the beans on a new beast: the 2026 Ducati Formula ‘73.
Below is the breakdown of what we know about this retro-flavored rocket.
The Heart of a Scrambler
Despite the “Formula” name, don’t expect a Panigale-style superbike. This machine is built on Ducati’s tried-and-true foundation:
- Engine: The legendary 803cc V-twin.
- Heritage: This air-cooled mill has powered the Scrambler line for years, meaning this bike will likely prioritize torque, character, and that signature Italian rumble over raw, terrifying horsepower.
The “Formula ‘73” Mystery
The name isn’t just a random number; it’s a time machine.
- The Tribute: 1973 was the birth year of the iconic 750 Supersport Desmo.
- The Pedigree: This is the bike that Franco Uncini rode to clinch the 1975 Italian Championship. By naming it Formula ‘73, Ducati is essentially writing a love letter to its racing golden era.
Why 2026 Matters
This isn’t just another model year. 2026 marks Ducati’s 100th Anniversary. Expect the Formula ‘73 to be the centerpiece of the party. Because it’s a “T” model (meaning it’s slated for production in Ducati’s Thailand plant alongside the Scramblers), it will likely be a high-end, limited-run masterpiece.
| Spec/Detail | What We Know |
| Engine | 803cc, Air-cooled V-Twin |
| Chassis | Likely Scrambler-based |
| Exclusivity | Ultra-Limited (Rumored 73 or 100 units) |
| Origin | Manufactured in Thailand (T-Model) |
| Vibe | Pure 70s Cafe Racer / Supersport Tribute |
The Verdict
While pricing and official photos are still locked in a vault in Italy, the “Formula ‘73” moniker suggests a stripped-back, aggressive cafe racer that looks like it rolled straight off a 1970s starting grid but handles with modern precision.
Will it be the ultimate collector’s item for Ducati’s centennial? All signs point to yes.
Source
These links point directly to the news breaks and the regulatory filings that confirmed the existence of the bike:
- Motorcycle.com: The original investigative report that broke the CARB filing story.
- RideApart: High-traffic coverage of the “sneaky retro” surprise from Ducati.
- WebBikeWorld: Detailed analysis of the Formula ‘73’s racing heritage and placement in the 2026 lineup.
- California Air Resources Board (CARB): The official government source where the “Formula ‘73” name and 803cc engine specs were first published.
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