Ducati Formula 73 pays tribute to it’s historic Imola racing legacy

In its centenary year, Ducati has unveiled the Formula 73, a limited-edition motorcycle that revisits a defining chapter in the Italian marque’s history. Inspired by the legendary 1973 Ducati 750 Super Sport Desmo, the Formula 73 combines evocative retro styling with contemporary engineering, celebrating the racing heritage that helped shape the manufacturer’s identity.

The original 750 Super Sport Desmo was the first Ducati road motorcycle equipped with a desmodromic valve timing system. It was developed as a replica of the 750 Imola Desmo, on which Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari triumphed at the 1972 200 Miglia di Imola, the first European competition for production-derived motorcycles. The format would subsequently evolve into the Superbike championship in the 1980s. That victory marked the beginning of Ducati’s formidable legacy in production-derived racing, which has since yielded more than 400 victories, sixteen rider titles and twenty-one manufacturer titles.

Commenting on the motorcycle’s arrival in India, Mr. Bipul Chandra, Managing Director, Ducati India, said, “The Formula 73 is a rolling masterpiece that pays homage to one of the most significant motorcycles in our history, the 1973 750 Super Sport Desmo,” He added, “We are incredibly proud to secure a highly exclusive allocation of these limited-edition motorcycles for our passionate Ducatisti in India. With only 873 units produced globally, the arrival of the Formula 73 offers a rare opportunity for Indian collectors to own a piece of timeless Italian heritage seamlessly blended with modern Ducati performance.”

The Formula 73 interprets the original Super Sport Desmo through a sleek, minimalist Café Racer silhouette. Its silver and aqua green livery, developed by the Ducati Style Centre following research into the company’s historical archives, recalls the original motorcycle. A vertical gold stripe on the fuel tank pays tribute to the unpainted strip on the 750 Imola Desmo, which enabled the racing team to monitor fuel levels.

Clip-on handlebars, bar-end mirrors, a short fairing and a tapered tail reinforce its sporting character. Billet aluminium components, including the brake and clutch levers with oil reservoirs, footpegs and a standard-fit Rizoma fuel cap, underline the attention to detail. Each motorcycle carries its name and serial number on the steering plate and comes with a certificate of authenticity, period photographs and design sketches in a presentation box.

Power comes from an 803 cc, air-cooled L-twin Desmodue engine with desmodromic distribution and two valves, meeting Euro 5+ standards. Producing 73 hp at 8,250 rpm, it is paired with a Ride-by-Wire throttle and a Termignoni-developed silencer.

A steel trellis frame finished in aqua green, 17-inch spoked wheels and Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres complete the mechanical package. Ducati Traction Control, Cornering ABS, Ducati Quick Shift and two Riding Modes enhance everyday usability and riding confidence.

The Formula 73 also features in A Piece of Timeless, a short film starring Italian actor and Ducati enthusiast Stefano Accorsi, who reflects on his first ride and draws parallels between motorcycling and acting.

Limited to 873 numbered units worldwide, the Ducati Formula 73 is priced at INR 20,00,000 (ex-showroom, India). An exclusive allocation has arrived at Indian dealerships; however, the allocation is sold out and new bookings are no longer available.