Ducati Formula 73

In 1972, Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari delivered Ducati an unexpected victory at the Imola 200, establishing technical principles that still define Borgo Panigale. The 750 Super Sport Desmo that followed became the first production Ducati to carry desmodromic valve timing into the street. The Formula 73 revisits that watershed moment as a collector-grade tribute, limited to 873 numbered units built on the Scrambler platform for Ducati’s centenary year.

The 803cc air-cooled Desmodue L-twin delivers 73 horsepower at 8,250 rpm through desmodromic two-valve timing, producing linear character amplified by a custom Termignoni silencer with gold-band detailing. The silver and aquamarine livery replicates archive research down to the vertical gold stripe—a functional nod to the Imola racer’s fiberglass fuel-check strip. Green-painted steel trellis frame, clip-on bars with bar-end mirrors, compact fairing, and single-seat tail complete the café racer silhouette.

Rizoma supplies billet aluminum levers with integrated oil reservoirs, footpegs, and fuel cap. Spoked 43cm wheels wrapped in Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV rubber replace the Scrambler’s cast units, sharpening handling precision. KYB suspension, Brembo brakes, cornering ABS, traction control, and bi-directional quick shift integrate modern capability without visual intrusion. Each bike carries its serial number on a machined steering plate, accompanied by authentication certificate, period imagery, and Centro Stile Ducati sketches in a presentation box.

Ducati pairs the Formula 73 with a matching leather jacket and jet helmet in coordinating livery, extending the collector statement beyond the motorcycle. At 183kg wet weight (without fuel), this tribute channels 1970s racing DNA through 2026 manufacturing capability. Production caps at 873 units globally, with European deliveries beginning spring 2026.