Review – Key Features – Features & Benefits – Specifications
2026 Ducati Formula 73: A MODERN TAKE ON A LEGEND.
Introducing the new 2026 Ducati Formula 73…
A Piece of Timeless.
Formula 73 is a contemporary urban café racer that reinterprets the rebellious spirit of the 70s with its sleek lines and big personality. Produced as a series of 873 numbered units, this collector’s model is designed to preserve a timeless legacy in the modern era.
A collector’s piece.
The Formula 73 is inspired by the 750 Super Sport Desmo, which has its roots in the 750 Imola Desmo, winner of the 1972 Imola 200. That same spirit is now reinterpreted in a limited edition of 873 units.
750 Super Sport Replica livery
A silver and aquamarine livery with gold band references the fiberglass tank of early supersport bikes, which had a transparent section to allow for external checking of the fuel level.
Pure Café Racer character
Formula 73 combines style, character and riding pleasure. A faithful interpretation of the Café Racer spirit, complete with semi-handlebar with bar-end mirrors, front fairing and tapered tail, a single seat, steel trellis frame and 17-inch spoked wheels. Formula 73 offers more than a motorcycling experience – it’s a full sensory journey.
Quality components
Formula 73 adopts Rizoma billet aluminum elements that include the brake and clutch levers with oil radiators, footpegs and fuel cap. Solutions that capture the eye and elevate the essence of the bike. And to ensure every bike is unique, the steering plate bears the model name and serial number.
803 cc Desmodue engine
Tradition that evolves with the 803 cc Desmodue engine, the true star of the Formula 73. An L-twin with two-valve desmodromic timing that is modern but faithful to the technical principles on which Ducati has cemented its legend. An engine designed to offer a manageable response and smooth riding, for a presence on the road that’s impossible to ignore.
A modern take on a legend
2026 Ducati Formula 73 Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features
- Produced in a limited series of 873 numbered units, the Formula 73 celebrates the Super Sport 750 Desmo, one the most iconic models in Ducati history.
- An Urban Café Racer that combines modern technology with the authentic charm of the 750 Super Sport Desmo.
- The short film A Piece of Timeless celebrates the birth of this special bike.
In its centenary year, the Borgo Panigale manufacturer presents the Formula 73, a motorcycle that revives, in a modern version, the spirit of a model and an era that helped create the Ducati legend and inspired the principles that still guide it today. The Formula 73 celebrates the 750 Super Sport Desmo, the first Ducati V-Twin road bike equipped with a desmodromic valve timing system.
The Super Sport was in fact a replica of the 750 Imola Desmo with which Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari triumphed in the 1972 200 Miglia di Imola, the first European competition for production-derived motorcycles, a formula which in the 1980s would give rise to Superbike. The historic victory at Imola and the subsequent birth of the 750 Super Sport Desmo represented the first and fundamental episode in Ducati’s saga in production-derived racing, where it has achieved a world championship record that now stands at more than 400 victories, sixteen rider titles and twenty-one manufacturer titles.
The 750 Super Sport Desmo was born in a decade of great change and contrasts, marked by intense cultural creativity. It was a period characterised by changes in society and a widespread desire for renewal. An extraordinary artistic vitality influenced music, cinema, fashion and thought, making the 1970s a complex and deeply significant era.
The Formula 73 was created today as a tribute to that epoch-making motorcycle, which already embodied the values of Style, Sophistication and Performance that have inspired Ducati ever since. The Formula 73 is a model dedicated to motorcycle enthusiasts with timeless charm, who love to stand out by riding a bike with an unmistakable design and strong personality, shunning conformity and paying attention to every detail in their daily lives.
The Formula 73 is the star of the short film ‘A Piece of Timeless’, in which Italian actor Stefano Accorsi, a great Ducati enthusiast, reflects on his experience of trying it for the first time. Stefano, drawing a parallel between riding a motorcycle and acting, recounts his relationship with acting and the world of motorsports in this film.
Unmistakable personality
The Ducati Formula 73 line is a contemporary reinterpretation of the legendary 1973 750 Super Sport Desmo. Sleek and slender, this bike conveys agility thanks to its minimalist yet elegant aesthetics. Equipped with the iconic air-cooled Ducati twin-cylinder engine, it combines the rebellious spirit of Urban Café Racers with the timeless charm of what many collectors consider to be the most significant motorcycle in Ducati’s history.
Every detail contributes to making the Formula 73 unique. The silver and aqua green livery, inspired by the original 750 Super Sport Desmo, is the result of careful research in the company’s historical archives carried out by the Ducati Style Centre. The vertical gold stripe on the tank echoes the original unpainted strip on the 750 Imola Desmo, which allowed the team to check the fuel level without complicating and weighing down the bike with additional instruments. The clip-on handlebars with bar-end mirrors, the short, tapered fairing and tail confirm the Café Racer personality of this collector’s bike.
The many billet aluminium components, such as the brake and clutch levers with oil reservoirs, the footpegs and the Rizoma fuel cap supplied as standard, catch the eye and further enhance a bike designed to be admired both when stationary and in motion.
Like all Ducati limited edition models, the Formula 73 features the model name and serial number on the steering plate. Each bike comes with a certificate of authenticity, as well as a collection of period images and sketches created by the Ducati Style Centre, presented in a special box.
Innovation in tradition
The Ducati Formula 73 is a timeless creation, faithful to the technical solutions that made the 750 Super Sport Desmo iconic, yet at the same time a modern, high-tech motorcycle.
Its 803 cc Desmodue engine is an L-twin with desmodromic distribution and two valves, Euro5+ approved, faithful to the technical standards on which Ducati built its legend in the 1970s and 1980s. An authentic engine, capable of 73 horsepower at 8,250 rpm, which goes beyond the concept of performance to unequivocally define the personality of the Formula 73, becoming a fundamental element of both the style and riding experience of the bike. The silencer, developed in collaboration with Termignoni with aesthetic details specifically designed for this model, gives the bike a full and evocative voice, and the Ride-by-Wire throttle makes the engine response quick, progressive and smooth even at low revs.
The steel trellis frame of the Formula 73 reinforces the connection with the Super Sport Desmo that inspired it. Sleek and painted in aqua green, it becomes part of the livery and, together with the 17-inch spoked wheels with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres, contributes to making the bike manoeuvrable and easy to ride.
The Formula 73 is a complete motorcycle, thanks to its electronic systems, which include DTC traction control, Cornering ABS, the Ducati Quick Shift system and two Riding Modes. This makes every ride, from your commute to work to trips over mountain passes, safer and more enjoyable, making every moment spent in the saddle unique.
Availability
Fans wishing to complete their look with technical garments inspired by the aesthetics of this collector’s motorcycle can choose a helmet, created in collaboration with Arai, and a sports jacket that echo the Formula 73 livery. The Ducati Formula 73 will be produced in a numbered series limited to 873 units and will arrive in European dealerships in spring 2026. Distribution will be completed in the rest of the world by the end of summer.
2026 Ducati Formula 73 Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits
Every icon has a story worth telling. Formula 73 is a combination of passion, design and timeless spirit. Designed to capture the rebellious spirit of a Café Racer, Formula 73 pays tribute to one of the most revered Borgo Panigale bikes: the Ducati 750 Super Sport Desmo, the first production Ducati to feature the desmodromic timing system. The Super Sport was actually a replica of the 750 Imola Desmo with which Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari triumphed in the 1972 Imola 200.
“A Piece of Timeless”
A moment suspended in time: whether riding or on set, time stops and only emotion remains. In the short film “A Piece of Timeless”, Stefano Accorsi explores the fine line between riding and acting as he shares deeply personal insight into his own emotional experience. Where desire becomes pure instinct.
Beyond the set.
Go behind the scenes of “A Piece of Timeless”, where cinema and motorcycling meet in a tale of passion and timeless moments. Watch the interview with Stefano Accorsi, Chief Designer Andrea Amato, director Carlo Loforti, and Product Sponsor Rocco Canosa and learn about the creative process that led to the birth of Formula 73.
750 Super Sport Legacy
Ducati Formula 73 takes the spirit of the legendary 1973 750 Super Sport Desmo and reimagines it in a modern way. The silver livery evokes the original essence, with the gold band on the tank inspired by the 750 Imola Desmo where the fuel level could be checked on the fiberglass tank during the race. The semi-handlebar with bar-end mirrors, front fairing and short, tapered tail complete a silhouette that captures the Café Racer soul. And the steel trellis frame reinforces the connection between the Formula 73 and the Super Sport Desmo that inspires it.
Numbered steering plate
As with every limited-edition Ducati, the steering plate bears the model name and serial number. Each bike comes complete with a certificate of authenticity, a collection of duplicate images from the era and sketches created by the Centro Stile Ducati, presented in a box.
Termignoni Ducati Performance homologated exhaust with custom finishes
The silencer is produced in collaboration with Termignoni, with aesthetic details specifically designed for this model that give the bike a deep, resonant sound.
Rizoma billet components
Formula 73 adopts various Rizoma billet aluminum components, including the brake and clutch levers with oil radiators, footpegs and fuel cap, supplied as standard. Well-finished details that add to the overall aesthetic.
17”/17” spoked wheels with Diablo Rosso IV tyres
Formula 73 mounts 17”/17” spoked wheels and Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tires, ensuring manageability while showcasing dynamic traits that are pure Café Racer.
803 cc Desmodue engine with dedicated silver cover
The Ducati Formula 73 engine is modern but faithful to the technical principles on which Ducati has cemented its legend since the 1970s. An 803 cc Desmodue L-twin with two-valve desmodromic timing, it delivers 73 horsepower at 8250 rpm. The engine is enhanced with a silver-colored cover complete with classic Ducati logo to strengthen the reference to the 750 Super Sport Desmo.
Dedicated capsule collection.
Discover the new Formula 73 capsule collection: a jacket in high-quality cowhide and a full-face helmet that takes up the colors of the livery. For a timeless aesthetic. Each Formula 73 model purchase in North America will include this exclusive set.
Formula 73 jacket
Complete the look with technical garments inspired by the Formula 73 aesthetic. The jacket, produced in collaboration with Dainese and created in high-quality cowhide, takes up the bike’s colors and graphics. Complete with shoulder and elbow protectors and designed to accommodate a back protector, it guarantees both style and safety. The jacket is an exclusive garment, available only as part of the SuMisura program, with custom production upon request.
Formula 73 helmet
The helmet, constructed around an Arai base, takes up the graphics and colours to match perfectly with the bike and dedicated leather jacket. Light, resistant and protective, the helmet has a comfortable, hypoallergenic and washable lining. Easy to open and anti-fog, the wide visor ensures ventilation that guards against noise and heat, while quick-release cheek pads and removable inserts allow for a custom fit. Like the specially designed jacket, the helmet is also a limited edition, emphasizing its exclusivity.
Formula 73. Ducati design, from past to present.
A tribute to the legendary Ducati of the 70s, reimagined as a contemporary urban café racer.
The legacy of the 750 Super Sport Desmo.
The Formula 73 celebrates the 750 Super Sport Desmo, the first production Ducati to feature the desmodromic timing system. Its clean lines communicate agility and elegance, while the details ensure this collector’s Café Racer is truly unique. The silver livery and gold vertical band on the tank recapture the style details of the historic model, while the engine complete with silver colored cover and classic Borgo Panigale logo further strengthen the reference.
Technical modernity. Authentic charm.
An unmistakable personality that combines technical modernity with the authentic charm of the Ducati 750 Super Sport Desmo. Slender and with an elegant, minimalist aesthetic, it stands out for its semi-handlebar with bar-end mirrors, front fairing, short, tapered tail, and the 803 cc Desmodue engine. Elements that blend the rebellious Urban Café Racer spirit with the timeless charm of the most iconic and beloved Ducati models.
From the glorious past, a new icon is born.
Formula 73 revokes the spirit of a model and an era that contributed to building the Ducati legend: the 750 Super Sport Desmo, a replica of the 750 Imola Desmo with which Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari triumphed in the 1972 Imola 200.
Sleek lines for sophisticated sportiness.
“Formula 73 pays tribute to the Seventies, an era of great change and innovation, where design gave life to objects that would become iconic, with their sleek lines and focus on performance. This same philosophy led to the creation of the 750 Super Sport, from which Formula 73 now takes up the legacy, reinterpreting its very essence.
In designing the bike, we wanted to avoid weighing it down with superfluous elements and focus instead on the purity of its forms. The curvature and tautness of the surfaces trace the movement of light, creating a play on light and shadow that makes for sophisticated sportiness.”
Andrea Amato, Head of Design and Advanced Design
Stefano Accorsi in “A Piece of Timeless”.
Time dissolves with Formula 73 and Stefano Accorsi. “A Piece of Timeless” describes the first encounter with the bike as a timeless experience, one of pure sensations and singular instincts. On the road, as on set, Accorsi experiences moments where everything stops. The short film becomes an emotional journey that blends cinema and motorcycling to reveal the profound connection between movement, focus and passion.
2026 Ducati Formula 73 – Totalmotorcycle.com Specifications and Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $19,999 USD
Canada MSRP Price: $21,995 CDN
Europe/UK MSRP Price: £15,095 GBP (On The Road inc 20% Vat)
Type
L-Twin, Desmodromic distribution, 2 valves per cylinder, air cooled
Displacement
49 cu in (803 cc)
Bore x Stroke
3.5 in x 2.6 in ( 88 mm x 66 mm)
Compression Ratio
11.0:1
Power
73 hp (53.7 kW) @ 8,250 rpm
Torque
48 lb ft (65.2 Nm, 6.6 kgm) @ 7,000 rpm
Fuel Injection
Electronic fuel injection, 50 mm throttle body with Ride-by-Wire system
Exhaust
Stainless steel muffler with catalytic converter, lambda probes, aluminium tail pipes
Gearbox
6 speed
Primary drive
1=32/13 2=30/18 3=28/21 4=26/23 5=22/22 6=24/26
Ratio
Straight cut gears, Ratio 1.85:1
Final drive
Chain, front spocket 15, rear sprocket 46
Clutch
Hydraulically controlled slipper and self-servo wet multiplate clutch
Frame
Tubular steel Trellis frame
Front suspension
Upside down Kayaba 41 mm fork
Front Wheel
Spoked aluminium wheel 3.50″ x 17″
Front Tire
Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV – 120/70 R17
Rear suspension
Kayaba rear shock, pre-load adjustable
Rear Wheel
Spoked aluminium wheel 5.50″ x 17″
Rear Tire
Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV – 180/55 R17
Wheel Travel (Front/Rear)
5.9 in / 5.9 in (150 mm / 150 mm)
Front Brake
Ø330 mm disc, radial 4-piston calliper with Bosch Cornering ABS
Rear Brake
Ø245 mm disc, 1-piston floating calliper with Bosch Cornering ABS
Instrumentation
4.3″ TFT colour display
Wet weight no fuel
403 lb (183 kg)
Seat Height
808 mm (31.8 in)
Wheelbase
56.5 in (1,434 mm)
Rake
22°
Trail
3.6 in (92 mm)
Fuel Tank Capacity
3.8 US gal (14.5 l)
Number of Seats
Single seat. Two seats if passenger kit accessory is mounted
Safety Equipment
Riding Modes, Power Modes, Ducati Traction Control (DTC), Bosch Cornering ABS
Standard Equipment
Ducati Quick Shift (DQS) up/down, TFT colour display, Full LED lighting system, Self cancelling turn indicators, USB port
Ready for
Anti-Theft, Ducati Multimedia System (DMS), Heated grips, Turn-by-Turn navigation system
Warranty
24 months, unlimited mileage
Annual Service
12 months
Oil Service
7,500 mi (12,000 km) / 24 months
Valve Clearance Check
7,500 mi (12,000 km)
Notes
Bike specifications and equipment may vary from market to market. Please refer to your local dealer for further information
Manufacturer Specifications and appearance are subject to change without prior notice on Total Motorcycle (TMW).
