New Delhi:Ducati has introduced the Formula 73 in India, bringing a modern interpretation of one of the most significant motorcycles in its history. Revealed
earlier this year, the limited-edition model pays tribute to the 750 Super Sport Desmo. It helped establish Ducati’s reputation for performance-focused road bikes.
An 803cc Desmodue L-twin engine produces 73hp at 8,250rpm and 65.2Nm of torque at 7,000rpm. Ducati has mated the engine with a Termignoni exhaust developed specifically for the Formula 73. The motorcycle has a steel trellis frame, a 41mm KYB upside-down front fork and a preload-adjustable KYB rear monoshock. It weighs 183kg without fuel and comes with 17-inch spoked wheels fitted with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres.
Ducati Formula 73: Design inspired by a racing legend
The Formula 73 takes inspiration from the 750 Super Sport Desmo, the first Ducati road motorcycle with a desmodromic valve-timing system. That model was built as a road-going version of the 750 Imola Desmo, which Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari rode to victory at the 1972 200 Miglia di Imola, a landmark race for production-derived motorcycles in Europe.
Its styling mixes a silver and aqua-green paint scheme with a gold stripe running vertically across the fuel tank. The stripe references the exposed section of the original Imola Desmo’s tank, which allowed the team to monitor fuel levels without a dedicated gauge.
Other café racer elements include clip-on handlebars, bar-end mirrors, a compact front fairing and a tapered rear section. Billet aluminium parts, including the levers and footpegs, add to the detailing, while the motorcycle also features a Rizoma fuel cap. The Formula 73 gets cornering ABS, traction control, a quickshifter and two riding modes. A 4.3-inch TFT instrument display and full-LED lighting are standard, while heated grips and turn-by-turn navigation come as accessories.
Every motorcycle comes with an individual serial number on its steering plate and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Ducati is also including a presentation box containing period photographs and sketches from its Style Centre. With all 873 examples allocated worldwide and every unit earmarked for India already accounted for, the Formula 73 is unlikely to be available through regular bookings.
