Ducati has released the limited-edition Ducati Formula 73 in India for an ex-showroom price of ₹20 lakh. The café racer celebrates the racing history of Ducati and its 1973 Ducati 750 Super Sport Desmo. The total global production of 873 will be sold out, as Ducati’s India quota has already been fulfilled and bookings are closed.
The motorcycle is a blend of retro-racing styling, modern electronics and an 803cc L-twin engine. The Ducati has taken several styling aspects of its legendary racing bikes, such as the silver and aqua-green colour scheme and a gold stripe on the fuel tank. Every unit is also numbered and embellished with a certificate of authenticity.
The 73 is based on the Ducati 750 Super Sport Desmo, which followed the success of the 750 Imola Desmo. The Ducati Desmo is significant in Ducati racing history because in 1972, Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari were the winners of the 200 Miglia di Imola in the Imola Desmo.
The bike has been equipped with clip-on handlebars, bar-end mirrors, a short front fairing and a tapered rear fairing. The racing motorcycle’s steel trellis frame has been done in aqua green with a gold stripe running down the fuel tank, adding a nod to the original motorcycle. The extra detailing consists of billet aluminium components and a Rizoma fuel cap.
The Formula 73 sports an 803cc, air-cooled L-twin Desmodue engine equipped with desmodromic valve actuation. It produces 73 hp at 8,250 rpm and 65.2 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. The engine is paired with a model-specific Terminoni exhaust and meets Euro 5+ emission standards.
This motorcycle features a steel trellis frame, a 41mm upside-down KYB front fork and a preload-adjustable KYB rear monoshock. A Brembo four-piston radial front calliper with a 330 mm disc is used for braking. It is powered by 17-inch spoked wheels with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres and is 183kg empty.
The 73 features a 4.3-inch colour TFT screen, cornering ABS, Ducati Traction Control and a quickshifter. Riders can choose between sport and road riding modes. Available extras are the Ducati Multimedia System, turn-by-turn navigation, heated grips and even an anti-theft system.
The serial number is unique to each motorcycle and is stamped into the steering plate. Ducati also provides a certificate of authenticity and a special box of historical pictures and sketches from its Style Centre. With only a limited production run and sold-out Indian allocation, the Formula 73 is a collector’s item on the occasion of the brand’s 100th year.
