Ducati has launched the Formula 73 in India at Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom). The cafe racer-styled motorcycle was first revealed earlier this year as a limited-edition model that pays homage to one of the most iconic motorcycles in the Italian manufacturer’s history – the legendary 750 Super Sport Desmo from 1973. A total of 873 units were made available globally, and every unit allocated for India has already been spoken for.
- 803cc Desmodue twin makes 73hp and 65.2Nm
- Limited to 873 units, each with a certificate of authenticity
Pays homage to the 750 Super Sport Desmo
The Formula 73 celebrates the 750 Super Sport Desmo, the first Ducati road bike equipped with a desmodromic valve timing system. The Super Sport was a replica of the 750 Imola Desmo, with which Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari won the 1972 200 Miglia di Imola – the first European competition for production-derived motorcycles.
This modern reinterpretation features a silver and aqua-green livery based on the original Super Sport, with a vertical gold stripe on the tank – a nod to the unpainted strip on the Imola Desmo that allowed the team to check the fuel level without adding a gauge. Other café racer touches include clip-on handlebars with bar-end mirrors, a short fairing and a tapered tail. Billet aluminium components include the levers, footpegs and a Rizoma fuel cap.
Powering the Formula 73 is the 803cc Desmodue L-twin, which produces 73hp at 8,250rpm and 65.2Nm at 7,000rpm. The bike also comes with a Termignoni exhaust specifically developed for this model. The chassis comprises a steel trellis frame, a 41mm KYB USD fork and a preload-adjustable KYB monoshock. The bike weighs 183kg wet without fuel and rides on 17-inch spoked wheels shod with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres.
The electronics package includes cornering ABS, traction control, a quickshifter and two riding modes. It also gets a 4.3-inch TFT display and full-LED lighting, while heated grips and turn-by-turn navigation are offered as accessories.
Each of the 873 units will carry a serial number on the steering plate and come with a certificate of authenticity. A box containing period images and sketches from the Ducati Style Centre is also included.
