Ducati Formula 73 launched at Rs 20 lakh

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. 

1. 803cc Desmodue twin makes 73hp and 65.2Nm
2. Limited to 873 units, each with a certificate of authenticity

Ducati Formula 73 details

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.