Ducati 800 Formula 73 2026 — Specifications

Ducati is celebrating its 100th anniversary. Over this century of adventures, competitions, radio broadcasts, and models, the Italian manufacturer has managed to maintain a passion. 2026 will be the occasion for vast celebrations and commemorative models. Including this very evocative Formula 73. A living and elegant reminder of one of Bologna’s most iconic motorcycles.

The design is striking, bold, and fashionable, as if conceived by a stylist or a couturier. The long, slender silhouette, the moderno-classic headstock, and the presence of clip-on handlebars present the Formula 73 as a café racer. It asserts itself as such an engraving, estimates its allure, and preserves its posture. With controls noticeably above the headstock, the rider will not suffer from the riding position.

Just like the Scrambler from which it is derived, the cafra immediately grabs you with the large X embedded in its headlight. As if it thought it had a time transporter in its light. Then, its eye crosses the brilliance of its rims, then allows itself a fleeting jump into the past. It dives into 1973, witnesses the birth of Eva Herzigova, the creation of Thanos, is frightened by the Yom Kippur War, hallucinates over the first phone call made from a cellular phone, and above all discovers its ancestor, the Super Sport Desmo of 1973.

Because it is from this sportbike that the Formula 73 draws its inspiration (but especially from the CR24I concept of 2024). Just like the Sportclassic 1000 Paul Smart before it. Ducati is thus reminding its fans of the beginnings of the twin’s saga, the inauguration of the desmodromic system in its motorcycles, and the entire story that followed.

Amusing observation: the power of the 803 cm3 twin-cylinder engine of the Formula 73 is almost the same as that of the 748 cm3 of the 750 SS. Only one horsepower difference! But at the time, pushed by more than 70 horsepower, you were classified in the big-bore machines. Today, with its 73 horsepower at 8,250 rpm, the twin falls into the mid-size mechanics, between the entry-level (the 500s) and the mid-size. If this engine is the least powerful in the Ducati range, it is also one of those with the most charm and best suited to this revival model. The history of Ducati is there: 2 valves per cylinder, as many timing belts, the desmodromic system, fins to cool the whole thing, and all enclosed between steel tubes.

Small particularity: the rake angle is tighter and the wheelbase shorter on this chassis compared to the Scrambler Icon. Its behavior will be all the more responsive.

A few well-chosen parts will justify the personality of this machine. It receives handlebar-end mirrors, machined aluminum elements (Rizoma brake and clutch levers with reservoirs, footrests, and fuel cap), the serial number engraved on a plate embedded in the upper headstock, a seat cover, a Termignoni exhaust specially developed for it, a more enveloping front fender, spoked wheels, and a certificate of authenticity. It is not enough to be one of the 873 units produced; you have to prove it.

Once the ignition is turned on, you will return to 1973. Because the Formula is a Scrambler, therefore a motorcycle with its share of modern technologies: injection, ride-by-wire, two Riding Modes, traction control, ABS cornering, a quickshifter, and a 4.3-inch color TFT dashboard.

The Formula 73 will require approximately 16,000 euros to parade in your living room or on the roads in homage. Ducati also allows you to complete the look with a matching Arai helmet and jacket.

M.B. - Photos manufacturer