Ducati has launched the Formula 73 in India at Rs 20 lakh (ex-showroom). The cafe racer-styled motorcycle was unveiled earlier this year as a tribute to the 750 Super Sport Desmo, and all units allocated for India have already been booked. Ducati will produce 873 examples globally.
Ducati Formula 73: pays homage to the 750 Super Sport Desmo
The Formula 73 celebrates the 750 Super Sport Desmo, Ducati’s first road motorcycle to feature a desmodromic valve timing system. The original Super Sport was inspired by the 750 Imola Desmo, which Paul Smart and Bruno Spaggiari rode to victory at the 1972 200 Miglia di Imola, the first European competition for production-derived motorcycles.
The modern Formula 73 gets a silver and aqua-green livery inspired by the original, along with a vertical gold stripe on the fuel tank. The stripe references the unpainted section on the Imola Desmo, which allowed the team to check fuel levels without a gauge.
Cafe racer styling elements include clip-on handlebars, bar-end mirrors, a short fairing and a tapered tail. Billet aluminium components include the levers and footpegs, while the bike also gets a Rizoma fuel cap.
803cc Desmodue engine makes 73hp
The Formula 73 is powered by an 803cc Desmodue L-twin engine that produces 73hp at 8,250rpm and 65.2Nm at 7,000rpm. It gets a Termignoni exhaust developed specifically for the motorcycle.
The chassis uses a steel trellis frame, a 41mm KYB upside-down front fork and a preload-adjustable KYB monoshock. The bike weighs 183kg wet, excluding fuel, and runs on 17-inch spoked wheels fitted with Pirelli Diablo Rosso IV tyres.
Its electronics package includes cornering ABS, traction control, a quickshifter and two riding modes. Other features include a 4.3-inch TFT display and full-LED lighting. Heated grips and turn-by-turn navigation are available as accessories.
Each unit gets a certificate of authenticity
Every Formula 73 carries an individual serial number on its steering plate and comes with a certificate of authenticity. Buyers also receive a box containing period photographs and sketches from the Ducati Style Centre.