Paul Smart and Imola 750 Desmo inspiration on a Scrambler-based limited edition model.
Priced at $19,995, only 873 examples of the 2026 Ducati Formula 73 are available.
The Ducati 750 Imola Desmo used by Paul Smart to win the 1972 Imola 200 has been a touchstone for the brand for more than half a century, establishing the V-twin, desmodromic valvetrain as the template for generations of bikes to come. It’s been celebrated with roadgoing tributes more than once and the new limited-edition Formula 73 once again highlights its importance to Ducati’s heritage.
In fact, the Formula 73 is intended to evoke the first of the production bikes to pay homage to Paul Smart’s original machine, the 1973 Super Sport Desmo, borrowing that machine’s half-faired style and two-tone, silver-over-green color scheme, but translating it into a modern interpretation of the original look. Under the skin, the components are entirely sourced from Ducati’s Scrambler lineup.
Will there be more models introduced in Ducati’s Heritage line after the Formula 73?
That’s a fitting choice because the Scrambler is the last holdout in Ducati’s lineup to be true to that Desmo-valved, air-cooled, 90-degree V-twin layout that was cemented into the company’s history by the Imola. This year sees the last of the desmodromic Testastretta-powered models in the company’s mainstream range, the Desert X, following in the footsteps of the rest of the company’s liquid-cooled twins by switching to the conventional-valved, 890cc V2 engine that’s already spread through the twin-cylinder Multistrada, Panigale, Streetfighter, Monster, and Hypermotard ranges. After that, only the Scramblers and now the Formula 73—which sits in a new ‘Heritage’ segment in the company’s lineup—will fit that traditional Desmo template. The introduction of the Heritage section in Ducati’s range hints that while the Formula 73 is a limited edition, with just 873 examples due to be sold globally, there are likely to be more bikes coming in the future to celebrate the company’s history.
It’s pretty clear that the frame and swingarm are also Scrambler parts, so the main thrust of the Formula 73’s evolution is cosmetic. That nose cowl is formed around the Scrambler’s distinctive X-embossed headlight with its circular LED running light outline, but it’s shifted forwards and firmly chassis-mounted instead of turning with the bars. Those bars are clip-on, but relatively high and wide to avoid the sort of café racer riding position that helps chiropractors retire early.
Stunning. The metallic green on silver paint of the Formula 73 evokes Paul Smart’s Imola 750 Desmo race bike.
The Scrambler-based frame is painted metallic green, like the original Super Sport Desmo, and the tank graphics evoke the unpainted fiberglass segment on the original bike, which was used to check fuel level. It doesn’t perform that function here: instead you get the same 4.3-inch TFT dash used on the rest of the Scrambler range, giving all the information you could need, plus a typically strong package of tech including an up/down quickshifter, cornering ABS and traction control, and two riding modes.
As befits a pricy limited-edition bike—the MSRP is a strong-sounding $19,995—there’s a smattering of billet aluminum parts including the pegs, the Rizoma fuel cap, and the brake and clutch levers, and of course there’s a numbered plaque on the top yoke to confirm its rarity. Customers also get a certificate and a box of period sketches and images to reflect the bike’s inspiration. At extra cost you can also dress the part with a set of clothing including an Arai helmet in the same color scheme as the bike and a matching leather jacket. The bikes are due to reach customers by the end of Summer, and like most Ducati limited editions they’re likely to sell out fast.
Reserve this beautful limited-edition before it sells out!
