Ducati’s Glorious Retro-Styled New Café Racer Revives the Pure Joy of Motorcycling

This beautiful bike pays tribute to a brand icon while seamlessly integrating just the right level of modern tech.

Silver Ducati motorcycle fuel tank with a gold vertical stripe and green frame parts.

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By Steve Mazzucchi

Published February 12, 2026

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Amidst a seemingly endless stream of technological innovation in the moto space, it’s easy to forget a timeless truth.

The best moments on any motorcycle are when everything else falls away, and it’s just you, your bike and the open road, co-existing in perfect harmony.

Silver and teal Ducati motorcycle with black seat and white rims parked near a stone wall and water. — On throwback style alone, this bike is a transcendent time machine, instantly transporting us back to the early ’70s.

Here to remind us is Ducati’s latest release, which simultaneously honors a classic bike from its archives and brings back two-wheeling’s simple pleasures.

Say “ciao” to one stupendo limited-edition urban café racer, the new Ducati Formula 73.

Super tribute

This bike’s distinct — and gorgeous — throwback vibes are no accident. It both celebrates the brand’s 100th year of existence and tips its cap to one of the most iconic Ducatis ever, the 750 Super Sport Desmo.

That bike replicated the 750 Imola Desmo that won the 1972 200 Miglia di Imola, kicking off Ducati’s now legendary production-derived racing legacy — a world championship record that now counts more than 400 victories, 16 rider titles and 21 manufacturer titles.

Close-up of a silver and black motorcycle front with a round headlight featuring a protective crossbar and side mirrors. — The Formula 73’s paint scheme mirrors the early Desmos that inspired it — and the era they dominated.

The tribute nature of the Formula 73 explains the aqua green and silver paint scheme, which reflects those ’70s predecessors much more than the vivid red we typically associate with Ducati.

Under the proverbial hood, you’ll find another nod to the groundbreaking Super Sport Desmo, the first Ducati road bike to feature a desmodromic valve timing system.

Silver and black Ducati motorcycle with spoked wheels parked indoors on a wooden floor. — Specially made for this bike, the Termignoni silencer brings the engine’s full-throated, full-throttle voice to life.

The Formula 73’s period-faithful steel trellis frame houses an air-cooled 803cc Desmodue engine L-twin with desmodromic distribution, which makes a satisfying 73 horsepower at 8,250 rpm — and a characterful rumble enhanced by the custom Termignoni silencer.

While it’s not necessarily going to blow anyone off the line these days, it’s so much more about the emotions you feel engaging with this bike on city streets and country backroads, ticking through the gears and leaning into turns as a smile spreads across your helmeted face.

Motorcyclist wearing a silver Ducati helmet and black jacket leaning into a curve on a silver motorcycle. — As stunning as the Formula 73’s looks are, the old-school joy and freedom it promises might be the best selling point.

Every move is backed up by confidence-inspiring yet quiet modern tech, including a ride-by-wire throttle, DTC traction control, cornering ABS, the Ducati Quick Shift system and two ride modes.

Additional special touches include several billet aluminum components, including the brake and clutch levers with oil reservoirs, footpegs and Rizoma fuel cap.

Close-up of a silver and black motorcycle tail section with "Formula 73" text on the side. — True to Ducati’s rep for sterling aesthetics, the styling and branding look pretty much *perfetto* from tip to tail.

The model name and serial number grace the steering plate, and each bike comes with a certificate of authenticity and a box full of period images and sketches created by the Ducati Style Centre.

For the super fans, Ducati is also introducing a matching jacket and helmet, produced in collaboration with Dainese and Arai, respectively.

Availability and pricing

Limited to 873 units, the Ducati Formula 73 hits European dealerships this spring and rolls out to the rest of the world by the end of summer. Pricing starts at $19,995.

Ducati

Ducati Formula 73

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About the Author:

Now managing editor, Steve has served in a variety of roles with GP since 2019. Having previously written and edited for such publications as Men’s Health, Men’s Journal, Esquire and ESPN, he enjoys covering a range of topics — but mostly those pertaining to cycling, snow sports, pocket knives and motos — and dreams of a utopian world in which everyone’s bike seat is at the proper height.

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