There’s something about retro sport bikes that just refuses to die. The modern classic segment has been on a tear for more than a decade now, and it’s not slowing down. Riders want the look of the golden era without the oil leaks, carb drama, and questionable brakes. Bikes like the Triumph Bonneville, Yamaha XSR lineup, and even Ducati’s own SportClassic range proved that nostalgia sells, especially when it’s wrapped around modern reliability.
And let’s be honest. One thing that really stands out about the new Ducati Formula 73 is how shamelessly it leans into that Paul Smart energy.
If you squint, you’ll see echoes of the 2006 Paul Smart 1000 LE and the GT1000. The half fairing, the stance, the whole “I ride this because I get it” vibe. It's much less a performance statement and more of a cultural one. This is the Ducati you buy because you’ve always wanted a Ducati for its history, legacy, and heritage. Not because you want to be faster than everyone else on the road.
And that’s not a knock. I actually like this thing.
Ducati, out of Bologna, Italy, has built its reputation on racing. Desmodromic valves, L twins, World Superbike dominance, MotoGP glory. But it’s also learned that not every rider wants a Panigale that makes triple digit horsepower and begs to live at 12,000 rpm. A lot of riders just want something cool. Something emotional. Something that looks absolutely gorgeous parked outside a coffee shop. And the Formula 73 taps straight into that.
Underneath all the heritage cosplay is the Scrambler 800 platform. That’s important because the air cooled 803cc L-twin is one of Ducati’s most proven engines. It’s simple by Ducati standards, makes usable power, and doesn’t demand superbike maintenance rituals. We’re talking about roughly 70-plus horsepower delivered in a way that’s friendly and predictable. It’s not about top speed bragging rights. It’s about torque that feels and sounds good rolling through town.
And that’s the beauty of this bike. It’s designed and engineered to be accessible. The Scrambler chassis has always been compact and unintimidating. Seat height is approachable. The riding position doesn’t fold you in half. You get modern electronics like traction control and ABS without turning the bike into a spaceship. It’s Ducati flavor without Ducati intimidation.
In markets like the US, big V-twins and liter bikes dominate the conversation, but a huge chunk of riders want something lighter, easier, and more expressive. The Formula 73 fits right into that sweet spot. It’s premium enough to feel special, but not so extreme that it scares off someone stepping up from a 450cc naked bike.
And yeah, it’s perfect for retro hipsters. But it’s also perfect for the rider who’s always said, “One day I’ll own a Ducati,” and doesn’t need 200 horsepower or have $40,000 to justify it. This is the Ducati for the sake of having a Ducati. The badge matters, the lineage takes center stage, and the overall aesthetic is the main attraction.
The Ducati Formula 73 Is Pure Paul Smart Fan Fiction
Source: Ducati
