Formula 73 (MY2026)

Ducati built 873 of these and stamped a number on each one, which tells you most of what the Formula 73 is about. Under the silver and aquamarine half fairing sits the Scrambler platform and the air-cooled Desmo L-twin: 803 cc, 73 hp, 48 lb-ft, six speeds, proper 17-inch rubber at both ends. It is a mid-size naked wearing a café racer's clothes, and the clothes are very much the point. What keeps it honest is the hardware behind them. Cornering ABS, traction control, ride modes, a quickshifter that works both ways and a color dash with navigation all come standard.

It rides the way it looks, light and approachable, with an engine that wants a few revs before it gives its best; peak torque lands at 7,000 rpm. That suits back roads and a Sunday loop far better than it suits an interstate slog. Riders coming back after a break, or stepping up from something small, will get along with it inside a mile. The honest part: 73 hp covers fast road pace and stops there, the front fork offers no adjustment of any kind, and there is no cruise control or factory luggage. Buy it for the character and the number on the plate.