Built to celebrate Mike the Bike’s comeback triumph at the ’78 Isle of Man TT, the Ducati 900 MHR (Mike Hailwood Replica) was initially produced solely for homolgation purposes. As such, just 200 were built in 1979. But demand was so high that Ducati decided to keep production going, and by the end of the run in 1986 the Italian firm had built approximately 7,100 examples – meaning that even though Ducati originally wanted it to be limited production, it ended up being the best selling bevel-drive twin they ever built.
When the MHR originally debuted, it was basically a 900SS in fancy clothing, emulating Hailwood’s bike that had been adorned in the privateer livery of Sports Motor Cycles out of Manchester, England. Ducati themselves say it was built for “hard-core Ducatisti” as it “was not even fitted with an electric starter.” The model was updated almost every year, though basic specifications of 72 horsepower from a 863cc V-Twin with a 5-speed gearbox and a top speed of 137 miles per hour stayed relatively constant.
One of the last evolutions before the model became the MHR Mille happened in late 1983 as the bike got several cosmetic updates. Per Sport Rider magazine: “the fairing shape was modified with new side panels, a black plastic front fender replaced the red one, the instrument cluster was modified, new front directional indicators on stalks replaced the units mounted in the fairing, a black chain guard replaced the chrome unit.” In addition, Ducati fitted new engine casings and got rid of the kick starter.
This example is VIN: DM900R1906515, Engine #: 909362. The bike is being listed by the shop that performed the initial restoration on behalf of the original customer.
The seller states that less than 1,000 miles have been covered since the restoration. The odometer shows 27,218 miles.
“The bike’s story here begins in California, being purchased used from Pro Italia in 1987. The owner brought the bike to Chicago in 1990 and in 1999 commissioned a complete resto-mod rebuild by Fred Cousins, owner of noted Italian motorcycle shop Triple O Service. That work was completed in 2002. The bike was ridden sparingly and stored responsibly until 2017 when it was returned to Triple O for a few more updates and a mechanical refresh. After a few more years of light use, Cousins bought the bike back and is now offering it for sale.”
Maintenance:
“Bike was fully rebuilt and recommissioned.” The seller states: “Recent maintenance includes an oil change, fluid change, and installation of the Sachse Ignition with Bosch coils.”
Modifications:
“At the start of the 1999 rebuild, the engine was shipped to Brook Henry at Vee Two in Australia for a complete performance rebuild. With 41mm FCR carbs, the engine puts down 74 rear-wheel horsepower.
• Modified valve angle
• Sachse Ignition with Bosch GT40 Blaster coils
• Rebuilt transmission with upgraded clutch
• 300wt Ducati Alternator with matching Tympanium regulator
• Uprated BMW Funduro starter
The suspension was upgraded with Bitubo 340mm remote reservoir rear shocks; Race-Tech Gold Valve Cartridge Emulators and new tubes for the 38mm Marzocchi forks; a Bevel Heaven case saver and braided stainless brake and clutch lines.
The frame and fairings were repainted in the original livery. The lower fairings were modified into a two-piece configuration and can be removed independently. The panels now wear 916-style Dzus fasteners. The inside surfaces of the fairing have been resurfaced for a cleaner look and easier cleaning, the rear inner fender was swapped with an SD fender to make room for larger air cleaners, and the turn signals were replaced by Stein Dense modern reproduction pieces.
The bike was treated to rideability upgrades including a fast-turn push-pull throttle; a modern start/kill switch; and a Throttlemeister bar weight/throttle lock. The bike also features fused, modern power plugs for accessories and a ball mount for a phone or GPS unit.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop Arrowmax GT501 tires that have aged out.
The sale includes 1 ignition key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Forest Park, Illinois, this Ducati is offered on a clean Illinois title. Have any MHR 900 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
