Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1986 Ducati MHR Mille. Please note: VINData incorrectly lists the bike as a 2016.
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.” But just like the average human, as the bike got older, it got softer.
By 1985 (the last update to the series), the motor was bored out to 973cc and the model name got changed to MHR Mille as a result. Output numbers went up – 76 horsepower and 62 pound-feet of torque, but it also got Brembo brakes, Conti exhaust, an electric starter, different gauges, folding foot pegs with rubber inserts, adjustable Verlicchi clipons, and more. Between ’85 and ’86, approximately 1,100 MHR Milles were built, and they were the last bevel-drive twins to come from Ducati. For more on the MHR, check out this article on Motorcycle Classics.
This example is VIN: ZDM1BA5N0GB100918. The seller purchased the bike a year ago from a collector in Florida and notes, “I purchased this bike from the 2nd owner who kept the bike on display for the last 30 years. It was never run during that time period. The bike is in immaculate condition and runs excellent.”
The odometer shows 6,682 kilometers (4,150 miles).
Maintenance:
The seller reports no mechanical issues and states, “Oil and filter change, brake fluid change, rebuild carbs, clean fuel system and tank.”
Modifications:
Aftermarket exhaust.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Metzeler ME33 Laser and Metzeler Perfect ME99A tires which have aged out with date code 506.
The sale includes two keys, factory tool kit, and maintenance book.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Vero Beach, Florida, this Ducati is offered on a clean Florida title. Have any MHR Mille stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
