Description
PLEASE NOTE: This bike was previously listed as a 900S2. However, Iconic has confirmed this is a Mike Hailwood Replica (MHR). According to author and Ducati expert Ian Falloon, “This is actually quite a rare model, only sold in Japan as far as I know. I only know of three of these. They were a 1983 900 MHR kickstart with leftover 1982 900 SS frames using a 900 S2 frame number sequence to confuse everyone.”
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
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 homologation 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.
As a side effect of the spontaneous production run, the values can vary quite a bit depending on the year of production. Regardless, basic specifications include a 72 horsepower, 863cc V-Twin with a 5-speed gearbox and a top speed of 137 miles per hour.
This example is VIN: DM860SS092818, engine #: 097025. It came to Iconic as an import from Japan.
The odometer shows 23,313 kilometers (14,486 miles).
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us change the oil and oil filter, clean and sync the carbs, flush the brakes, and replace the petcocks. Our service department notes the following in their condition report:
Gas Tank Condition: Ok, but made from fiberglass
Tire Years – Front: 0811; Rear: 1316
Tire % – Front: 90%; Rear: 90%
Tire Pressure – Front: 32PSI; Rear: 34PSI
Brake % – Front: 80%; Rear: 70%
Hydraulic Fluid Front: NEW; Rear: NEW
Engine Oil – NEW
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Passing Light: Ok
Parking Light: Ok
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: NOT WORKING
Fork: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Final Drive: OK
Battery:
OCV: 12.8V
Charging: 13.7V
• No test ride (Tires 10+ years old)
Notes:
– 860 Engine
– Bike has no starter
– Rusted front disc
– Fiberglass tank
– Old tires
– Vertical carb pilot jet orifice damaged. Needs replacement carb(s).
– Vertical cylinder has scoring on internal cylinder walls (visible through spark plug hole)
– Horizontal cylinder spark plug hole has heli-coil.
Modifications:
This MHR has been re-styled as a tribute to the 900SS.
Aftermarket bodywork, turn signals.
Fiberglass tank.
Conti pipes, Öhlins shocks.
Tommaselli throttle.
Aftermarket footpegs.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Metzeler Sportek Klassik tires with date codes of 1316 and 0817.
The sale includes two keys.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Ducati is offered on a clean Washington title. Please note that as an import, this bike lacks certain compliance and emissions stickers that the state of California would require to transfer a title. Have any MHR stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
