For sale: 1985 Ducati Supersport Mike Hailwood replica MHR
Built to celebrate the accomplishments of Mike “the Bike” Hailwood, the Ducati Supersport Mike Hailwood Replica (MHR) featured the company’s traditional air-cooled v-twin, desmo valves (still with bevel drive), a stout but lightweight tube frame, and top-shelf componentry all wrapped up in an aerodynamic full fairing. The effect was certainly beautiful, and these MHR models continue to elicit interest from collectors around the world.
From the seller:
The Ducati MHR Mille is a racing legend. In 1978 a many times World Champion named Mike Hail-wood made a fairy-tale comeback aboard a beefed-up street bike and against all odds won one of the most prestigious races of all time – the gruelling, six lap, 226 mile Formula One TT on the Isle of Man. In 1984 however, a bike was launched to thrill every Ducati lover the world over – a 1000cc MHR, a bored and stroked version of the popular 900MHR, bigger and better than ever. The big V-twin’s calling card has always been massive torque. The bike has tall gears and long legs while the motor sports two of the biggest pistons in captivity. It is not a high-rewing engine but makes plenty of power low down, in a relaxed, unhurried manner. The new 1000 machine has been substantially updated and comes with revised bevel drive, Nickasil barrels, a hydraulically operated dry clutch and a new, one piece, nitrided crankshaft running in plain bearings. In perfect primary balance, the 90 degree V-twin still features Ducati’s original desmodromic valve operation with rockers that both open and close the valves. The frame is a delicate-looking but immensely strong and rigid open spine type cradle using the crankcase as a structural member. The large full fairing hides the skeletal, rather elemental profile of the bike though nothing can disguise its thunderous performance. There is nothing frantic about riding a Ducati even on an open road. The low frontal area and a very long wheelbase give excellent stability and roadholding. The Ducati is a pure, unadulterated thoroughbred; a lean and hungry racer, one of the last real motorcycles. Many have described the essential Ducati experience as being akin to riding God’s own motorcycle. Despite its considerable charisma and the myths and folklore that have sprung up around it, it is a fact that in the real world, a large Ducati is as fast on a tar road, point-to-point, as any comparable bike. Long may Ducati continue to flourish. Make Model Ducati 900MHR Mike Hailwood Replica Year 1985 Engine Air cooled, four stroke, 90°“L”twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic 2 valve per cylinder. Capacity 864cm3 Bore x Stroke 86 x 74..4 mm Compression Ratio 9.5:1 Induction 2x 40mm Dell’Orto PHM carbs. Ignition / Starting Bosch electronic / kick Max Power 80 hp @ 7500 rpm Max Torque 63.5 ft-lb @! 5800 rpm Transmission / Drive 5 Speed / chain Front Suspension 38mm Marzocchi oil damped telescopic forks. Rear Suspension Marzocchi dual shocks 5-way spring preload. Front Brakes 2x 280mm discs 2 piston calipers Rear Brakes Single 260mm disc 1 piston caliper Front Tyre 100/90 V18 Rear Tyre 120/90 V18 Dry-Weight / 202 kg Fuel Capacity 18 Litres Consumption average 53.6 mp/g Standing ¼ Mile 12.5 sec / 109 mp/h Top Speed 133.5 mp/h Comes with Original Workshop Manual Original Paint Regular maintenance performs by certified Ducati Technisions. Garage Kept. for more info call 845 222 2111 steve ,BIKE RUNS AND DRIVES LIKE BRAND NEW TEST RIDES ARE WELCOME ANYTIME , MAY CONSIDER REASONABLE OFFER
The seller’s ad text does not make it clear if this is an MHR900 (the earlier, more common model), or an MHR1000 – both are mentioned, but I would make an educated guess that it is the latter due to the bike’s age (post-1984 MHRs featured the larger engine). There is no VIN supplied in the ad, so I was not able to look that up. It is also not clear who thought the aftermarket luggage rack on the rear was a good idea – although if you buy the bike you could be the quickest and most stylish pizza delivery person ever! Something to think about.
This is by all counts a rare, desireable and collectable motorcycle. Past MHRs featured by RSBFS have been bid up over $15,000, and I expect this one to be the same. Action on this auction has been modest up to this point, and the bid currently sits below the $10k mark. The reserve is still on, so there is much yet to play for on this bike.
To get in on the action (you know you want to!), or just to check out the beautiful pictures of this classic Ducati, click on the link and . Good Luck!
MI
The 1000cc MHR came with red fork sliders, red top and bottom tripple trees. The frame and engine numbers started with ZDM1000R. The 900cc MHR came with black fork sliders, black top and bottom tripple treess. I brought the ZDM1000R MHR brand new in 1985. This bike picuted is a MHR 900cc. Regards;