A bit down on their luck in the late seventies and early 1980’s, Ducati brought out a string of repli-racers celebrating Mike Hailwood’s 1978 Isle of Man win. The ultimate was a 973cc desmodue, claiming 76 hp and and a new frame design. This collector bike has under 3,000 miles and would make an outstanding addition to any stable.
1984 Ducati Mike Hailwood Replica Mille for sale on eBay
Though largely a 900 Super Sport below the waterline, the MHR had the exciting full body and national paint, as well as Marzocchi suspension front and rear, triple Brembo disks, and gold Oscam 18-inch alloys. The new liter engine used the bevel-gear-driven cams, plain bearings and had a healthy increase in torque to 62 ft.-lbs.
Apparently un-restored, this Mille still has the original rubber, and everything else. Wafer-thin fairings look excellent, as do the option Conti mufflers. The Texas owner says this in the eBay auction:
The Hailwood Mille is the final development of the bevel drive engine. This bike has only 4356 km, original condition with orig tires, Conti 2 into 1 exhaust system. SS front brake lines. This bike would make a great addition to any Ducati collection.
Riders of a certain age will recall Mike Hailwood as a great champion who drove Formula 1 cars as well as bikes. Though earlier MHR machines celebrated his comeback TT win, later editions marked his untimely 1981 death. Either way the MHR made up a healthy percentage of Ducati sales. Cagiva’s Castiglioni brothers liked Ducati’s new belt-driven cam engine so much, they bought the company, and wound bevel production down as Ducati finished up development of the 750 F1. Some collectors focus on a model’s introductory years and some see value in later developments. Often displacement increases are part of the development, in this case a great reason to look into this very collectible Mike Hailwood Replica.
-donn
