More Miles by Plane – 1984 Ducati DM900 Mike Hailwood

One of very few riders to be honored by Ducati with two different commemoratives, Mike Hailwood returned to racing after 11 years in cars, winning the Isle on Man in 1978, and Ducati released a similarly painted 1979 900 Super Sport.  Sadly, he was killed in a traffic accident in 1981, and Ducati produced a 1984 S2 model as a commemorative.

1984 Ducati DM900 Mike Hailwood for sale on eBay

One of the later bevel-drive engines, the 864cc desmodue with gear driven cams generates almost as much torque as its 80 hp.  Fuel is metered by twin 40mm Dell’Orto carburetors.  Marzocchi provided 38mm forks and dual rear shocks.  Familiar Brembo brakes are dual 280mm front and 260mm rear.  The beautifully bodied biposto has a nicely designed mono seat fairing.

Having turned a little over 10,000 miles, this MHR has undergone “light restoration”, though the auction doesn’t provide details, it looks great.  Front calipers have been upgraded to four piston, and Conti two-into-one exhaust might be an upgrade also, though it was standard in some markets.  The warning light part of the dash has been replaced by an LED box, which detracts from the overall factory looks.  From the eBay auction:

Nice original Ducati 900 MHR which we imported from New Zealand but was originally delivered new in Japan – frame number DM900R1905587. 

 

The motorcycle has traveled a mere 10,037 miles or 16,000 kilometers since new and is a later electric start model, which was only in production for one year before being superseded by the final bevel 1000 Mille model.

 

The fairings have been refinished and look nice, with no obvious cracks or blemishes. The only non-original items on the motorcycle are the later model dual piston Brembo front caliper upgrade (which is nice and if anything vastly improves braking performance over the original single piston setup). The warning lamp cluster in the instrument panel has been replaced with a simple LED setup. There is a nice two into one Conti silencer fitted, which sounds great and is in excellent condition.

Having travelled further from NZ to TX than it ever did on the road, this Mike Hailwood could be the start of a nice collection.  By now a legend, the DM900 reviewed as a great bike on the road, long and stable with good wind protection.  Major developments for cam drive and suspension ( and 1000cc ) were right around the corner, but the carbureted bevel is one of the greats.  This MHR is a rare tribute to a great champion.

-donn