2001 Ducati MH900e
Miles: 2,000
Clean Title
Bid at Post: $4,850
Auction ends: May 26th, 2025
No Reserve
One of the most wildly striking motorcycles of the modern era, the Ducati MH900e was a concept bike turned production machine, although to say it was anything approaching practical might have been pushing things a bit. With styling inspired by NCR’s racing machines of the 70s and 80s, and a name that references Ducati’s successful relationship with famous rider Mike Hailwood, it was the most outrageously impractical product of famed stylist Pierre Terblanche’s time with Ducati. Produced between 2001 and 2002, just 2000 were built and most are rarely, if ever actually ridden: the fuel tank holds just 2.2 gallons, performance from the fuel-injected 904cc two-valve air-cooled Desmodue engine was unimpressive, even when the bike was new, and the ergonomics were torturous at best, with a long reach to the bars and most riders needing to be on tippy-toes to touch the ground at a stop. But the gorgeous, swooping bodywork and tail section, the elegant dash, and the stunning trellis frame/swingarm make this a design for the ages, even if it’s one that’s best admired in your living room…
Ducati MH900E limited edition. Only 2000 made this first year… but if you are looking at this you already know what this is. Some modifications done as you can see from the photos including the exhaust which was triple chrome nickel plated. Luimoto seat, larger California Customs fuel tank and pump. This has been in my collection for about 10 years, mostly on display. Includes original stand as in photo.
If that van in the background is any indication, this very rare Ducati MH900e is being sold by the same individual as the Bimota Tesi 3D we posted on Thursday. It needs a bit of TLC to make it the showstopper it was always meant to be: it’s hard to tell from the photos, but it looks like there’s dust on the frame, there are some… unfortunate Rizoma-style grips, and the seller mentions it will need fluids and a battery… best to assume it just needs everything. It’s also missing the fakey, bolted-on engine sump-extension, something I always hated but would be virtually unobtainable if you’re a collector interested in originality. A big plus if you intend to actually ride this thing is that CA Cycleworks fuel tank he mentions is installed [but not pictured], as it holds a whopping 4.6 gallons of fuel, more than double the capacity of the stock unit, filling up most of the space under the “tank,” and includes a molded-in provision for the battery. It might take a bit of time and money before it’s road-worthy, but the end result would be worth it: handling was considered to be superlative, even if power was modest. And you will most definitely generate interest wherever you go!
-tad
