In flannel red and just in time for gift giving season, the prince of retro commemoratives. Styled by Pierre Terblanche in honor of Mike Hailwood’s 1978 Isle of Man win, the MH900E is a mix of leading edge and vintage, in both looks and technology.
2000 Ducati MH900E for sale on eBay
Red and silver from nose to tail, the MH900E has a showy trellis frame and endurance-inspired fairing. The venerable 904cc air-cooled desmodue pushes just 75 ponies, with a nice torque band courtesy of electronic fuel injection. Two-into-two exhaust exits behind the solo seat. Chain drive, six-speed, dry clutch all standard. Suspension is more current with 43mm upside down forks and Paoli monoshock on the spaceframe swingarm. Brakes are thankfully modern, dual 4-piston 320mm disks, and a lone 220mm disk at the rear.
Offered by an Oregon dealer, this MH900E looks impeccable, with 1,476 miles and no visible updates. No mention of maintenance, so that would be a discussion item unless it’s going in the dining room. Photos show the full Monte of t-shirt, plaque and paperwork for number 1609 of 2000.
This is actually Ducati’s third Hailwood commemorative, the 1979 was a repli-racer, and the 1984 a tribute shortly after his death. Tested as a vintage handler, read stable and torquey. Evidently a surprisingly enjoyable ride, not so different than a 900SS, but maybe not all day because of the long reach to the handgrips and high footpegs. Most are subject to shelf wear rather than real wear and tear, few appear with more than break-in miles. The run of 2000 sold out quickly, now MH prices are all over the map, this one actually on the lower end of the curve. Santa, mine will need new belts and tires, and likely bar-backs and adjustable pegs, because it’ll be a rider – at least an oil change or two per year… Happy Christmas !
-donn
I’lll take the 1st generation MHR’s. Here’s a good lesson that form follows function (1st gen. MHR’s) and styling for styling’s sake doesn’t always work (this one).
I am fortunate enough to own both generations, a 1982MhR and a 2001 MHE and love both for what they are but I have no idea why they called the 01 Mike Hailwood, maybe they should have called it Ducati Evolutione and let the bike earn his own reputation. What’s funny is how Ducati capitalized big on Mike Hailwood’s name when he was not even racing for the factory. So to issue 2 generation bike commemorating a great champion who actually never raced for Ducati os quite interesting. Mike Haolwood was a great champion and he deserves to be remembered, I am very grateful and humbled to have both his commemorative bikes in my house. I think the 1st Generation MHR is a bike desired by every motorcycles enthusiast but the 2001. Is not for everyone! The styling is a deal breaker for many, I love it. Good luck with the sale.