Highlights

Recently imported from Japan and UK registered
Highly original and unmodified MHR
Very rare original ‘bikini’ screen
Previously part of a private collection in Japan

The Appeal

It was definitely a marriage of outsiders. When ailing Ducati signed ageing Mike Hailwood to race at the 1978 Isle of Man TT, nobody expected great results. Yet despite 11 years in retirement, ‘Mike the Bike’ still had it, so Fabio Taglioni’s big bevel-drive Desmo Twin, and the combination nabbed the Formula One title, no doubt in the face of the competition’s dropped jaws.

To celebrate Ducati released this bike, the Mike Hailwood Replica (MHR). It was a huge success, replenishing the firm’s depleted financial reserves and rejuvenating interest in the brand. 7,000 were sold over seven years, later versions from 1981 being notable for their split fairing.

The vendor bought this highly original 1983 MHR earlier this year. Now UK registered, it spent its life up to that point in Japan in a private collection. This likely explains the unmodified, preserved condition and may also explain the low displayed mileage, although that isn’t verified.

The MHR celebrates a key moment in Ducati’s history and the partnership of two biking legends. It’s rare to find one this original and well kept.

Key Information

Mileage: 9,573 km (5,948 miles) indicated
Country of registration: previously Japan, now United Kingdom
Technical inspection status: exempt
Technical specs: 864cc V-twin petrol, 5spd manual
Paperwork: Some paperwork as shown, V5C, HMRC documents, Ducati Owners Club certificate

The Detail

Factory standard bike in red with red and green decals in very good order
Bike is said to be highly original so some age to note to paint, body and fittings
Two piece fairing with ‘bikini’ nose
Gold alloy wheels
Black Ducati-branded seat
Clear dials reading in kph
Imported to UK and UK registered from April 2026
Previously in Japan as part of a private collection
Vendor says, 'the lower fairing was removed in order to photograph the MHR in detail. It will need recommissioning but the bike is complete'
Photographs represent the condition

BEFORE YOU BUY

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✓ The seller is registered as a private seller which means consumer rights stemming from EU consumer protection law do not come into effect. However, you are still covered by Car & Classic’s own Terms and Conditions..

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