1983 Ducati 900 MHR
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HIGHLIGHTS
• Rare and highly collectable
• Excellent unrestored example
• Correct frame and engine numbers
• Very low mileage
• Recent maintenance
THE BACKGROUND
Following Mike Hailwood’s amazing come-back victory at the 1978 TT, Ducati launched the Mike Hailwood replica in 1979 and soon realised they had a hit on their hands.
Based on the 900 SS, the MHR styling was largely the same as the original factory race bike and featured the same Bevel Drive V-twin engine, chassis and front suspension although the rear shocks were 20mm longer to accommodate the extra weight of the full fairing and larger fuel tank.
Based on the 900 SS, the MHR styling was largely the same as the original factory race bike and featured the same Bevel Drive V-twin engine, chassis and front suspension although the rear shocks were 20mm longer to accommodate the extra weight of the full fairing and larger fuel tank.
Mass production began in 1980 and 200 were initially imported to the UK from the Bologna
factory. A new three-piece fairing was deployed with each side being removable making it easier to service, and from 1982, side panels and a larger 24-litre metal fuel tank and quieter Silentium silencers were added.
Other minor cosmetic changes followed, and in 1984, a hydraulic clutch appeared and the engine capacity was enlarged to 973cc (in line with the S2). The bike was renamed the Mille Replica Desmo, but after Cagiva took over Ducati, the production run of this Iconic bike came to end in 1986. Around 7,000 MHR’s were built.
THE HISTORY
This Ducati 900 MHR was first registered in the UK from new on the 10th February 1983 and benefits from the later production run improvements. It looks unrestored but has clearly been well cared for by the previous owner who enjoyed it for 30 years!.
Since acquiring the bike on the 29th January 2017, the current owner and Ducati enthusiast has also enjoyed riding it and has attended to any servicing and maintenance requirements. He is keen to highlight that this is indeed an original and genuine unrestored bike and describes it as “in good condition for it’s age”.
It has been carefully garaged and has only travelled around 1,000 km in the last four years. The owner has a couple of other motorcycles including a Ducati 900 project which he wishes to spend time and resources on now.
THE PAPERWORK
The V5c is present in the owners name and details the correct frame and engine numbers.
The ‘PASS’ MOT is valid until the 2nd April 2023, and looking online, has passed every year back to 2012 when the mileage was recorded at 21,793 km. The bike is currently on SORN.
Accompanying paperwork also includes some previous MOT’s and recent parts receipts from Ducati specialists such as Mdina Italia Ltd, West Yorkshire, and Bevel Heaven, California.
THE CONDITION
This stunning MHR is resplendent in the original bright red, green and white competition colours and retains the correct Logos and decals.
Cosmetically speaking, this example is not in concours condition but is still remarkably presentable with minimal signs of use. There are, as expected, some small chips to the paintwork on the double cradle frame, ancillaries and fibreglass panels (see photos). The three-piece fairing is in excellent shape along with the 24-litre fuel tank and side panels. The single racer seat (which cleverly converts to dual seats), is also in good condition.
Unlike the SS, the MHR sports improved Nippondenso instrumentation and switchgear. We are assured that all this functions correctly and looks spot on. All the mechanical components are clean and appear damage-free and the frame and engine numbers are clearly visible.
THE MECHANICS
The 900cc Desmo Bevel Driven V-twin four-stroke engine produces around 80bhp@7500rpm with a torque of 64.5ft-Ibs@5800rpm and can potentially propel you to 137mph with the help of the 40mm Dellorto carburettors, Bosch electronic ignition and 5-speed gearbox.
Once purchased, the owner set about servicing this very low mileage bike attending to the Desmo valve clearances and changing the oil and filter. He also installed a new chain and sprockets, new Metzeler tyres and fitted stainless steel Conti replica exhausts. The Dellorto carbs’ have also been re-jetted to SS specification and new conical mesh air filters added.
The owner tells us that this Ducati now accelerates and handles well and stops well too with the aid of the Brembo callipers and 280mm discs. The bike sits on the original gold alloy Ducati wheels and, as mentioned, relatively new Metzeler Lasertec tyres.
THE APPEAL
The success of the commemorative 900 MHR certainly elevated Ducati sales in the early 1980’s and offered a unique ownership experience. They exude their own individual charismatic sound and provide significant low-down grunt and are reportedly sure-footed and composed at speed - as you would hope from a competition-derived machine.
This low mileage example embodies Ducati’s racing heritage and is ready to thrill with every twist of the throttle, and being rare and collectable, is also destined to climb in value.
Notice to bidders
Although every care is taken to ensure this listing is as factual and transparent as possible, all details within the listing are subject to the information provided to us by the seller. Car & Classic does not take responsibility for any information missing from the listing. Please ensure you are satisfied with the vehicle description and all information provided before placing a bid.
As is normal for most auctions, this vehicle is sold as seen, and therefore the Sale of Goods Act 1979 does not apply. All bids are legally binding once placed. Any winning bidder who withdraws from a sale, is subject to our bidders fee charge. Please see our FAQs and T&C's for further information. Viewings of vehicles are encouraged, but entirely at the seller's discretion.
Vehicle specification
- Year 1983
- Make Ducati
- Model 900 MHR
- Colour Red
- Odometer 24,120 Kilometres
- Engine size 900
Auction Details
- Seller Type Private
- Location Dorset
- Country United Kingdom
32
bids
- Pa•••• £13,250 18/05/22
- Gm•••• £13,000 18/05/22
- da•••• £12,500 18/05/22
- ma•••• £12,250 18/05/22
- da•••• £11,750 18/05/22
- Pa•••• £11,500 18/05/22
- da•••• £11,250 18/05/22
- Pa•••• £11,000 18/05/22
- Ma•••• £10,600 18/05/22
- da•••• £10,300 18/05/22
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