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
- Mike Hailwood Replica Spare Tank Included
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
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