Highlights
- Recently imported from Japan and UK registered
- Highly original and unmodified MHR
- Very rare original ‘bikini’ screen
- Previously part of museum and private collections in Japan
The Appeal
This was definitely a marriage of unlikely partners. When ailing Ducati signed ageing Mike Hailwood to race at the 1978 Isle of Man TT, nobody expected big results. Yet despite 11 years in retirement, ‘Mike the Bike’ still had it, and with Fabio Taglioni’s big bevel-drive Desmo Twin, the combination took the Formula One title—no doubt to the astonishment of the opposition.
To celebrate Ducati released this bike, the Mike Hailwood Replica (MHR). It was a huge success, replenishing the firm’s depleted financial reserves and sparking fresh interest in the brand. 7,000 were sold over seven years, with later versions from 1981 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 museum and private collections. That likely explains the unmodified, well-preserved condition—and it may also account for the low displayed mileage, although that isn’t verified.
The MHR marks a key moment in Ducati’s history and the partnership of two riding legends. It’s rare to find one this original and so 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
- The bike is said to be highly original, so you’ll want to note some age to the paint, bodywork and fittings
- Two-piece fairing with ‘bikini’ nose
- Gold alloy wheels
- Black Ducati-branded seat
- Clear dials reading in kph
- Imported to the UK and UK registered from April 2026
- Previously in Japan as part of museums and private collections
- Vendor says: ‘The lower fairing was removed in order to photograph the MHR in detail. It will need recommissioning, but the bike is complete.’
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