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• Auction House:
  Donington Auctions
• Sale Name:
  Collectors' Motorcycles & Cars (New South Wales)
• Sale Date:
  12 Dec 2021 ~ 12noon (AEDT)
• Lot #:
  9
• Lot Description:
  1984 Ducati 900 Mike Hailwood Replica - One of only 1,457 electric start 900 MHRs
  In 1978 Mike Hailwood came out of retirement to win the TT Formula One race at the Isle of Man on an NCR Ducati 900. After an absence of 11 years, and against the odds, the then 38-year-old Hailwood won the race at an average speed of 174 km/h, with a fastest lap of 177 km/h. Hailwood claimed it was, "the easiest TT I can remember" and It remains one of Ducati's greatest race victories. The Ducati factory was so elated that, as they had done six years earlier after the Imola 200, they promised street Mike Hailwood Replicas. In typical Ducati fashion they took some time to appear, but they duly arrived later in 1979. The first Mike Hailwood Replicas were based on the kick-start only 900 Super Sport and in the early 1980s it became the most popular bevel-drive model in Ducati's line-up. But the market for kick-start only bikes was diminishing, and during 1983 Ducati released an updated electric start version. Although larger and heavier, it was also more refined. While still retaining the 864cc engine and roller bearing crankshaft, new engine covers took the style back to the earlier round-case. Underneath these new covers was a dry hydraulically operated multi-plate clutch, and a much smaller and neater Nippon Denso electric starter motor. Internally, the engine was as before, with the same 9.3:1 compression ratio, and 40mm Dell'Orto "pumper" carburettors. The claimed power of 72 horsepower at 7,500rpm. To allow for a larger battery to power the electric start, the frame was a newer 900 S2 type and the 18-inch Oscam wheels now accepted tubeless tyres. Styling wise, the fairing was narrowed considerably from the previous version. New indicators, tail light and instrument panel, along with slotted side covers, completed the update. Between 1979 and 1986 Ducati built more than 7,000 Mike Hailwood Replicas but even when it was released it was arguably obsolete. While other sporting motorcycles were embracing single shock rear suspension, quicker steering geometry and 16-inch front wheels the Mike Hailwood Replica remained a relic of the past. With its slow steering, basic non-adjustable Marzocchi front fork and twin rear shock absorbers technically it was still very similar to Ducati's 750 twin of nearly a decade earlier. The Mike Hailwood Replica was neither a state-of-the art sports bike nor true race replica but it had an unmistakable style and presence. Even today this is a bike that gets noticed. And it was all due to the great Mike Hailwood providing Ducati their first World Championship at the Isle of Man more than forty years ago. This 1984 900 Mike Hailwood Replica is a Japanese import and has undergone an extensive restoration and mild customisation. Although the bike had only covered 11,000 kilometres the bike has been refurbished by Brad Allen from Brads Vintage bikes Queensland. The engine cases were split, vapour blasted and rebuilt with new seals, bearings and rings. The original Conti mufflers and header pipes were rechromed and the non-standard Marzocchi shock absorbers rebuilt. These shock absorbers are from an earlier model 900 MHR. The brakes were rebuilt with new lines and all chrome, including the fork tubes, redone. The frame was stripped and repainted, the wheels powder coated in Prismatic gold (close to the original colour) and fitted with new tyres, while the wiring was replaced and the bodywork redone with show quality paint and decals. The only item missing is the unobtainable tachometer drive and as a result the tachometer doesn't work. Custom features include the white-faced Nippon Denso instruments (a common Japanese modification), rear bevel "gear gazer", aftermarket modern indicators, vintage 1973-style 750 GT CEV taillight, later model Ducati remote reservoir clutch and front brake master cylinders, smoked windshield and aftermarket footpegs. This motorcycle is presented in beautiful condition and is ready to display or ride. The odometer displays only 11,836 km. This motorcycle is being sold unregistered.
• Estimate:
  A$28,000 - 36,000
• Realised Price:
  *****
  

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• Category:
  Automobiles & Accessories

This Sale has been held and this item is no longer available. Details are provided for information purposes only.