c1981 Ducati 900 MHR Motorcycle (Project)

Description

In 1978 Mike Hailwood won the 1978 Isle of Man Tourist Trophy race aboard his Ducati 900 Super Sport. Towards the end of 1973, Ducati was developing its 860 GT with no plan to create a Super Sport edition. But when sales were slower than expected, a Super Sport version was hatched. This was the inaugural 900 Super Sport. Somewhat perversely, Ducati equipped this machine with loud Conti mufflers, unfiltered carburettors and a right-hand gearshift, all of which meant it could not be sold in the US; this was a barely disguised street-racer! But the 900 Super Sport was in such demand, that an American edition was produced in 1976. By 1978, the 900 Super Sport had been considerably refined and most examples were equipped with wire-spoked Borrani wheels. But a special version was sold in the UK with black and gold paintwork and Speedline magnesium-alloys. After Hailwood’s great victory, it must have seemed what we would now call a no-brainer to produce the Mike Hailwood Replica (MHR), in the racing red and green livery and with gorgeous gold Campagnolo alloy wheels.