1979 DUCATI 900 SS - MIKE HAILWOOD REPLICA MK1

This 1979 Ducati 900SS Mike Hailwood Replica ‘Mk1’ is a stunning restored example of the period replica built by the Italian marque to celebrate the great racer’s victory in the 1978 Isle of Man TT, where Hailwood was riding an ex-works 900SS. It is powered by an 864cc air-cooled L-twin, coupled to a five-speed manual gearbox. The odometer shows 34,309 miles.

Now known as the Mk1, the first series of the Mike Hailwood Replica (MHR) was built as a limited run of just 500 units, are more sought after by collectors compared to the far more numerous Mk2 models. Compared to the standard 900SS, the MR features larger Dell’Orto carburettors, and with just a wire mesh disc covering the intake trumpet rather than an air filter. Straight-through Conti exhaust pipes replaced the standard 900SS silencers, and the power output was increased to around 76hp - a notable performance gain.

This particular 900SS MHR is frame number 17 of just 500 built, making it one of the very earliest examples to leave the factory. An original UK-market bike, it was first registered on 20 May 1980, and has just three previous registered keepers on the log book - the third of which kept the bike for 31 years. The current owner acquired it two-and-a-half years ago.

During the current ownership, Italian bike specialist Motori di Marino in West Sussex was tasked with restoring this MHR, and as such it presents today in beautiful condition, with the correct red and green livery, period-correct mechanical features, and gorgeous polished exhausts. It also has the rare factory specified bi-posto seat, which has been re-trimmed.

Notably, it retains the original one-piece fairing and fibreglass tank cover. There are Brembo brakes front and rear, and while the bike currently wears stronger O.S.C.A.M. Ducati wheels, the rare original Speedline items - also fully restored - are included in the sale.

Mechanically, this 900SS MHR is in superb condition, with the original L-twin engine having been fully rebuilt for the last owner by Ducati specialist Baines Racing in Northamptonshire. It has covered limited miles since then.

The most recent MOT test was on 4 April 2018 at 34,301 miles, which was a first-time pass with no advisories whatsoever. While it has not been tested since then, it has covered just 8 miles, and it will soon be exempt from annual testing on the basis of age.

This Ducati 900SS Mike Hailwood Replica is a beautifully restored and mechanically rebuilt example of the desirable ‘Mk1’ model, retaining period-correct finishes throughout and significant original components. It is a thrilling bike to ride on the road or track, capable of well over 130mph where regulations permit, and would make a fine addition to any collection.

All UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Collecting Cars are run through an online HPI check. This vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft, and has no finance owing.