DUCATI 900 MHR (1981-1982) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1981, the Italian bike maker released the Ducati 900 MHR, also known as the 900 Mike Hailwood Replica. The bike was an exact version of the machine Mike Hailwood rode in the 1978 Isle of Man race, winning the Tourist Trophy.

It was in its third year of production, boasting the same visual, technical, and performance specifications as previous models without any modifications whatsoever, except for a 20 mm larger front brake disc and revised tank graphics. Also, the bike was fitted with a kickstarter instead of an electric one.

Visually, the bike was similar to previous models, packing standard features, like a full fairing with a round headlight up front, a large windscreen especially designed for the rider to tuck his head in during high speeds, a single seat, and five-spoke alloy wheels.

The motorcycle was manufactured around a steel trellis frame with a 38 mm Marzocchi telescopic fork on the front and dual adjustable shock absorbers on the rear, providing excellent suspension performance and handling.

The bike's wheels were fitted with two 280 mm brake discs on the front coupled to dual-piston calipers and a 260 mm disc on the rear wheel tied to a single-piston caliper, providing excellent stopping power.

The 1981 Ducati 900 MHR packed the same 864cc four-stroke air-cooled V-twin engine as previous models, fed by two Dell'Orto carburetors, delivering an output power of 80 hp at 7,500 rpm and 85 Nm (63 lb-ft) torque at 5,800 rpm.