Worth every penny (1979 Ducati MH replica)

[Forest]

Has anyone else seen this?

http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Ducati-1979-Mike-Hailwood-Replica_W0QQitemZ190240079177QQihZ009QQcategoryZ10 2690QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

After 29 years it is still an incredible machine.

[Crisis management]

After 29 years it is still an incredible machine.

Well maybe......

When I rode the bloody things the fairing scraped on the ground under cornering, the wheels suffered stress cracking & the occasional catastrophic failure.

Other than that they were a nice 900ss with a different paint job, amazing how rarity increases value tho.

PS. I wouldn't say no if someone gave it to me.....

[Boob Johnson]

Awesome LOOKING machine :msn-wink:

[Forest]

Well maybe......

When I rode the bloody things the fairing scraped on the ground under cornering, the wheels suffered stress cracking & the occasional catastrophic failure.


Perhaps that's what makes the surviving examples so desirable! :)

[EJK]

"Kick" start? :blink:

Edit: Aaah its 1979's bike... but still... Question: Is it easy to kick start a 900cc bike?? haha

[Pwalo]

"Kick" start? :blink:

Edit: Aaah its 1979's bike... but still... Question: Is it easy to kick start a 900cc bike?? haha

Well I remember kick starting a TT500 back in the 70s, and that was interesting. I imagine the 900 would be challenge. Just imagine push starting the thing at the start of a race!

[xwhatsit]

"Kick" start? :blink:

Edit: Aaah its 1979's bike... but still... Question: Is it easy to kick start a 900cc bike?? haha
Electric starts just add weight (quite a lot, mebbe 10kg or more in that sort of era) and complexity -- not what you want on a sports bike.

Not too bad to start, it's a twin. You'd struggle much more with a 500cc single. Dad had a 900SS (what this is based on) -- just make sure the ignition timing is set right, and you're away. Don't give it a soft kick and you don't need to worry about it kicking back.

I've always thought the MHRs were hideous. The proper 750SS and 900SS were gorgeous, perfectly proportioned, have to be one of the most beautiful bikes ever made. 900S2 less so.

[Kornholio]

"Kick" start? :blink:

Edit: Aaah its 1979's bike... but still... Question: Is it easy to kick start a 900cc bike?? haha

My mate has a ,82 MHR, kickstart only and he has got the kicking part sussed....has to stand on the right hand side and throw all his weight into it, but starts first pop....he took his fairings off cos they kept wearing out due to normal cornering lol

[HenryDorsetCase]

"Kick" start? :blink:

Edit: Aaah its 1979's bike... but still... Question: Is it easy to kick start a 900cc bike?? haha

I kick started my mates 900SD back in that day: I weighed about 60kg back then.... Its about commitment and technique..

[HenryDorsetCase]

Just while we're on Ducatis, we've all seen the Poggipolini and NCR sites, right?

if not: mmmmmmmmm (http://www.ncrfactory.com/eng/index.shtml)

[jim.cox]

"Kick" start? :blink:

Edit: Aaah its 1979's bike... but still...

Question: Is it easy to kick start a 900cc bike?? haha


its <B>ALL</B> in the technique

either you got it

or you aint

in which case you'll be jumping up and down all day to no result

[F5 Dave]

Yeah I remember an Ode to the MHR in Two wheels I think. Pretty much the journalist had one for a while & was proclaiming it the worst most unreliable piece of shit he'd had. Pretty ugly too compared with a roundcase SS or even a clean GT, I know what I'd rather have.

[fireball]

"Kick" start? :blink:

Edit: Aaah its 1979's bike... but still... Question: Is it easy to kick start a 900cc bike?? haha

it sucks that bikes now days dont have kick starts.....as my father used to tell me "if you want to ride it enough you will learn to kick start it" i would love to kick start one of those old bikes.

[F5 Dave]

Lots of bikes nowadays have kickstarters. In fact I'd warrant most bikes nowadays have kickstarters. Apart from most MX bikes you'll find all the Asian countries that consume squat loads of bikes are kickstart. Just we are isolated in our little western world.

[Sully60]

Just while we're on Ducatis, we've all seen the Poggipolini and NCR sites, right?

if not: mmmmmmmmm (http://www.ncrfactory.com/eng/index.shtml)

Mmmmm, New Blue :drool: my ultimate dream machine, opps I've made a mess:o. Much better looking than the MHR, but lets not forget the history behind why that bike came about, they didn't call him Mike the Bike for nothing.


Just we are isolated in our little western world.

Yeah, bourgeoisie western pussies!

[T.W.R]

IF it's travelled only 2013kms from new why the fark has this guy done all that engine work on it ??? :whistle:

imagine trying to replace that one-piece fairing if it went down the road :sick::weep:

[Kickaha]

I'd actually be very keen to own a MHR although I'd like the later Mille engine model

[T.W.R]

I'd actually be very keen to own a MHR although I'd like the later Mille engine model

:innocent: No you wouldn't :oi-grr: horrible things :whistle:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=18276&d=1129879327

[Kickaha]

:innocent: No you wouldn't :oi-grr: horrible things :whistle:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=18276&d=1129879327

I've already owned a bevel drive Ducati (Darmah) and I'd have another tomorrow if I could afford it

And as much as I like the 900SS the MHR does it for me

[T.W.R]

I've already owned a bevel drive Ducati (Darmah) and I'd have another tomorrow if I could afford it

And as much as I like the 900SS the MHR does it for me


:Pokey: check the link that ain't no SS :lol:

[Kickaha]

:Pokey: check the link that ain't no SS :lol:

errrrrrrrr I did, there were also pics of an SS posted in the thread, the MHR in the link is a 900 and if I was getting a 900 I'd just go for another Darmah

[quallman1234]

What's electric start?, ive never owned a bike with of one those thingie migies. Long live the mighty kick start, mine's easy as tho!

[T.W.R]

errrrrrrrr I did, there were also pics of an SS posted in the thread, the MHR in the link is a 900 and if I was getting a 900 I'd just go for another Darmah




http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=18276&d=1129879327

:bash: You need glasses :yes:

That's a 86 MHR Mille

:bleh:

[Kickaha]

:bash: You need glasses :yes:

That's a 86 MHR Mille

:bleh:

I noticed that, I thought you meant the link in the first post :finger:
Spaghetti rubbish it all looks the same :lol:

[Forest]

I've a very fond memory of driving a car from Dunedin to Nelson in the mid-nineties for a sporting trip. As some point we got bogged down in the twisties and a MHR zoomed past us at warp speed.

It made quite an impression on my young self.

[doc]

I kick started my mates 900SD back in that day: I weighed about 60kg back then.... Its about commitment and technique..

The technique was simple bring it to just past TDC. and jump on it. Commitment :first: came into it with Ironhead sportsters. When you were about to jump on it with all your weight the pawl slipped and there was no resistance. Thats why you see a lot of old farts at rallies limping . :doctor:

[T.W.R]

I noticed that, I thought you meant the link in the first post :finger:
Spaghetti rubbish it all looks the same :lol:

:shifty: Just winding ya up

There's something not right with the 900 though :sherlock:

The production plate states the month/year of manufacture so it's actually a 1980 model if it was produced 12/79

If someone has done engine work on it as he states then with a sale like this the business who did the work would be stated and not every joe can work on these :nono:
Hopefully it was worked on at V2 under Brooke Henry's watchful eye.
And as a true collectable having been owned by collectors it wouldn't need any of the work stated

[Kickaha]

Hopefully it was worked on at V2 under Brooke Henry's watchful eye.


The very V2 who did the crank that failed in my bike due to poor hardening on the crank pin

Although they were good enough to replace it as it was just outside warrantry it still cost quite a bit for the labour to have the job done here

[T.W.R]

The very V2 who did the crank that failed in my bike due to poor hardening on the crank pin

Although they were good enough to replace it as it was just outside warrantry it still cost quite a bit for the labour to have the job done here

:2guns: And still they'd have forgotten more about bevel dukes than you've ever learnt :yawn:

The Darmah as good as it was was touted as Fabio's duke for the masses :shifty: the common man's entry level duke :bleh:

[fridayflash]

its <B>ALL</B> in the technique

either you got it

or you aint

in which case you'll be jumping up and down all day to no result
yeah..a bit like kick starting a T160 with 1000cc hyde fitted.
or kick starting a 500 2stroke in barefeet hehe

[Kickaha]

:2guns: And still they'd have forgotten more about bevel dukes than you've ever learnt :yawn:

Possibly, but mine wasn't the only failure they've had, they might be good but they're by no means infallible :finger:


The Darmah as good as it was was touted as Fabio's duke for the masses :shifty: the common man's entry level duke :bleh:

I'd be quite happy to have another "common mans entry level Duke" :yes:

The only thing the Darmah could have done with to make it better was a bigger fuel tank, 140km to reserve with it being hammered and only 170-180 taking it easy, although the 40mm carbs wouldn't help with that

[Drew]

Mmmmm, New Blue :drool: my ultimate dream machine, opps I've made a mess:o. Much better looking than the MHR, but lets not forget the history behind why that bike came about, they didn't call him Mike the Bike for nothing.


Not so keen on the exposed cam angle sensor, but the rest of it looks cool.

[Crasherfromwayback]

I'd actually be very keen to own a MHR although I'd like the later Mille engine model

Aye...the Mille was a much better motorcycle!

[TLDV8]

I'd actually be very keen to own a MHR although I'd like the later Mille engine model

Exactly.... I still remember walking into Auckland Motorcycles in 1985 and asking how much for cash for a new Mille(shell bearing crank),the answer was full retail ($14999),i walked out.

The 79 MHR in the link would not last long on unleaded if it still has the stock valve seats ??..A very nice machine all the same and good to ride.

<img src=http://i18.ebayimg.com/07/i/001/00/5b/fec4_1.JPG>


..... although the 40mm carbs wouldn't help with that

Swap to Keihin 41 FCR's and get the best of both worlds. :)

[T.W.R]

I'd be quite happy to have another "common mans entry level Duke" :yes:

The only thing the Darmah could have done with to make it better was a bigger fuel tank, 140km to reserve with it being hammered and only 170-180 taking it easy, although the 40mm carbs wouldn't help with that

You're not the only one who'd like a Darmah :msn-wink:

and no wonder it drank fuel and had a piss poor tank range :bash:

Darmahs as a stock item had 32mm Del' Orto PHM carbs not 40mm :nono:
They have to be set up properly to take 40s

:motu:



Swap to Keihin 41 FCR's and get the best of both worlds. :)

as above

:stoogie:

[RobRod]

I agree, Bob Brown & Ian Gowanloch were the people to see about bevels and early belts. Bob Brown was making four valve heads before Ducati was.

[Kickaha]

Now if only I had a spare $14,000:crybaby:

Ducati MHR Mille 1985 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-170303370.htm)

[T.W.R]

Now if only I had a spare $14,000:crybaby:

Ducati MHR Mille 1985 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-170303370.htm)

That's being cruel :crybaby:

This is as rare as rocking horse shit though :weep:

Formula Mirage (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-169235272.htm)

[98tls]

That's being cruel :crybaby:

This is as rare as rocking horse dug though :weep:

Formula Mirage (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-169235272.htm)
Very nice.For me though it ends with one of these,i remember standing on the side of the road listening to the old mans one coming my way on the Summit road,unforgettable indeed.In 36 years of riding bikes theres nothing else that if asked to "pick one bike" that makes you suck in your breath with emotion would do.MHRs are nice the darmah also but these things take my breath away.

[T.W.R]

Very nice.For me though it ends with one of these,i remember standing on the side of the road listening to the old mans one coming my way on the Summit road,unforgettable indeed.In 36 years of riding bikes theres nothing else that if asked to "pick one bike" that makes you suck in your breath with emotion would do.MHRs are nice the darmah also but these things take my breath away.

:2thumbsup That's pornography :drool: but the epitome of Dukes of that era has to be a green frame 750ss :yes:
But any big bevel on song barking through Conti pipes is the true meaning of what a decent V-twin should sound like :drool:

[98tls]

:2thumbsup That's pornography :drool: but the epitome of Dukes of that era has to be a green frame 750ss :yes:
But any big bevel on song barking through Conti pipes is the true meaning of what a decent V-twin should sound like :drool: Hear ya,the old fella had an 860 then the silver/blue 900 followed by the black/gold 900 but the siver one always stayed in my heart.Fwiw to me anyway a TLS at full noise through the twisty bits sounds almost as good..........hence.The grin on an old bevel lovers face when he rode the TL through the Hundaless was priceless.

[Kickaha]

Formula Mirage (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-169235272.htm)

I'd looked at that, but really the only Laverdas I'd be interested in would be a 120 degree Jota or the late eighties 1000SFC


Very nice.For me though it ends with one of these,i remember standing on the side of the road listening to the old mans one coming my way on the Summit road,unforgettable indeed.In 36 years of riding bikes theres nothing else that if asked to "pick one bike" that makes you suck in your breath with emotion would do.MHRs are nice the darmah also but these things take my breath away.

While I really do like the 750/900SS (and most of the bevel drives) the MHR wins in the biggest erection rating

[T.W.R]

I'd looked at that, but really the only Laverdas I'd be interested in would be a 120 degree Jota or the late eighties 1000SFC



While I really do like the 750/900SS (and most of the bevel drives) the MHR wins in the biggest erection rating

On the scale of Laverdas of that era the formula Mirage was the top dog :niceone: . Once fettled they're ballistic bikes, even with everything I've ridden over the years the 1200 was the most violent bike from 0-180km/h :first: pure magic
The SFC is delicious, still remember just spending hours drooling over the ones that Eric the Hood had in the shop back in the 80s

A bevel duke is a piece of art from any angle, timeless classics :msn-wink:

[sefer]

Very nice.For me though it ends with one of these,i remember standing on the side of the road listening to the old mans one coming my way on the Summit road,unforgettable indeed.In 36 years of riding bikes theres nothing else that if asked to "pick one bike" that makes you suck in your breath with emotion would do.MHRs are nice the darmah also but these things take my breath away.

I've got one of those in my garage right now :) (not mine sadly)

What I need to figure out is how to start the f***n thing! I don't think it's been started in over a year and kicking over a 900 is not proving easy.

[Zuki Bandit]

Very nice!!!

[jim.cox]

Very nice!!!

Try this for size then...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-170303370.htm

( it even comes with electric start )

[Kickaha]

Try this for size then...

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-170303370.htm

( it even comes with electric start )

I guess you missed this post earlier then:yes:

Now if only I had a spare $14,000:crybaby:

Ducati MHR Mille 1985 (http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Sports/auction-170303370.htm)

[jim.cox]

I guess you missed this post earlier then:yes:

I guess I did

But a bevelhead as sweet as that needs to be pointed out to the masses

[avgas]

fuck yeah awesome machine.
that and the john player norton.

or if your cheap the DH Darmah was sexy too

[Forest]

Auction finished at $36,102.00 AUD. That's $44,000 kiwi dollars at today's rates.

There can't be that many bikes which will ever go up in value.

[TLDV8]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&item=310094592765 :wacko:

My AU$612 bid was not even close. :laugh:

[gav]

http://www.trademe.co.nz/Trade-Me-Motors/Motorbikes/Motorbikes/Classic-vintage/auction-184878042.htm

Makes this a bargain then. Think Kickaha needs to update this thread to! :msn-wink:

[Voltaire]

nice bike but too rich for me, fortunately I bought one of those 'entry' level Darmahs 22 years ago and still have it.
As for kick starting it...if its in tune it starts in a couple of kicks, and no harder to kick than a XR 200.
As for fitting 40 mm carbs.....why bother, as the heads need to be opened up to suit and I'd rather have good low down and mid than high top end power I don't use.

The unloved 860 series are starting to creep up in value too, I fancied making one into a ss style cafe racer as it has most of the ingredients....spoke wheels, desmo looking ( valve spring) motor, loud exhausts.

[Hailwood]

I have owned 2 darmahs (80 and 82) and an 82 MHR..so here is my view.....I always wanted a MHR ever since I first saw one..thought they were just it..so I traded my Darmah in on one....biggest mistake of my life. The thing was a piece of shit...first 13 weeks i owned it, it was in the shop for 11 trying to be fixed. i had it six months and only put about 1100kms on it. Most goddamn uncomfortable thing to ride as well.

Both darmahs I had were great bikes with very little going wrong. Easy to ride, superb handling, so comfy.

As to the comments about 900SS..mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm yes please any day over a MHR and the green frame as well. Saw a 74 or 75 750 with cafe fairing in Fairlie a few years ago that almost lead to a changing of the pants..mmmmmmmmmmmmmm..ther eis definietly something about the old bevels for sure.

My first darmah had 40mm del ortos and the bike was set up by Bike Clinic in Wgtn (Dallas Rankine Ducati guru) and it went very well indeed.

[Kickaha]

I have owned 2 darmahs (80 and 82) and an 82 MHR..so here is my view.....I always wanted a MHR ever since I first saw one..thought they were just it..so I traded my Darmah in on one....biggest mistake of my life. The thing was a piece of shit...first 13 weeks i owned it, it was in the shop for 11 trying to be fixed. i had it six months and only put about 1100kms on it. Most goddamn uncomfortable thing to ride as well.

Both darmahs I had were great bikes with very little going wrong. Easy to ride, superb handling, so comfy.

.

What kind of problems did you have with the MHR that meant it spent that kind of time in the shops?

Your problems with the MHR sound more like "previous owner" maintainence problems rather than just MHRs being rubbish as the 900s share the same motor as the Darmah anyway

I had a Darmah and while I would generally agree with your comments reagrding handling and comfort at reasonable speeds,at speeds a bit higher than legally allowed it was uncomfortablewhich Is why I fitted the SS fairing, the other drawback is a piss poor fuel range

Now with owning a MHR I think it is far superior to the Darmah for sustained highway use especialy with the 300km+ fuel range, and is more comfortable than the Darmah to ride at "speed"

[Hailwood]

It may well have been that particular bike...everything that could go wrong did..it would start no worries and run till warm. i would switch her off and go and get ready and then she wouldnt start, that sort of thing..the bike shop apparently couldnt find what was wrong after 11 weeks..pfftt...I do agree about the darmah fuel range though always looking for a petrol station after about 160-180kms..nice bike though