Ducati MH900e – The Mike Hailwood 900 Evoluz...

Ducati MH900e – Mike Hailwood 900 Evoluzione

With Phil Aynsley

This motorbike historical past function takes us again to a New Yr’s Day 25 years in the past to check out the primary motorbike to be supplied on the market instantly by a serious producer through the web – the Ducati MH900e (Mike Hailwood 900 Evoluzione).

The bike started as not more than a sketch by Pierre Terblanche, head of Ducati’s Design Division on the time as a homage to Mike Hailwood’s 1978 IoM successful 900F1, and was proven as a prototype on the Intermot Present in 1998.

The general public’s response was beneficial sufficient that the corporate adopted up with a questionnaire on their web site to additional gauge curiosity. In consequence it was determined to go forward with a restricted manufacturing run of 1000 bikes with orders having the ability to be positioned at 0001 on January 1st, 2000. All 1000 have been offered instantly! Subsequently it was determined to supply one other 1000.

The manufacturing bike used a inventory 900SS motor (fitted with an alloy imitation bevel engine sump) however put in in a brand new tubular metal chassis that featured a sinuous single-sided swingarm. Terblanch’s prototype featured a lot of avant-garde options such because the rear indicators being housed contained in the muffler ends and a rear-view digicam and show as a substitute of mirrors that didn’t make it into manufacturing.

Nonetheless the remainder of the bike was remarkably near the unique sketch together with the alloy headlight encompass and the beautiful display mountings. Apparently Ducati put the prototype up for public sale at Sotheby’s in September 1999 with a US$ 1 million reserve, however whereas that was not met the bidding did attain $750,000!

Manufacturing was initially deliberate to be subcontracted to Bimota however that modified after they entered receivership so the bikes ended up being hand in-built a nook of the Ducati manufacturing facility at a charge of 4-5 per day. In consequence manufacturing was unfold throughout 2001 and into 2002.

As a result of extra restrictive exhaust system the MH900e’s most output was 4 hp down on the 900SS at 75 hp reached at 8000 rpm.

The chassis dimensions are: wheelbase 1415mm, steering head angle of 24.5 levels and 98.5mm of path. 17 inch Marchesini wheels (a novel sample and the identical because the prototype) and four-piston caliper Brembo brakes are fitted.

Dealing with was reported as being glorious, even higher than the 900SS. The bike seen right here is quantity 147/2000.

Ducati MH900e (Mike Hailwood 900 Evoluzione) Specs

Ducati Mike Hailwood 900 Evoluzione Gallery