It's turned its wheels under its own power for the first time in a few years... sounds blooming amazing!
Got my bill today, anyone want to buy an MHR? (Only kidding, about the sale... not the bill. I’ll be wincing at that for weeks if not months) On an extremely related topic, what the hell is going on at Ducati UK? I spoke to the factory in the summer about getting a data sheet for the MHR to satisfy the DVLA and secure my reg / logbook. Fabiana at Bologna quickly confirmed all is legit and said I should go through my dealer and get Ducati UK to ask officially for the data sheet from the factory (process, sir). Not a problem, except for the fact that the person dealing with this left Ducati UK and a sizeable backlog. I’m sure we’ll get there but things like this remind me just how small Ducati is in lots of ways. It’s good though, stops me riding the MHR on salty roads... I’ve got all winter to bother Ducati UK and the DVLA.
Recommission, paint, parts... I decided this wasn’t the bike to have a ham-fisted “my first bevel” experiment with. The work undertaken has been done to a higher standard than I could have achieved. I’m really happy with it.
Having restored a Pantah last year I know exactly where you are coming from. The paintwork alone cost me over £700 but I'm happy as there is no way I could have done it myself and the result was well worth it.
Still tussling with getting the data sheet. Am presently trying to convince the homologation department at Bologna that DM860SS is the homologation number for an early MHR and not just a 900SS... am wondering if anyone knows if there's an MHR in their museum I could encourage them to check the homologation number of? Bevel Heaven and many other sources confirm MHR definitely used the DM860SS homologation number, at least in 1979 and 1980. Anyhoo... thought I might stick up these homologation sheet pictures, as they might be interesting to folks following this thread. Might even get these printed and framed as they're quite nice.
For anyone interested to know that DM860SS is indeed a designation used for MHR... Mr Falloon's book appears to corroborate things. Conclusion is that my bike is a 1980 900 Replica (Second Series), and I believe it's the 82nd such bike produced and appears to be a matching numbers bike. Now... if I can just convince the factory that it's not a 2003 800SS...
DVLA need the data sheet to confirm that the bike is what it says it is... I think. At least their advisor said that would be the least painful way. TBH I'm quite enjoying the research, little things like the homologation sheets above are really interesting to me. Knowing the angle of the numberplate, for example, is utterly useless but fascinating. At least this has provided an opportunity to send Liveo Lodi a "LinkedIn" request...
Mines an early 81 Fire (no side cover model) and interestingly doesn't fall within Fallons numbers. My frame number is DM900r designated but falls before the 500 he has listed, although he has written aprox.
Very close to the top one listed Fire, just the frame number is slightly before the 901500 listed. But as said its aprox. The number 163 next to his listings? Surely not production numbers for the year?
Page number in the book Yep, I think approximate is the right spirit. I also dug into the numbering on Bevel Heaven, I guess you already know that site too?
Yes mate know the site, has great info on there, Steve is also great to deal with as far as parts go.
Great news this morning from Bologna, the Homologation Department have confirmed that the Historic Department have confirmed the bike's details and as a matching numbers bike it's recognised by the factory. Declaration is being prepared! Next stop, DVLA!
