Mike Hailwood replicas are simply the business. It doesn’t matter what make the legend rode that’s being replicated, MH replicas are just plain valuable and desirable in the motorcycle world and this beautiful CB750 Mike Hailwood replica is no exception. Though this example does a great job of looking the part of the iconic RC166, sporting Hailwood’s machine’s period correct livery complete with period correct sponsor’s stickers (placed correctly too might I add), this machine is actually built around a CB750 instead of the RC’s far more unique 249.42cc in-line six with its seven speed tranny.
Having said that, this MH replica example includes dozens of custom parts specially made for this build that add up to one seriously impressive machine that clearly benefited from its builder’s acute attention to detail. Starting with a ’79 CB750, the machine was completely stripped down prior to the engine being rebuilt with race-spec Viton seals throughout and new valves, oil-cooler, dual-circuit oil-pump, endurance sump, Venhill quick-action throttle, and Keihin CR 31mm carbs (which were set up on a rolling road dyno). Wrapped around the upgraded power plant is a powder-coated frame that had been shortened by 9-inches. A new one-off four-into-one racing exhaust was mounted, furthering the historical accuracy of this replica/tribute build.
The performance upgrades don’t stop at the power plant however, the suspension has been upgraded on this example through the use of a CB900 fork, while the brakes are superior to the stock equipment with this example sporting CB900 calipers with CB500T front disks, all connected through stainless steel braided lines. Sitting atop the shortened frame is a handmade one-off Holtworks alloy tank and a Bill Roberts seat unit and fairing. New custom-made clip-ons and rear-sets (w/ new linkages) were fixed to the machine along with a non-period-correct digital display that features a lap timer and a projector beam headlight. The entire build is sitting on 18-inch Morad SS race-spec alloy rims with heavy-duty stainless steel spokes, with the front being laced to a ’72 CB750 hub and the rear laced to the original drum-brake hub.
Even though many people think of Ducati when they hear the name Mike Hailwood, he actually had a lengthy and historically significant career with Honda who was still and up-and-coming manufacturer when they first signed Hailwood. The latter half of his career when he made his triumphant comeback wouldn’t include Honda but his time with the Japanese manufacturer nonetheless made its mark on Motorsport history. Even after leaving Honda, Hailwood was still paid (in today’s money what would be) over a million dollars in exchange for agreeing not to pilot any other manufacturer’s machines.
One of our readers – Greg Z. – rebuilt an awesome little RC166 replica that Abhi featured a few years back that’s definitely worth a read if you’re a fan of the iconic Japanese racer that dominated in the ’66 season. Petrolicious also did a great piece on the iconic RC166 that includes some excellent photos of the bike’s internals and inner workings.
You can find this beautiful and remarkably convincing Mike Hailwood replica CB750 for sale on the Bike Shed in Weymouth, United Kingdom with a price of $24,760 (or £19,000) here on The Bike Shed. Interestingly the seller had the Vintage Motorcycle Club LTD evaluate and assess the value of this machine so despite the price tag appearing to be a bit outrageous, it was born from a calculated process, albeit the seller then went and tacked an extra £1k onto the value the VMC LTD determined. A photo of the letter the seller received from the VMC LTD is included in the ad and is pretty cool to see.