I bought my Hailwood as a student about 25 years ago, against all better judgement I went to college on a Hailwood, but it did it's job. Now it's only used occassionally when I need a fix but is however always road legal and ready to ride. 66,000km on the clock and mostly original- even the shocks and hand grips which are quite polished now.
I particularly wanted to have an earlier version with goldline calipers, red mudguards and no side panels but also wanted it late enough for the split fairing- bikes around the end of 1980 and beginning of 1981 had that combination and I was lucky enough to find one.
I run it on straight 50 or 40 depending on the ambient temperature, do all my own maintenance now, which is pretty much just oil/filter changes, balance the carbs a couple of times a season and check the shims every couple of years. I replaced the pistons and crankpin a few years ago.
After I could afford to get the Duchess some company in the barn, I ride her even less of course which makes it even more special- other bikes (in my signature) belonging to me and my wife.
Most recent addition is the 851 tricolore which is a bike I never had any interst in; until after seeing a couple for sale recently, decided that could be the right sort of bike for me. Indeed it has a lot of the special handbuilt feeling of earlier Ducatis that I don't see on the newer models, maybe Desmoseidieci excepted?
Funny thing is, now that the Hailwood is not my only 'nice' bike I tend to ride her a lot harder than when I had to worry about the repair costs more. It just gets more fun
enough waffling, here's a pic
after getting back from the Nurburgring last August, a bit of oil working it's way out of the rear head joint, which is actually the last time I rode her, I've got a plan to get her out again in a week or 2.
DB2 behind in disgrace for blowing the clutch slave cylinder oil seal the day before
You don't suppose I've got a thing about red white and green do you?
all the best
Ian
