The Ducati 500SL Pantah is a mid-weight masterpiece that defied the odds of its time. Conceived by Fabio Taglioni to reclaim the big-boy market for Italians, this V-twin powerhouse boasts an exceptional combination of performance and refinement.
Its 90-degree twin cylinder engine, featuring Desmo valve gear and toothed belts driving the cams, is a work of art that delivers both raw power and silky smoothness. The result is a bike that’s as comfortable on the highway as it is thrilling in the twisties.
With its light trellis frame and exceptional handling, the Pantah is a joy to ride, even if its suspension lags slightly behind its peerless performance capabilities. And then there’s the styling – love it or hate it, this bike looks like nothing else on the road.
The 500SL Pantah may have been overshadowed by its later 600TL sibling, but it remains an iconic machine that influenced a decade of Ducati design and engineering. Even more than a decade after its introduction, the ideas born in this bike continue to shape the brand’s identity.
Key Specifications
Engine Type
Four stroke, 90Ltwin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic, 2 valves per cylinder, belt driven
Engine Capacity
499 cc / 30.45 cu in
Max Power
33.1 kw / 45 hp
Fuel Tank Capacity
18 L / 4.8 US gal / 4.0 Imp gal
Seat Height
29.9 inches / 760 mm
*n/a – information not provided by manufacturer
All Specifications
Make & Model
Model
Ducati 500SL Pantah
Year
1981
Engine
Engine Type
Four stroke, 90Ltwin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic, 2 valves per cylinder, belt driven
*We strive to provide the most comprehensive and accurate specifications possible. However, certain details may not be available if the manufacturer did not disclose them or if the information is no longer publicly accessible. If you find any discrepancy with any data on this site, please feel free to let us know at contact@throttlecraze.com
