Ducati 500SL Pantah (1980)

Ducati 500SL Pantah (1980)

The Ducati 500SL Pantah, unveiled in Milan in 1977, marked a significant shift in the Italian manufacturer’s approach to motorcycle design. This mid-weight marvel boasted exceptional performance, courtesy of its over-square 90-degree V-twin engine featuring desmodromic valve gear and belt-driven cams.

The Pantah’s styling was undeniably distinctive, with its angular fairing and trellis frame exuding a sense of raw power and agility. Handling was superb, thanks to the lightweight chassis, although some may have found the suspension lacking in refinement.

As the top speed reached an impressive 117mph, this bike proved itself no slouch, and mods could even boost it by up to 10mph. More than a decade after its introduction, many of the innovative ideas first realized in the 500 Pantah continued to influence Ducati’s design philosophy.

Key Specifications

Engine TypeFour stroke, 90Ltwin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic, 2 valves per cylinder, belt driven
Engine Capacity499 cc / 30.45 cu in
Max Power33.1 kw / 45 hp
Fuel Tank Capacity18 L / 4.8 US gal / 4.0 Imp gal
Seat Height29.9 inches / 760 mm
Ducati 500SL Pantah (1980)

All Specifications

Make & Model

ModelDucati 500SL Pantah
Year1980

Engine

Engine TypeFour stroke, 90Ltwin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic, 2 valves per cylinder, belt driven
Displacement499 cc / 30.45 cu in
Bore x Stroke74x 58 mm
Compression Ratio9.5:1
Max Horsepower33.1 kw / 45 hp
Engine Management System2x Dell’Orto PHM 36 mm carburetors.

Performance

Top Speed196 km/h / 121.8 mph

Transmission

ClutchWet, multi-plate
Gearbox5 Speed
Primary Drive Ratio2.226:1 (31/69)
Gear Ratios1 st 2.500 / 2nd 1.714 / 3rd 1.333 / 4th 1.074 / 5th 0.900:1 (from 1981: 0.931:1)
Final DriveChain

Electrical & Electronics System

BatteryYuasa 12V 14Ah
StarterElectric

Chassis & Suspension

Frame TypeTubular steel trellis frame
Front Suspension35mm Marzocchi or Paioli fork
Rear SuspensionMarzocchi or Paioli dual shock absorbers with 3-way adjustable coil springs

Wheels & Brakes

Front Tire Size100/90-18
Rear Tire Size110/90-18
Front Brakes2 x 260mm Discs, 2 piston calipers
Rear BrakesSingle 260 mm disc, 1 piston caliper

Dimension & Weights

Overall Length2150 mm / 84.6 in
Overall Width670 mm / 26.4 in
Overall Height1160 mm / 45.7 in
Seat Height29.9 inches / 760 mm
Wheelbase57.1 inches / 1450 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity18 L / 4.8 US gal / 4.0 Imp gal
Dry Weight180 kg / 397 lbs

Features

  • Mid-weight motorcycle designed for performance
  • 90 V-twin engine
  • Desmo valve gear
  • Toothed belts for camshaft drive
  • 60-degree valve angle
  • Trellis frame design
  • Light weight for its class
  • Excellent handling
  • Suspension was perhaps lagging behind the rest of the bike
  • Unique styling with fairing design
  • Top speed of 117mph (original model)
  • Can be modified to reach speeds over 127mph
  • Engine features an over-square bore and stroke design
  • Vertically split crankcases
  • Plain big end bearings used instead of caged roller bearings
  • Belt-driven cams
  • SOHC design
  • Hydraulic clutch in later models
  • Larger front brake calipers in later models
Ducati 500SL Pantah (1980)
Ducati 500SL Pantah (1980)
Ducati 500SL Pantah (1980)

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