VS
The 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL and 1986 Ducati Pantah 650SL represent two chapters in Ducati's storied history.
The 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL from Italy was powered by a 498cc SOHC L-twin belt producing 44hp at 8500rpm. Weighing 168.0kg (370 lbs) and with a seat height of 790mm, it was aimed at sportbike riders.
The 1986 Ducati Pantah 650SL by contrast offered 649cc of SOHC L-twin belt power, delivering 56hp at 8000rpm. Tipping the scales at 168.0kg (370 lbs) with a top speed of 185km/h (115 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1980s motorcycles are the rising stars of the collector market. Early sportbikes and final-generation air-cooled models are gaining strong interest.
The 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL from Italy was powered by a 498cc SOHC L-twin belt producing 44hp at 8500rpm. Weighing 168.0kg (370 lbs) and with a seat height of 790mm, it was aimed at sportbike riders.
The 1986 Ducati Pantah 650SL by contrast offered 649cc of SOHC L-twin belt power, delivering 56hp at 8000rpm. Tipping the scales at 168.0kg (370 lbs) with a top speed of 185km/h (115 mph), it offered a distinct riding experience. 1980s motorcycles are the rising stars of the collector market. Early sportbikes and final-generation air-cooled models are gaining strong interest.
Specifications Comparison
| 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL | 1986 Ducati Pantah 650SL | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 498 cc | 649 cc |
| Power | 44 hp | 56 hp |
| Torque | 38.0 Nm | 52.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/h | 185 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 168.0 kg | 168.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 182.0 kg | 183.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1380 mm | 1380 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.0 L | 16.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
Comparing these two Ducati machines reveals the brand's evolution. The 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL laid the groundwork with 44hp, while the later 1986 Ducati Pantah 650SL pushed output to 56hp. From a collector's perspective, the 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL holds the edge with a 6/10 rating. Either way, both are worthy additions to any Ducati collection.
About the 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL
A sport bike from 1981, the 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL delivers 44hp from its 498cc SOHC L-twin belt engine.
Full 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL Profile →About the 1986 Ducati Pantah 650SL
The 1986 1986 Ducati Pantah 650SL is a 649cc twin-cylinder sport bike that became one of Ducati's most memorable motorcycles of the 1980s.
Full 1986 Ducati Pantah 650SL Profile →