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The 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL and 1988 Ducati 851 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 1988 Ducati 851 by contrast offered 851cc of DOHC L-twin 4-valve Desmo power, delivering 102hp at 9000rpm. Tipping the scales at 186.0kg (410 lbs) with a top speed of 245km/h (152 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 1988 Ducati 851 by contrast offered 851cc of DOHC L-twin 4-valve Desmo power, delivering 102hp at 9000rpm. Tipping the scales at 186.0kg (410 lbs) with a top speed of 245km/h (152 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 | 1988 Ducati 851 | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 498 cc | 851 cc |
| Power | 44 hp | 102 hp |
| Torque | 38.0 Nm | 82.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 175 km/h | 245 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 168.0 kg | 186.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 182.0 kg | 202.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1380 mm | 1430 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 16.0 L | 16.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 6 -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 1988 Ducati 851 pushed output to 102hp. From a collector's perspective, the 1988 Ducati 851 holds the edge with a 9/10 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 1988 Ducati 851
The 1988 1988 Ducati 851 packs a 851cc DOHC L-twin 4-valve Desmo engine with 102hp into a sport bike package from Ducati.
Full 1988 Ducati 851 Profile →