The 1988 Honda Hawk GT 647 from Japan was powered by a 647cc OHV V-twin producing 60hp at 8000rpm. Weighing 179.0kg (395 lbs) and with a seat height of 780mm, it was aimed at cafe racer riders.
The 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL, hailing from Italy, by contrast offered 498cc of SOHC L-twin belt power, delivering 44hp at 8500rpm. Tipping the scales at 168.0kg (370 lbs) with a top speed of 175km/h (109 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
| 1988 Honda Hawk GT 647 | 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 647 cc | 498 cc |
| Power | 60 hp | 44 hp |
| Torque | 55.0 Nm | 38.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 2 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 190 km/h | 175 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 179.0 kg | 168.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 195.0 kg | 182.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 780 mm | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1410 mm | 1380 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 13.0 L | 16.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1988 Honda Hawk GT 647 is built for spirited café-racer style riding, while the 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL targets aggressive cornering and track-day performance. On paper, the 1988 Honda Hawk GT 647's 60hp trumps the 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL's 44hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1988 Honda Hawk GT 647 if you value spirited café-racer style riding; pick the 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL for aggressive cornering and track-day performance.
About the 1988 Honda Hawk GT 647
Honda released the 1988 Honda Hawk GT 647 in 1988 with a 647cc OHV V-twin powerplant making 60hp — a definitive cafe racer.
Full 1988 Honda Hawk GT 647 Profile →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 →