The 1989 Honda GB500 TT from Japan was powered by a 498cc SOHC single producing 40hp at 7000rpm. Weighing 170.0kg (375 lbs) and with a seat height of 790mm, 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
| 1989 Honda GB500 TT | 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 498 cc | 498 cc |
| Power | 40 hp | 44 hp |
| Torque | 39.0 Nm | 38.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 1 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 160 km/h | 175 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 170.0 kg | 168.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 184.0 kg | 182.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 790 mm | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1395 mm | 1380 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 14.0 L | 16.0 L |
| Gears | 5 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1989 Honda GB500 TT is built for spirited café-racer style riding, while the 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL targets aggressive cornering and track-day performance. On paper, the 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL's 44hp trumps the 1989 Honda GB500 TT's 40hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1989 Honda GB500 TT if you value spirited café-racer style riding; pick the 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL for aggressive cornering and track-day performance.
About the 1989 Honda GB500 TT
The 1989 1989 Honda GB500 TT packs a 498cc SOHC single engine with 40hp into a cafe racer package from Honda.
Full 1989 Honda GB500 TT 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 →