The 1989 Yamaha FZR750R OW01 from Japan was powered by a 749cc DOHC inline-4 5-valve producing 118hp at 12000rpm. Weighing 180.0kg (397 lbs) and with a seat height of 785mm, it was aimed at racing 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 Yamaha FZR750R OW01 | 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL | |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 749 cc | 498 cc |
| Power | 118 hp | 44 hp |
| Torque | 72.0 Nm | 38.0 Nm |
| Cylinders | 4 | 2 |
| Top Speed | 260 km/h | 175 km/h |
| Quarter Mile | — | — |
| Dry Weight | 180.0 kg | 168.0 kg |
| Wet Weight | 196.0 kg | 182.0 kg |
| Seat Height | 785 mm | 790 mm |
| Wheelbase | 1400 mm | 1380 mm |
| Fuel Capacity | 18.0 L | 16.0 L |
| Gears | 6 -speed | 5 -speed |
The Verdict
These two machines serve fundamentally different purposes. The 1989 Yamaha FZR750R OW01 is built for outright circuit racing performance, while the 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL targets aggressive cornering and track-day performance. On paper, the 1989 Yamaha FZR750R OW01's 118hp trumps the 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL's 44hp, but raw numbers don't tell the whole story in such different segments. Choose the 1989 Yamaha FZR750R OW01 if you value outright circuit racing performance; pick the 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL for aggressive cornering and track-day performance. Parts availability is difficult for the 1989 Yamaha FZR750R OW01 and moderate for the 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL — an important factor for any restoration project.
About the 1989 Yamaha FZR750R OW01
The 1989 1989 Yamaha FZR750R OW01 is a 749cc four-cylinder racing machine that became one of Yamaha's most memorable motorcycles of the 1980s.
Full 1989 Yamaha FZR750R OW01 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 →