1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL
A sport bike from 1981, the 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL delivers 44hp from its 498cc SOHC L-twin belt engine.
Specifications
Engine
- Type
- SOHC L-twin belt
- Displacement
- 498 cc
- Cylinders
- 2
- Power
- 44 hp @ 8500 rpm
- Torque
- 38.0 Nm
- Compression
- —
- Bore × Stroke
- 74.0 × 58.0 mm
- Cooling
- Air-cooled
- Fuel System
- 2x Dell'Orto carburetors
Chassis & Transmission
- Frame
- Steel tube trellis
- Front Suspension
- Telescopic fork
- Rear Suspension
- Twin shock
- Front Brake
- Dual disc
- Rear Brake
- Single disc
- Front Tyre
- —
- Rear Tyre
- —
- Transmission
- 5-speed
- Final Drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top Speed
- 175 km/h (109 mph)
- ¼ Mile
- —
Dimensions & Weight
- Dry Weight
- 168 kg (370 lbs)
- Wet Weight
- 182 kg (401 lbs)
- Seat Height
- 790 mm
- Wheelbase
- 1380 mm
- Ground Clearance
- —
- Fuel Capacity
- 16.0 L
History & Story
The 1981 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL was introduced by Ducati as a sport bike aimed at riders seeking sport bike performance and style. Manufactured in Italy, it represented Ducati's vision for the twin-cylinder sport bike market during the 1980s.
At the heart of the 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL sits a 498cc SOHC L-twin belt engine producing 44 horsepower at 8500 rpm. The twin-cylinder powerplant features a twin-cylinder layout with air-cooled cooling, fed by 2x Dell'Orto carburetors. Power reaches the rear wheel through a 5-speed transmission and chain final drive.
Built around a steel tube trellis frame, the 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL suspends its 168 kg (370 lbs) on telescopic fork forks and twin shock rear units. Braking relies on dual disc at the front and single disc at the rear, with a 1380 mm wheelbase providing stability.
Performance-wise, the 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL achieves a claimed top speed of 175 km/h (109 mph). With a generous fuel capacity of 16.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for sport bike duties. The seat height of 790 mm makes it comfortable for most riders.
At the heart of the 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL sits a 498cc SOHC L-twin belt engine producing 44 horsepower at 8500 rpm. The twin-cylinder powerplant features a twin-cylinder layout with air-cooled cooling, fed by 2x Dell'Orto carburetors. Power reaches the rear wheel through a 5-speed transmission and chain final drive.
Built around a steel tube trellis frame, the 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL suspends its 168 kg (370 lbs) on telescopic fork forks and twin shock rear units. Braking relies on dual disc at the front and single disc at the rear, with a 1380 mm wheelbase providing stability.
Performance-wise, the 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL achieves a claimed top speed of 175 km/h (109 mph). With a generous fuel capacity of 16.0 liters, it offers reasonable range for sport bike duties. The seat height of 790 mm makes it comfortable for most riders.
Known Issues
- Desmo valve adjustment requires specialist knowledge
- Electrical system (early models use basic components)
- Dry clutch rattle at idle (character, not defect)
Fun Facts
- The 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL was produced in Ducati's Italy facilities
- The 1981 Ducati Pantah 500SL featured a steel tube trellis frame typical of 1980s design philosophy
Collector Information
- Parts Availability
- Moderate
- Collector Rating
- 6/10
Resources & Parts
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