Sportbikes
1981Ducati 500 SL Pantah
19 fields on record
The 1981 Ducati 500 SL Pantah is a lightweight sport-tourer that appeals to riders seeking nimble handling and Italian character. Known for its innovative desmodromic valve system and compact V-twin engine, it delivers responsive performance with genuine agility. This accessible middleweight excels in mixed riding conditions, offering a perfect balance of sporty capability and everyday usability.
- Capacity
- 497.0 ccm
- Engine
- V-Twin
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Wet weight
- 202.0 kg
- Seat height
- Not on record
Know it? Add it → - Power
- 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 8500 RPM
How it rides
Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested- Best for
- Spirited sport riding on twisty back roads and light sport-touring, delivering feel and engagement over outright speed.
- Built for
- The pioneering belt-drive Pantah L-twin: charismatic, torquey desmo engine, sweet-handling trellis chassis, a landmark classic Ducati.
- Not ideal for
- Not for beginners wanting easy upkeep, riders needing modern power and speed, off-road use, or heavy two-up long-distance touring.
Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.
Engine
- Capacity
- 497.0 ccm
- Power
- 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 8500 RPM
- Engine type
- V-Twin
- Power/weight ratio
- 0.2475 HP/kg (wet)
- Bore x stroke
- 74.0 x 57.8 mm
- Compression
- 9.5:1
- Cooling system
- Air
- Valves per cylinder
- 2
- Torque
- Not on record - add it
Transmission
- Gearbox
- 5-speed
- Transmission type
- Manual
- Final drive
- Chain
Performance
- Top speed
- 180.0 km/h (111.8 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Brakes & wheels
- Front brakes
- Dual disc
- Rear brakes
- Single disc
- Front tyre
- 3.25-18
- Rear tyre
- 3.50-18
Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.
What changed, year to year
Differences highlighted| Specification | 1981 | 1982 | 1983 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Capacity | 497 cc | 497 cc | 497 cc |
| Fuel capacity | 18 L | 18 L | 18 L |
Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.
Rider Reviews
Common questions
What is the engine size of the Ducati 500 SL Pantah?
The 1981 Ducati 500 SL Pantah has a Capacity of 497.0 ccm (30.33 cubic inches).
What engine power does the Ducati 500 SL Pantah have?
The 1981 Ducati 500 SL Pantah has a Power of 50.0 HP (36.8 kW) @ 8500 RPM.
How many gears does the Ducati 500 SL Pantah have?
The 1981 Ducati 500 SL Pantah has a Gearbox of 5-speed.
How much does the Ducati 500 SL Pantah weigh?
The 1981 Ducati 500 SL Pantah has a Wet weight of 202.0 kg (445.3 pounds).
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