Ducati 500 SL Pantah (1980)

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The Ducati 500SL Pantah was a motorcycle model produced in 1980, powered by a four-stroke L-twin cylinder engine with a capacity of 499 cc. The engine was equipped with belt-driven SOHC desmodromic valves and 2 valves per cylinder. The bike had a compression ratio of 9.5:1 and induction was provided by two Dell’Orto PHM 36 mm carburetors. It had a Bosch PTZ Electronic ignition and a Yuasa 12V 14Ah battery that enabled an electric start. The bike generated a maximum power of 33.1 kW/45 hp @ 9050 rpm. The clutch was wet, multi-plate and the transmission was a 5-speed gearbox, with a chain final drive ratio of 2.533:1 (15/38).

The frame was a tubular steel trellis and the bike had a front suspension of 35mm Marzocchi or Paioli fork, while the rear had Marzocchi or Paioli dual shock absorbers with 3-way adjustable coil springs. The front brakes were two discs with 2-piston calipers, and the rear brakes were a single disc with 1-piston caliper. The bike had a front tire size of 100/90-18, and a rear tire size of 110/90-18. Its dimensions were 2150 mm in length, 670 mm in width, and 1160 mm in height, with a wheelbase of 1450 mm and a seat height of 760 mm. The dry weight of the bike was around 180 kg, and its fuel capacity was 18 L. The bike had a top speed of 196 km/h and was tested by Bike Magazine.

Technical specifications:

Make Model: Ducati 500SL Pantah

Year: 1980


Engine: Four stroke, 90 degrees L twin cylinder, SOHC, desmodromic, 2 valves per cylinder, belt driven
Capacity: 499 cc / 30.45 cu in
Bore x Stroke: 74 x 58 mm
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
Induction: 2x Dell’Orto PHM 36 mm carburetors.
Ignition: Bosch PTZ Electronic
Battery: Yuasa 12V 14Ah
Starting: Electric
Max Power: 33.1 kW / 45 hp @ 9050 rpm
Clutch: Wet, multi-plate
Transmission: 5 Speed
Primary Drive Ratio: 2.226:1 (31/69)
Gear Ratios: 1 st 2.500 / 2nd 1.714 / 3rd 1.333 / 4th 1.074 / 5th 0.900:1 (from 1981: 0.931:1)
Final Drive Ratio: 2.533:1 (15/38). From 1981: 2.786:1 (14/39)
Final Drive: Chain

Frame: Tubular steel trellis frame
Front Suspension: 35mm Marzocchi or Paioli fork
Rear Suspension: Marzocchi or Paioli dual shock absorbers with 3-way adjustable coil springs
Front Brakes: 2 x 260mm Discs, 2 piston calipers
Rear Brakes: Single 260 mm disc, 1 piston caliper
Front Tyre: 100/90-18
Rear Tyre: 110/90-18
Dimensions: Length: 2150 mm / 84.6 in Width: 670 mm / 26.4 in Height: 1160 mm / 45.7 in
Wheelbase: 1450 mm / 57.1 in
Seat Height: 760 mm / 29.9 in
Dry Weight: 180 kg / 397 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 18 L / 4.8 US gal / 4.0 Imp gal
Top Speed: 196 km/h / 121.8 mph
Road Test: Bike Magazine

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