Segment:
        
        
            Sportbike / Naked Bike
        
     
    
        
            Era Significance:
        
        
            Key model in Ducati's transition to modern V-twin sportbikes
        
     
    
    
        
            Competitors:
        
        
            Honda CB500, Suzuki GS550, Yamaha XS500
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Architecture:
        
        
            Air-cooled, 90-degree L-twin (Desmodromic valve actuation)
        
     
    
        
            Frame Design:
        
        
            Steel trellis frame
        
     
    
        
            Performance Focus:
        
        
            Nimble handling, torquey engine characteristics
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine:
        
        
            Overhaul, tuning, carburetor adjustment, timing, lubrication system
        
     
    
        
            Transmission:
        
        
            Gearbox disassembly and assembly, clutch operation, lubrication
        
     
    
        
            Chassis Frame:
        
        
            Frame inspection, swingarm, steering head bearings
        
     
    
        
            Suspension:
        
        
            Front fork service (oil, seals, springs), rear shock absorber adjustment and rebuild
        
     
    
        
            Brakes:
        
        
            Front and rear brake system overhaul, fluid replacement, caliper service, master cylinder
        
     
    
        
            Electrical System:
        
        
            Wiring diagrams, ignition system troubleshooting, lighting, battery charging system
        
     
    
        
            Fuel System:
        
        
            Carburetor models (Dell'Orto PHF), fuel tank, fuel lines
        
     
    
        
            Exhaust System:
        
        
            De-carbonizing, pipe replacement considerations
        
     
    
    
        
            Maintenance:
        
        
            Oil changes, filter replacements, chain adjustment, spark plug replacement, valve clearance checks
        
     
    
        
            Troubleshooting:
        
        
            Diagnostic charts for common starting, running, and electrical issues
        
     
    
        
            Repair:
        
        
            Detailed step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, repair, and reassembly
        
     
    
        
            Technical Data:
        
        
            Torque specifications, tightening sequences, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values
        
     
    
    
        
            Depth:
        
        
            Comprehensive: From basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Resolution:
        
        
            High-resolution, suitable for printing
        
     
    
        
            Searchability:
        
        
            Searchable text content for quick information retrieval
        
     
    
    
        
            Clarity:
        
        
            Clear diagrams, illustrations, and text
        
     
    
    
        
            Binding:
        
        
            N/A (Digital PDF)
        
     
    
    
 
    
    
    
        
            Engine Type:
        
        
            4-stroke, L-twin (90° V-twin), Desmodromic valve actuation
        
     
    
        
            Displacement:
        
        
            497 cc (approx.)
        
     
    
        
            Bore X Stroke:
        
        
            78 mm x 51.5 mm (approx.)
        
     
    
        
            Cooling System:
        
        
            Air-cooled
        
     
    
        
            Valve Train:
        
        
            2 valves per cylinder, Desmodromic
        
     
    
        
            Compression Ratio:
        
        
            9.5:1 (typical)
        
     
    
        
            Horsepower:
        
        
            42-48 hp @ 7,500 rpm (estimated)
        
     
    
        
            Torque:
        
        
            4.3-4.5 kgm @ 6,000 rpm (estimated)
        
     
    
    
        
            Carburetors:
        
        
            2 x Dell'Orto PHF 30 (or similar)
        
     
    
        
            Fuel Type:
        
        
            Unleaded Gasoline (91+ RON)
        
     
    
    
        
            Ignition Type:
        
        
            Electronic Ignition
        
     
    
    
        
            Oil Type:
        
        
            SAE 20W-50 Motorcycle Oil (API SG or higher)
        
     
    
        
            Oil Capacity:
        
        
            2.5 Liters (approx., with filter change)
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            NHTSA Rating:
        
        
            N/A (Motorcycle)
        
     
    
    
        
            Brakes Front:
        
        
            Dual Disc Brakes (e.g., 280mm discs, Brembo calipers)
        
     
    
        
            Brakes Rear:
        
        
            Single Disc Brake (e.g., 260mm disc, Brembo caliper)
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Front:
        
        
            Telescopic Forks (e.g., Marzocchi, 38mm stanchions)
        
     
    
        
            Suspension Rear:
        
        
            Swingarm with Dual Shock Absorbers (e.g., Marzocchi or Öhlins)
        
     
    
    
        
            Lighting:
        
        
            Halogen Headlight, Taillight, Turn Signals
        
     
    
        
            Mirrors:
        
        
            Adjustable Rearview Mirrors
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Oil Change Interval:
        
        
            Every 5,000 km or 1 year
        
     
    
        
            Valve Clearance Check:
        
        
            Every 10,000 km
        
     
    
        
            Spark Plug Replacement:
        
        
            Every 10,000 km
        
     
    
        
            Brake Fluid Flush:
        
        
            Every 2 years
        
     
    
    
        
            Engine Oil Viscosity:
        
        
            SAE 20W-50
        
     
    
    
        
            Fork Oil Type:
        
        
            SAE 10W (or as specified by manufacturer, consult manual)
        
     
    
    
        
            Desmodromic Maintenance:
        
        
            Requires precise adjustment and periodic inspection of the Desmodromic system
        
     
    
        
            Carburetor Sync:
        
        
            Carburetors may require synchronization for optimal performance
        
     
    
        
            Electrical Connections:
        
        
            Older wiring can be brittle; inspect and clean connections
        
     
    
        
            Cam Chain Tensioner:
        
        
            Early models may have less robust cam chain tensioning systems
        
     
 
    
    
    
        
            Manufacturer:
        
        
            Ducati Motor Holding S.p.A.
        
     
    
    
    
        
            Introduction:
        
        
            Introduced in the early 1980s as a more accessible L-twin sportbike
        
     
    
        
            Development:
        
        
            Designed by Fabio Taglioni, building on the success of earlier L-twin models
        
     
    
        
            Variants:
        
        
            Pantah series included various displacements and styling, SL signifies Sport Line or similar performance focus
        
     
    
    
        
            Production Years:
        
        
            1981 - approximately 1987 for the original 500 SL Pantah, with derivatives and evolutions continuing
        
     
    
        
            Manufacturing Location:
        
        
            Bologna, Italy