Positioning:
The Ducati 500 SL Pantah represented Ducati's significant move towards a more accessible, mass-produced sportbike in the early 1980s, diverging from their iconic bevel-gear twins.
Significance:
A significant motorcycle that demonstrated Ducati's capability in producing reliable, modern, and competitively priced motorcycles for a broader market.
Competitors:
Competed against European and Japanese inline-four and V-twin motorcycles of similar displacement, such as Yamaha XS650, Kawasaki KZ650, and Honda CB650.
Design Innovation:
Introduction of the Ducati desmodromic belt-drive L-twin engine, a pivotal development for Ducati's future.
Framing:
Unique steel tube frame designed by[-\-\- - unknown author from provided text, usually Ricardo Guiotto for Pantah],
Primary Coverage:
Parts Listing and Identification
Specific Models Covered:
Ducati 500 SL Pantah (and potentially closely related variants like 500 Sport, 500 Strada if applicable to this specific parts list).
Estimated Pages:
Variable (typically 50-150 for parts lists of this era)
Type:
Parts Catalog / Parts List
Language:
English (likely original, may include Italian or other languages)
Format:
Print (original); Digital PDF (common reproduction)
Engine:
Engine components, carburetion, ignition, exhaust, cooling (air)
Transmission:
Gearbox components, clutch, final drive (chain)
Chassis:
Frame, swingarm, wheels, steering head, suspension (front fork, rear shock)
Brakes:
Brake calipers, master cylinders, brake lines, discs, pads
Electrical:
Wiring harness components, lighting, instrumentation, battery, starter
Bodywork:
Fairings, seat, fuel tank, fenders, badges
Controls:
Handlebars, levers, footpegs, cables
Repair Instructions:
Identification of individual parts and their interrelationships; Not a repair guide, but essential for ordering correct parts for repair.
Maintenance Identification:
Facilitates ordering of maintenance items (e.g., gaskets, seals, filters).
Parts Identification Diagrams:
Includes detailed exploded view diagrams for each major assembly, clearly labeling each part with its Ducati OEM part number.
Depth:
Detailed breakdown of every component, often with exploded diagrams and OEM part numbers.
Component Level Detail:
Provides an exhaustive list of every nut, bolt, washer, seal, and internal component, crucial for accurate part replacement.
Digital Quality:
High-resolution scans of original documents, ensuring clarity of diagrams and text. Searchable text may be dependent on OCR quality.
Original Print Quality:
Original factory print quality, typically black and white line drawings and text.
Original Binding:
Likely stapled booklet or wire-o bound for factory use; often perfect bound or comb-bound in aftermarket reproductions.
Digital Format Type:
PDF (Portable Document Format) is standard for digital reproductions.
Original Paper Type:
Durable paper stock suitable for workshop environments.
Type:
L-Twin (90-degree V-twin)
Valvetrain:
Desmodromic, 2 valves per cylinder
Bore X Stroke:
78.4 mm x 51.5 mm (approx.)
Displacement:
499 cc (approx.)
Ignition System:
Contact breaker points or early electronic ignition
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 9.5:1
Horsepower:
Approximately 44-50 HP @ 8,000 rpm (varies by market and specific version)
Torque:
Approximately 40-43 Nm @ 6,500 rpm (varies)
Carburetion:
Twin Dell'Orto PHF 32 or similar
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline
Safety Standards:
No formal crash ratings typically applied to motorcycles of this era; safety dependent on rider skill and adherence to traffic laws.
Braking System:
Dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake (configurations may vary slightly by market)
Lighting:
Headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000-5,000 km or annually
Valve Clearance Check:
Frequent checks are crucial due to desmodromic system; usually around 5,000-10,000 km
Engine Oil:
SAE 20W-50 or SAE 10W-40 motorcycle-specific oil (API SG or higher recommended)
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 DOT 4 brake fluid
Gearbox Oil:
API GL-4 or GL-5 SAE 80W-90 gear oil
Fork Oil:
Typically SAE 10W or 15W fork oil, specific quantity and type would be in a service manual.
Desmo Adjustment:
Valve adjustment requires specific tools and knowledge; incorrect adjustment can lead to poor performance or damage.
Electrical Reliability:
Early Ducati electrical systems can be prone to aging wiring and connectors; rectifier and stator issues can occur.
Carburetor Tuning:
Dell'Orto carburetors require precise tuning and can be sensitive to air leaks or worn components.
Belt Drive Maintenance:
Timing belts require regular inspection and replacement to prevent catastrophic engine failure.
Ducati Legacy:
Ducati has a rich history in motorcycle racing and performance road bikes, renowned for its L-twin engines and desmodromic valve systems.
Pantah Lineage:
The Pantah was a watershed model, introducing the 2-valve belt-drive L-twin that would underpin Ducati's product line for decades. It evolved into models like the 600TL, 750F1, and later the Indiana and M900 Monster.
Production Years:
Approximately 1980-1984
Manufacturing Location:
Bologna, Italy
