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