Market Position:
Performance-oriented Italian motorcycle, representing Ducati's transition to the bevel-gear V-twin era with a more accessible and modern design.
Key Competitors:
Competed with Japanese sportbikes of the era, offering a distinctive Italian flair and performance characteristics, albeit with a more demanding maintenance regimen due to its unique engineering.
Unique Selling Points:
The revolutionary Desmodromic valve actuation system, distinctive V-twin engine configuration, advanced trellis frame design, and the characteristic Ducati sound and handling.
Value For Owners:
Essential for owners seeking to maintain, repair, and preserve the originality and performance of their classic Ducati 500 SL Pantah.
Primary Coverage:
Mechanical and electrical systems of the Ducati 500 SL Pantah
Secondary Coverage:
Maintenance, troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repair procedures
Estimated Page Count:
Approximately 200-250 pages (typical for authentic service manuals of this era)
Manual Type:
Authentic Service Workshop Manual
Language:
English (likely original manufacturer language, potentially with translations available for other markets)
Format:
Printed Manual (as implied by 'Authentic Service Workshop Manual')
Engine Systems:
Desmodromic valve actuation, cylinder heads, crankshaft, connecting rods, pistons, lubrication system, cooling system (air-cooled), fuel system (carburetor tuning and servicing), ignition system, starter system
Transmission Systems:
Gearbox (5-speed), clutch (dry multi-plate), final drive (chain and sprockets)
Chassis Systems:
Frame (steel tube trellis), front suspension (Marzocchi or Ceriani telescopic forks), rear suspension (swingarm with twin shock absorbers), steering system
Braking Systems:
Front and rear disc brakes (likely Brembo or similar high-performance units), brake caliper servicing, master cylinder overhaul
Electrical Systems:
Wiring diagrams, lighting circuits, charging system (alternator, regulator/rectifier), battery maintenance, instrumentation, horn, starter motor circuit
Maintenance Procedures:
Oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug servicing, chain adjustment, brake fluid flush, valve clearance adjustment (Desmodromic system), carburetor synchronization
Diagnostic Procedures:
Troubleshooting guides for common issues, electrical fault finding, engine performance diagnosis
Repair Procedures:
Engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, brake system repairs, electrical component replacement
Special Tool Requirements:
Identification and usage of Ducati-specific tools for Desmodromic valve adjustment, engine disassembly, and other specialized tasks
Technical Depth:
Comprehensive, from routine maintenance to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed exploded diagrams and torque specifications.
File Format:
Physical printed document
Print Quality:
High-quality paper, clear legible text and diagrams (typical for original OEM manuals)
Binding Type:
Stapled or bound with signatures, designed for workshop use
Paper Type:
Durable paper stock, suitable for workshop environments
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 90-degree V-twin four-stroke
Bore X Stroke:
72.0 mm x 61.0 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.7:1 (typical for SL models)
Valve Train:
Desmodromic, 2 valves per cylinder
Horsepower Rating:
Approximately 49-50 hp @ 8,500 rpm (SL variant)
Torque Rating:
Approximately 42 Nm (31 lb-ft) @ 7,000 rpm
Carburetors:
2 x Dell'Orto PHF 30mm or similar (specific model dependent)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (research specific octane requirements for the era)
Oil Capacity:
Approximately 2.5 - 3.0 liters (including filter)
Oil Specification:
SAE 20W-50 motorcycle-specific oil (confirm with manual for exact recommendation)
Transmission Type:
5-speed manual constant mesh gearbox
Clutch Type:
Dry, multi-plate
Gear Ratios:
Specific ratios detailed in the manual; typically focused on sporty performance.
Transmission Oil Specification:
Gearbox oil (check manual for specific type and viscosity, often a dedicated gear oil).
Wheelbase:
Approximately 1380-1400 mm (model specific, refer to manual)
Seat Height:
Approximately 770-800 mm (model specific, refer to manual)
Dry Weight:
Approximately 180-190 kg (model specific)
Fuel Tank Capacity:
Approximately 17-19 liters (including reserve)
Front Wheel Size:
18-inch (typical)
Rear Wheel Size:
18-inch (typical)
Front Tire Size:
3.50-18 or similar (refer to manual)
Rear Tire Size:
4.00-18 or similar (refer to manual)
Safety Standards:
Designed to meet European motorcycle safety standards of the early 1980s.
Braking System Type:
Dual front disc brakes, single rear disc brake
Brake Component Manufacturer:
Likely Brembo or Grimeca
Lighting System:
Halogen headlamp, LED or incandescent tail and turn signals
Frame Design:
Steel tube trellis frame providing rigidity and feedback
Infotainment System:
N/A (Basic analog instrumentation)
Driver Assistance Features:
N/A (No electronic rider aids common in this era)
Instrument Cluster:
Analog speedometer, tachometer, fuel gauge, indicator lights (turn signals, oil pressure, neutral).
Oil Change Interval:
Every 3,000-5,000 km or annually (check manual for precise interval)
Valve Clearance Check:
Every 6,000-10,000 km (critical for Desmodromic system, requires specialized tools and knowledge)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000-15,000 km (refer to manual for recommended type)
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (confirm in manual)
Coolant Type:
N/A (Air-cooled engine)
Common Wear Items:
Desmodromic valve shims, clutch plates, fork seals, electrical connections, carburetor diaphragms.
Potential Aging Problems:
Age-related deterioration of rubber components (hoses, seals), electrical corrosion, potential carburetor issues due to fuel evaporation.
Desmo Adjustment Importance:
Correct Desmodromic valve adjustment is paramount for engine performance and longevity, often requiring specialized Ducati tooling.
Brand Focus:
Ducati has a long history of producing high-performance motorcycles, particularly known for its L-twin (V-twin) engines and racing success.
Pantah Significance:
The Pantah series was a pivotal model for Ducati, introducing the 90-degree V-twin engine with Desmodromic valve actuation in a more modern, mass-producible chassis design, paving the way for future Ducati models.
Production Years:
1980-1986 (Pantah series)
Manufacturing Location:
Bologna, Italy
