Category:
Italian Performance Motorcycle
Segment:
Sportbike / Naked Bike
Competitors:
Moto Guzzi V50/V65, BMW R65/R75, Kawasaki KZ550/KZ650, Yamaha XJ550/XJ650
Engine Layout:
Desmodromic L-Twin
Frame Type:
Steel Trellis Frame
Suspension Frontend:
Conventional Telescopic Forks
Suspension Rear:
Swingarm with Monoshock (early models) or Twin Shocks (later Pantahs)
Engine:
Full engine overhaul, diagnosis, tuning, component disassembly/reassembly
Fuel System:
Carburetor servicing (Dell'Orto PHF/PHBE), fuel pump, fuel lines
Ignition System:
CDI ignition, coil testing, timing adjustment
Transmission:
Gearbox disassembly, inspection, repair, clutch service (dry clutch)
Chassis Suspension:
Front fork overhaul (Marzocchi/Ceriani), rear shock absorber adjustment/rebuild, swingarm service
Brakes:
Brake caliper overhaul (Brembo), master cylinder service, hydraulic system bleeding, disc inspection
Electrical System:
Wiring diagrams, starter motor, alternator, battery, lighting system, switchgear diagnosis
Frame Bodywork:
Frame inspection, fairing repair, seat assembly, control cables
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacement, spark plug replacement, chain adjustment
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic guides for common starting, running, and electrical issues
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major components
Rebuilds:
Complete engine and gearbox rebuild procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive; covers everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Type:
Air-cooled, 4-stroke, L-twin (90° V-twin), Desmodromic valve actuation
Displacement:
498 cc (or 499 cc for later variants)
Bore X Stroke:
79 mm x 50.6 mm
Compression Ratio:
9.5:1 (approx.)
Horsepower:
45-50 hp @ 8000 rpm (approx., depending on variant and tuning)
Torque:
40-43 Nm @ 6500 rpm (approx.)
Carburetors:
2 x Dell'Orto PHF 30mm or PHBE 30mm
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (min. 95 RON)
Oil Capacity:
2.5 liters (including filter)
Oil Type:
SAE 10W-40 or 20W-50 API SG (or equivalent)
Crash Safety:
N/A (No formal motorcycle crash safety ratings in this era)
Braking System Front:
Dual Disc Brakes, Brembo calipers
Braking System Rear:
Single Disc Brake, Brembo caliper
Lighting:
Halogen Headlight, integrated taillight/brake light, turn signals
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 km or annually
Desmo Service Interval:
Every 10,000-12,000 km (valve clearance adjustment)
Spark Plug Replacement:
Every 10,000 km
Chain Adjustment:
Every 2,000 km or as needed
Fork Oil:
SAE 15W (approx. 150-160 ml per leg)
Gearbox Oil:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-4
Desmodromic System:
Requires precise adjustment, wear in rocker arms/bearings over high mileage
Dry Clutch:
Can be noisy, requires careful engagement, can wear clutch plates relatively quickly if ridden aggressively
Electrical System:
Wiring can degrade over time, particularly earth connections; rectifier/regulator issues can occur
Carburetion:
Dell'Orto carburetors can be sensitive to tuning and require regular cleaning/rebuilding
Frame Corrosion:
Older steel trellis frames can be susceptible to rust if not maintained
Marque Specialty:
Performance motorcycles, V-twin engines, Desmodromic valve gear
Predecessor:
Various earlier Ducati parallel twins and V-twins
Significance:
First Ducati production motorcycle with a stressed-member trellis frame and a modern monoshock rear suspension (on some variants). Revolutionized Ducati's lineup.
Variants:
500 SL, 500 Sport, 600 SL (later Pantah generations evolved from this base)
Production Years:
1980-1986 (Pantah series)
Manufacturing Location:
Bologna, Italy
Industry Impact:
Widely credited with saving Ducati and laying the groundwork for future V-twin models, including the Monster and 916.
Contemporary Reviews:
Praised for its handling, braking, and distinctive L-twin character, though often criticized for early reliability issues and the characteristic dry clutch noise.