First in the Ducati Pantah series, the 500cc version is also the model that was produced in the greatest numbers: 3835 between ’79 and ’83. Weighing 180kg (dry) and power output between 45 and 55 HP, the first Panther was a successful sport bike. In it’s original configuration it also provided a good base for modification that reached the highest success in the Formula 2 (for four stroke bikes with capacity between 400 and 600 cc and two stroke bikes with capacity between 250 and 350 cc) of the TT World Championship. Check out Tony Rutter’s bikes video posted by British magazine MCN (Motorcycle News) below and… listen to that noise…
Due to the scarcity of pictures of the bikes featured in this article, I’ll give you the opportunity to check out the versions of this glorious Duc in the two different colors: Red available in Germany and Silver/Blue in Italy.
For more info, check out the great historical section at the official Ducati.com website Pantah history from which the picture was taken:
Let’s start with the red one which is a 1983 model with 44233 km on the clock:
The bike features some non-original features including some body work, the rear light, etc. Also the exhaust was changed into a more open and musical Conti system. The original exhaust is included in the auction though. The overall condition of the bike is difficult to judge but from the picture it seems as the seat needs to be recovered with new leather or PVC. According to the seller, the bike was serviced one year ago including the replacement of the timing belts and the synchronization of the carburetors:
“Sehr schöne Ducati Kundendienst vor einem Jahr gemacht mit Zahnriemen Vergsaser synchronisieren. Laute Conti Auspuffanlage verbaut originale auch dabei. Genialer Sound mit Tüv”.
The starting price for this auction is 4700 Euro and a few days are left. Check it out on the German eBay website by following the link: Ducati 500 Pantah in Germany
The second model features its original colors and trim and it is available in Northern Italy.
This is a 1982 model with a similar mileage as above of about 43000km. As the seller describes below the bike was recently serviced, it features new tires and comes with 3 sets of exhausts, 2 of them which appear to be road legal and a more aggressive 2 in 1 (as pictured above):
“Km percorsi: 43000 circa
tutto perfettamente funzionante e originale
gomme nuove
cinghie trasmissione cambiate recentemente
due marmitte regolamentari + marmitta 2 in 1
libretto in regola
visibile a finale ligure”
This sample is on the market for 4300 Euro and available at the link below (contact Giuseppe):
For additional tips on Pantahs, have a look at this source here: Ducati Pantah technical tips
Let the Panthers run free !
Claudio