According to the seller, “It is not a museum piece, trailer queen.”
Thorough seller’s description worth reading if you are interested in the bike.
20,340 kilometers
Starting bid: $6,500
Let’s talk about the Ducati Pantah 600: A Pivotal Moment in Motorcycle History
This machine signifies a pivotal moment in motorcycle history, combining innovation and timeless aesthetics.
- Belt-Driven Camshaft: A Technological Leap
In the early ’80s, Ducati made a significant departure from their traditional bevel-drive system by introducing a belt-driven camshaft in the Pantah 600. This innovation improved engine performance and reduced maintenance requirements. For motorcycle enthusiasts, this marked the beginning of a new era in motorcycle engineering, making high-performance engines more accessible for everyday riders.
- The Desmodromic Valve System: Precision in Performance
The Pantah 600 proudly featured Ducati’s renowned desmodromic valve system. This technology, which ensures precise valve control, enabled high-revving engines, improved power delivery, and contributed to the bike’s impressive performance. The desmodromic valve system has since become a hallmark of Ducati motorcycles, and the Pantah 600 played a pivotal role in cementing this reputation.
- The Pantah Frame: A Revelation in Handling
The introduction of the Pantah frame was another major leap in motorcycle design. By incorporating the engine as a stressed member, Ducati achieved a remarkable balance between rigidity and handling. This innovative frame design not only improved the Pantah 600’s on-road performance but also laid the foundation for future Ducati frame designs. - Timeless Design: Italian Elegance
One look at the Pantah 600, and you’ll see why Italian design is celebrated worldwide. The Pantah 600’s design language has had a lasting influence on Ducati’s modern motorcycles, ensuring its legacy lives on.
The previous owner of this bike loved the look so much, he put it in his bedroom when he stopped riding it. - The Pantah Family: Bridging Generations and creating a legacy
The Pantah 600 was part of a larger family of motorcycles that included various engine sizes. These bikes served as a bridge between the iconic, older bevel-drive Ducatis and the modern Ducati motorcycles we know today. The innovations introduced with the Pantah, such as the belt-driven camshaft, desmodromic valve system, and frame design, continue to influence Ducati’s modern lineup.
What a legacy!
Seller
I purchased this Ducati a few years ago. 20,342 Kilometer speedo bike.I stumbled on a Phoenix Craigslist ad, see photo. Long story short, the previous owner (2nd owner from new) purchased the bike in Arizona in the mid 80’s. He rode it regularly and was a motorcycle enthusiast with multiple bikes. I was also told he had a Fast by Ferracci piston upgrade kit that was actually installed by Eraldo himself. (I have no paperwork to prove this and have not had the heads off) In the early 1990’s the owner started riding more dirt bikes and harleys but he loved the Ducati so much he put it in his bedroom. He unfortunately fell ill and passed away. The bike stayed in his bedroom for 20plus years. I purchased the bike and received this information from his best friend who helped his family sell his estate after the owner’s mother passed away as she had moved into his home. After I received the bike I had the following work done and items added:
- Installed Dyno Ignition Coils
- 2 into 1 Stainless Steel exhaust -amazing sound
- Full Dellorto Carburetor disassembly, ultrasonic clean and rebuild with rebuild kit from Bevel Heaven
- Disassemble & Inspect front fork, clean/polish fork tubes and replace seals- 20w oil used
- Installed new rear sprocket & chain
- Replace front & rear brake pads, resurface front rotors and install stainless steel brake lines front & rear
- Mount & balance new Continental Tires
- Replace timing belts and 1 tensioner bearing, check and adjust valve clearance
- Disassemble, clean and inspect rear Marzocchi shocks using new rebuilt kit, 20w oil used
- Remove, inspect and clean clutch basket.
- Paint and install used rear fender
- Built custom mount for rear tail light and blinkers- non stock
- install new grips.
I have receipts for most of the items above as well as a factory service manual. Clear Minnesota title in my name. I have put hundreds of trouble free miles on this bike. Runs, rides as it should. Sound is amazing. Braided brake lines make such a difference. No fuel leaks. Multiple small oil leaks. I have a full new gasket set that comes with the bike. Bike is in very nice rider condition. My mechanic said under very heavy acceleration he was able to get some clutch slipping. In the 3-4 years I have had this bike and the hours or riding and hundreds of miles of all types of riding conditions I have not had any clutch slippage but I also don’t flog my bikes of this age. Neutral light does not work. See pic 29, there is a small crack in the lower body work. I’ve used a rubber gasket and some tape to make sure it did not get worse. Small cracks on the seams of both sides of the seat.
It is not a museum piece, trailer queen. Pictures tell the story, ask questions if you have them. ALL SALES FINAL NO RETURS. See my feedback and bid with confidence, I have been buying and selling collector motorcycles on eBay since 1999. Shipping is the responsibility of the buyer and bike will need to be picked up within 10days of auction close. I reserve the right to cancel any bid I am not comfortable with. Selling to help fund some family member medical expenses. Starting bid is less than I have in the bike.
If you’re looking at this you know these bikes are steadily increasing in value and now is a great time to buy a vintage Ducati at this price point.
RSBFS
Besides the beautiful design of the machine, it’s significance in the history of Ducati caught my attention and pushed me to publish this post, thinking our Ducati lovers would want to see it and those of us not so familiar with the brand might learn something and gain appreciation. The efforts Ducati made to dig themselves out of a slump and into the winners circle are what designers’ dreams are made of. This machine is a great example of ‘form follows function’. Amen.
As John Burns stated in The Falloon Files: Ducati Pantah published by Motorcycle.com, “The Pantah engine single-handedly changed the perception of Ducatis and their reliability. Once considered idiosyncratic and only for enthusiasts prepared to spend time maintaining their machinery, the Pantah brought the Ducati legend to a far wider audience: Taglioni had saved the day yet again.”
While researching I found a road test that does a great job explaining what it is like to ride this bike. So if you are considering buying this as a rider, this Classic Two Wheels article written by Col Miller is worth a read.
RSBRS has covered a few Pantahs in the past 15 years, though we have not posted this exact year and model.
Good luck to the buyer and seller!
LL
