1983 Ducati Pantah 500SL

1983 Ducati Pantah 500SL
Miles: 13k (21k Kilometers)
Imported from Italy
Clean Texas Title
Bid at post: $4,100
Auction ends: Feb 2
No Reserve

Straight from BaT
This 1983 Ducati Pantah DM500SL is said to have been part of a collection in Italy prior to the seller’s acquisition and importation of the bike to the US in September 2024. It is powered by a 499cc L-twin paired with a five-speed transmission and is finished in light metallic blue with red and blue graphics over a black trellis frame. Equipment consists of an electric starter, an electronic ignition module, clip-on handlebars, Marzocchi piggyback shocks, triple Brembo disc brakes, 18″ gold-anodized wheels, a red two-up seat, and rear-set foot controls. This Pantah DM500SL is now offered at no reserve with Italian registration documents and a clean Texas title in the seller’s name.

RSBFS
Back in 2020 Mike found an 1983 Pantah on the market, “Behold the wonderous, the cutting edge (while at the same time, archaic) modern interpretation of the new Ducati era. The Pantah represented the next evolution of the already legendary Ducati L-twin, and would being the new phase of the rubber band motor era. Replacing the bevel drive with a toothed belt to drive the desmo valve train, the Pantah simultaneously provided an easier manufacturing solution, a quieter and more efficient mechanical solution, and greatly reduced maintenance requirements. Ducati chose to wrap that new tech in a brand new body style that is unmistakably Italian.

To be fair, there was nothing really wrong with the bevel-drive round case motors of the past. In fact, the bevel drive continued alongside the new Pantah configuration, available in the larger 900cc and 1000cc variants. However the rubber belt drive for the valve train made the engine easier to assemble and quicker to configure in terms of adjustment. Such an arrangement would continue to be a feature on all Ducati motors right up to the Panigale of late, although there was much technology that was yet to come. For now, the fabled Ducati twin breathed through two valves, fed by carburetors, and made use of simple and lightweight air cooling.”

Besides being in great condition and looking molto Italiano, this Ducati is not red.

Good luck to the buyer and seller!