| MODEL | DUCATI 500SL PANTAH 1979 |
| Year | 1979 |
| Engine Type | 90 degree V-twin (L-twin), 4-stroke, SOHC, desmodromic, 2 valves per cylinder, belt-driven camshafts |
| Displacement / Capacity | 499 cc / 30.45 cu in |
| Bore X Stroke | 74 x 58 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 |
| Cooling System | Air cooled |
| Max Power | 33.1 kW / 45 hp @ 9050 rpm |
| Max Torque | — |
| Ignition | Bosch PTZ electronic |
| Induction | 2 x Dell'Orto PHM 36 mm carburettors |
| Start System | Electric |
| TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
| Lubrication | — |
| Gear Box | 5 speed |
| Clutch | Wet, multi-plate |
| Final Drive | Chain |
| CHASSIS SPECS | |
| Frame | Tubular steel trellis frame |
| Front Suspension | 35 mm Marzocchi or Paioli fork |
| Rear Suspension | Marzocchi or Paioli dual shock absorbers with 3-way adjustable springs |
| Front Brakes | 2 x 260 mm discs, 2 piston calipers |
| Rear Brakes | Single 260 mm disc, 1 piston caliper |
| DIMENSION SPECS | |
| Overall Length | 2150 mm / 84.6 in |
| Overall Width | 670 mm / 26.4 in |
| Overall Height | 1160 mm / 45.7 in |
| Seat Height | 760 mm / 29.9 in |
| Wheelbase | 1450 mm / 57.1 in |
| Ground Clearance | — |
| Dry Weight | 180 kg / 397 lbs |
| Wet Weight | — |
| WHEEL SPECS | |
| Front Tyre | 100/90-18 |
| Rear Tyre | 110/90-18 |
| FUEL SYSTEM | |
| Fuel Capacity | 18 Litres / 4.8 US gal / 4.0 Imp gal |
| Fuel Consumption | — |
| Top Speed | 196 km/h / 121.8 mph |
The first production Pantah, designed by Fabio Taglioni as a mid-size sporting V-twin. It introduced toothed rubber belts to drive the desmodromic valve gear, in a light trellis frame with a 500 cc engine. Handling was praised, though the suspension and divisive styling drew comment. The bike reached Britain in late 1980.
