During the 1970s, due to the poor commercial success of the problematic 350 and 500 twin-cylinder bikes, Ducati needed to come up with a new mid-cylinder model to expand its range.
The team led by the ingenious Fabio Taglioni set to work starting from the classic L-twin cylinder, introducing important innovations aimed at making it more modern and reliable, implementing a desmodromic 2-valve distribution system implemented by means of rubber toothed belts instead of bevel gears.
At the same time, a completely new frame was developed, the first Ducati trellis frame.
These epoch-making innovations were first presented in the 1979 Ducati 500 SL Pantah, an attractive and streamlined café racer equipped with Marzocchi front and rear suspension, Brembo braking system with double front discs and FPS aluminium wheels.
The Pantah was thus a fundamental model in the glorious history of Ducati, equipped with an engine from which all Ducati engines in the following decades were inspired and an evolved version of which is still in production today, and with a frame whose similarity to that of more recent Ducatis is easy to recognise.
This 1980 Ducati Pantah SL remained with its first owner until 2016.
Subsequently, it was purchased by a knowledgeable enthusiast, who oversaw its restoration over the years, carefully overhauling every detail of the bodywork and mechanics and bringing it back to like-new condition.
Since then, this beautiful Ducati has been kept in his private collection and scrupulously maintained, before being passed on to a family member who has preserved it with equal care and love.
After restoration, it has covered only a few dozen kilometres and is still in excellent shape both aesthetically and mechanically.
A two-wheeler with great historical value, great charm and the ability to give unrepeatable emotions, the Pantah SL is one of the most significant and sought-after modern Ducatis. This high quality example represents a precious opportunity for the collector or enthusiast who wants to crown the dream of riding one of the most famous Ducatis of all time.
Sold new in Italy in 1980, this Pantah 500 SL has been kept in a private collection since 2016 and has up-to-date Italian registration papers. As it has not been driven since restoration, it has not been serviced in recent years.
Ducati is one of the best known and most respected motorbike brands in the world and one of the most collected.
Its most important models are cherished with love and are always admired and the centre of attention at rallies and events.
Iconic, unmistakable and of enormous importance to Ducati's history, the Pantah 500 SL is one of the most famous Italian sports bikes and sought after by collectors.
This beautiful specimen of great charm, with its impeccable aesthetics and meticulously tuned mechanics, will not fail to attract the attention of the most experienced enthusiasts and will give great satisfaction to its next owner.
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1980 Ducati 500 Desmo Pantah SL
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