1982 Ducati Pantah 600SL

Description

Additional photos of this 1982 Ducati Pantah 600SL are available here for your perusal.

Ducati has a long and storied history, but the late 70s were not something that the Italian firm would be proud of –- the square case 860s were a commercial failure, and their parallel twins were even worse, earning the not-so-affectionate nickname of “paralyzed twins.” Needless to say, drastic changes were required, and they came in two fronts. The big bike was replaced by the instant-classic Darmah, while the smaller one was replaced by the Pantah.

As noted in this excellent Motorcycle Classics article, Fabio Taglioni’s Pantah was based on two existing Ducati racers. “By smartly borrowing from both examples, Taglioni’s last design for Ducati was a culmination of his life’s work, uniting virtually all his innovations into one bike that would form the basis of almost every Ducati for the next 30 years.”

Specifically, the article is referring to the desmo valves, the trellis frame, and the belt-driven cams, key features that Ducatistas deeply associate with the brand. The Pantah 600SL came in 1981 — two years after the debut of its smaller sibling, the Pantah 500SL. Like its predecessor, the 600 was fitted with Marzocchi suspension front and rear, dual Brembo brakes, and aluminum FPS wheels. It also introduced a distinctive cafe racer style, with a fresh half fairing design, clip-on bars, and stretched foot pegs. In 1982, it was updated with a cable-actuated clutch — earlier models had incorporated a hydraulic unit.

This example is VIN: ZDM8D5501CB700757.

The seller has owned the bike for 10 years, during which time he has ridden it for approximately 3,000 miles. The odometer shows 26,789 kilometers (16,645 miles).

Maintenance:
“I had Italian Iron Classics in Arizona do a full service and tune up in 2018, including carbs, fit the exhaust, rebuild clutch and front brakes, fit front fork brace, reinstall rear indicators and upgrade fuse box.”

In preparation for the listing, the seller had Iconic change the engine oil/filter, have a locksmith make a key for the gas tank cap, replace the timing belts, and replace the speedometer drive bracket.

Angel did the work, and this is his condition report:
Tire Year – 2009; Rear: 2009
Tire Life – Front/Rear: 75%
Brake Life – Front: 90%; Rear: 70%
Hydraulic Fluid – Front: Ok; Rear: Ok; Clutch: Ok
Oil – Level: Ok
Low Beam: Ok
High Beam: Ok
Turn Signals – Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light: Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Killswitch: Ok
Horn: Ok
Battery: 12.6V
NOTES: GAS TANK RUSTED INTERNALLY

Modifications:
Custom titanium exhaust.

Fork brace.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:

Inside of the tank. There is more rust near the bottom of the tank but we are unable to get a photo of it.

It is riding on Pirelli Sport Demon tires with date codes of 0205 and 3708.

Extras:
The seller is including a Ducati cover with the bike.

The sale includes two keys.

Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Ducati is offered on a salvage California title with registration current through March 2023.

Have any Pantah 600SL stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!