Description
This motorcycle is Lot 288 to be auctioned by Bonhams at The Autumn Stafford Sale (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show) on October 10th – 11th, please see the Bonhams Motorcycles Website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Lots 201 - 407 are to be sold from 11AM local time on Sunday 11th October 2026.
Public Viewing:
Available 10th & 11th October 2026 from 09:00 until 17:00, at The Staffordshire County Showground (The Classic Motorcycle Mechanics Show).
Lot 288
1981 Ducati 583cc Pantah 600
Registration no. MSL 392X
Frame no. DM600SL* 700404*
Engine no. DM600L* 700461*
New timing belts fitted 200 kms ago
Early example of Ducatis belt-driven Desmo OHC
After the abandonment of the single cylinder machines, and the failure of the square case 860 models to ignite any public interest, Ducati were in a difficult position. Whilst trying to revive their large bike market with the 900 models, they also needed a mid-range model for those who couldnt stretch their finances to the more-prestigious models. The answer was found in the 500SL, Ducatis first production bike with toothed belt-driven desmodromic overhead camshafts. They had previously used the design on small capacity racers, and it was developed as part of a planned modular range which would have common parts to several models. In the event, only the 500 SL Pantah was released in 1979. By 1981, the 500 was joined by its larger sibling, the 600SL, and by this time any teething troubles of the 500 had been ironed out, resulting in a far better, more powerful machine with more torque, and a maximum top speed of 126 mph. The clutch was hydraulically operated, and the frame was the (now trademark) trellis-type. Coupled with a re-styling, the company felt they were onto a winner once again.
Purchased by the vendor in 2009, MSL 392X has been used regularly since, along with other machines in his stable. The odometer on the kilometre speedometer shows the machine has covered 27, 708 Kms, (17, 217 miles) and this seems credible on examination of the old MoTs on file. During the present ownership, the vendor had work carried out by Ducati Technical Services, and latterly with a local Ducati specialist who replaced the timing belts in 2023 (invoice on file), since when the machine has covered only 200 kilometres. Now advancing in years, the vendor feels it is time to pass the Pantah on to a new owner who can use the bike on a more regular basis. Documentation comprises a current V5C, an old V5C, the aforementioned expired MoTs, various invoices, copy workshop manual and spare parts book, and sundry papers.
£2, 500 - 3, 500
All lots are sold ‘as is/ where is’ and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness, mileage, engine capacity and originality prior to bidding. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
