Hi guys, when I finish the Norton, my next project is my much-loved 1980 500SL Ducati Pantah. I've owned the bike since 1982 and it's been on the road (and I've been riding it) continuously since then. I will keep it forever, but had to de-register it earlier this year on grounds of cost - it was replaced as my regular commute by a Yamaha TRX 850 (aka the Big Pantah). I'll be spending some time and effort on the old girl as soon as there's room in the workshop. So, what I want to know is, is this too modern a bike for me to report on here or should I up-stumps? Is it too young to be a classic? Will it be a classic? Thoughts, comments?

If you're worried that you will get yell at for posting on this forum with a 30 yr old bike... don't.

Personally I think a classic is a timeless design. I have a few 1976 Goldwings and while not as exotic as your bike, I think they are classic designs. There are clubs with strict rules and all that but so far I think folks here are pretty welcoming.
Besides, a lot of us also like Ducatis, in a perfect world there would be a single and an early twin in my garage.

Cookie wrote:I have a few 1976 Goldwings and while not as exotic as your bike, I think they are classic designs.

Now, don't get all crazy and start talking about classic Gold Stars...

Now there's another bike I'd like to have in the garage. The closest I ever came was I had a 600 Norton single just before I left Maine that I had to sell for the move. It was unsuitable for transportation as it usually took me the morning to get it running. It sure was fun when you got it to run though, I suspect the magneto was about half dead on that thing.

I'm just ducky about Ducatis, post away!

Thanks guys, although I've got a fair way to go on the Commando, I'll post up a pic of old Bessy the Pantah when I've got a sec.

Hello Dave,
Anything that eng. Taglioni designed deserves to be considered a classic. The Pantah was one of his best, especially when compared to the bevels. (different age though) And the TRX is possibly one of the most under-rated bikes built, once the front forks have been re valved.
Pantah's are getting pricey these days and parts are getting harder to get.
I'd love to see your resto pictures.
Regards Graeme.

Had these pics at hand, so they'll do in the interim...

Late January, one Sunday arvo while Ms Davamb was out I assembled the bikes for the first time ever.
Unfortunately it's something she just doesn't 'get' and would have given me one of 'those' looks.

Plus ca change hey.

Twins. Just has to be a twin. Thinking about it, a parallel twin has to be the lightest multi, and of course there's the torque.
The Pantah doesn't have all that much of it, but it's such a rewarding little thing to ride.
After all these years, I'm still learning, still finding better ways to get along with the old girl.
Can't ask for better than that in a relationship can you!

Wow! Nice lineup.

I wouldn't mind living in your garage...

Dave, I've got the parts and workshop manual for SL500, can email if you want/need.
Graeme.

grandpaul wrote:Wow! Nice lineup.
I wouldn't mind living in your garage...

Thanks GP, trouble is when I bought the TRX last (Southern) Spring I convinced Ms. D that it was on the grounds that the Norton would soon be finished and sold.
Well, I still haven't finished and now I don't want to sell it at all! So it might only be a matter of time before I actually do start living in the garage (or the dog house).
If only I could convince her that the value of this beastie is doing a lot better than my superannuation at the moment and represents a better investment. Buy more classics I say!

GRM 450 wrote:Dave, I've got the parts and workshop manual for SL500, can email if you want/need. Graeme.

And thanks for the offer too Graeme. I did get the original workshop manual with the bike when I bought it. Hmm, I've even still got the original user's booklet as well.

I'm on hold on progress with the Norton at the moment - waiting for a new pawl - so might dust the Pantah down over the weekend and take a couple of decent shots.
It's got a few stories to tell in the way of mods that I've done over the years that might be mildly interesting.

My wife is pretty supportive. She has no personal interest in my hobbies but she loves researching. She found me a 75 Goldwing engine I bought this week and a 75 that is complete. I'm looking for a 75 Goldwing in a no rush fashion as I think the very early ones a going to be desireable colletion wise.

Dave, now you know why Jim Bakker built that lavish doghouse with airconditioning and gold faucets in it, he was messing around with Jessica Hahn and knew Tammye faye was likely to find out!