DKW ZSW 500 vs Ducati 500 SL Pantah (1983)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the DKW ZSW 500stacks up against the Ducati 500 SL Pantah. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | DKW ZSW 500 | Ducati 500 SL Pantah |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1929 | 1983 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 494 cc | 497 cc |
| Horsepower | 14 hp | 50 hp |
| Weight | 135 kg | — |
| Fuel capacity | — | 4.8 L |
| Fuel type | petrol | petrol |
| Transmission | — | 5-speed |
| Front brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Dual disc |
| Rear brakes | Expanding brake (drum brake) | Single disc |
| Tires | 3.5-27 / 3.85-27 | 100/90-18 / 110/90-18 |
DKW ZSW 500 vs Ducati 500 SL Pantah — which should you buy?
Picking between the DKW ZSW 500 and the Ducati 500 SL Pantah usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the DKW ZSW 500 brings 14 hp in a 135 kg package, while the Ducati 500 SL Pantah counters with 50 hp.
Our spec tables above highlight the winning number on each line. For the full rider-focused reviews including real-world fuel economy, service costs and available colors, click into either bike:

