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

SpecDKW ZSW 500Ducati 500 SL Pantah
Model year19291983
Price
Engine494 cc497 cc
Horsepower14 hp50 hp
Weight135 kg
Fuel capacity4.8 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission5-speed
Front brakesExpanding brake (drum brake)Dual disc
Rear brakesExpanding brake (drum brake)Single disc
Tires3.5-27 / 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: