NSU 501 SS vs Ducati 500 SL Pantah (1983)
Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the NSU 501 SSstacks up against the Ducati 500 SL Pantah. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.
Spec comparison
| Spec | NSU 501 SS | Ducati 500 SL Pantah |
|---|---|---|
| Model year | 1934 | 1983 |
| Price | — | — |
| Engine | 494 cc | 497 cc |
| Horsepower | 20 hp | 50 hp |
| Weight | 158 kg | — |
| Fuel capacity | 2.9 L | 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 | 2.50-26 / 3.25-26 | 100/90-18 / 110/90-18 |
NSU 501 SS vs Ducati 500 SL Pantah — which should you buy?
Picking between the NSU 501 SS and the Ducati 500 SL Pantah usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the NSU 501 SS brings 20 hp in a 158 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: