Honda VF 500 F vs Ducati 500 SL Pantah (1986)

Side-by-side spec comparison, pricing, and a plain-English breakdown of how the Honda VF 500 Fstacks up against the Ducati 500 SL Pantah. Numbers pulled from manufacturer spec sheets — click either bike for the full review.

Spec comparison

SpecHonda VF 500 FDucati 500 SL Pantah
Model year19861983
Price
Engine497 cc497 cc
Horsepower70 hp50 hp
Fuel capacity4.5 L4.8 L
Fuel typepetrolpetrol
Transmission6-speed5-speed
Front brakesDual discDual disc
Rear brakesSingle discSingle disc
Tires100/90-16 / 110/90-18 100/90-18 / 110/90-18

Honda VF 500 F vs Ducati 500 SL Pantah — which should you buy?

Picking between the Honda VF 500 F and the Ducati 500 SL Pantah usually comes down to the numbers you care about most. On paper, the Honda VF 500 F brings 70 hp, 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: