1979 - 1981 Ducati 500GTV

Make Model	Ducati 500GTV
Year	1979 - 81
Engine	Four stroke, parallel twin cylinder, SOHC, chain driven, 2 valve per cylinder
Capacity	496.9 cc / 30.2 cu in
Bore x Stroke	78 x 52 mm
Compression Ratio	10.0:1
Lubrication	High pressure lubrication with gearpump and net and cartridge filters
Cooling System	Air cooled
Induction	2x Dell'Orto PHF 30 carburetors
Ignition	Battery and coil
Starting	Electric
Max Power	26.68 kW / 35.7 hp @ 7500 rpm
Clutch	Wet, multiplate
Transmission	5 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Frame	Tubular double open cradle
Front Suspension	35 mm Paioli telescopic fork
Rear Suspension	Swing arm, 2 x Marzocchi shocks, 3-way adjustable
Front Brakes	2 x 260 mm discs
Rear Brakes	Single 260 mm disc
Wheels	Spoked alloy
Front Tyre	3.25-18
Rear Tyre	3.50-18
Dimensions	Length: 2050 mm / 80.7 in Width: 760 mm / 29.9 in Height: 1060 mm / 41.7 in
Wheelbase	1400 mm / 55.1 in
Seat Height	760 mm / 29.9 in
Dry Weight	181 kg / 399 lbs
Fuel Capacity	14 L / 3.7 US gal

The Ducati GTV 500 is a pretty important part of Ducati’s history. The parallel twin 350/500GTL models were introduced in 1975, taking their styling cues from the 860GT. Fabio Taglioni had nothing to do with them, as he was developing the belt-drive V-twin Pantah, so Tumidei updated the 1965 design.

They were fitted with Borrani rims, Marzocchi forks and Brembo brakes and were succeeded by the 500 Sport Desmo in 1977. There was even a racing version, the 500 Super Sport. The final iteration was the GTV of 1977, a spring-valve version of the Sport Desmo which was made until 1981. A similar model was put on sale featuring a handsome black and gold 900 SD paint job.