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Ducati 500GTV

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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
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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.