In 1983 Ducati created the 650SL, increasing the engine
to 82mm by 61.5mm which finally produced the missing mid-range torque and raised
maximum power to 63bhp at 8500rpm. This 649cc machine shared engine dimensions
with the contemporary 750 racer and allowed Ducati to pass homologation, but it
also created the pride of the Pantah pack - the most sought-after model of the
SL range.
The 650 looked very much like its 600 sibling as they shared the red
and yellow livery of the F2 factory racers. It also shared the unfortunate fuel
cap which allowed water into the petrol tank.
Apart from that, the 650 is
recognised by the cognoscenti as 'the one to have' among the SL models - if you
can ever find one for sale, that is.