Ducati 500 SD (SPORT DESMO) (1977–1980) — Specs
Identity
Manufacturer: Ducati
Model: 500 SD (SPORT DESMO)
Category: Motorcycle
Type: Motorcycle
Years: 1977 → 1980
Engine
Displacement (cc): 496
Cylinders: 2
Power (hp): 43
Power (kW): 32
Torque (Nm): 32
Dimensions
Overall length: 2100 mm
Overall width: 790 mm
Overall height: 1140 mm
Wheelbase: 1430 mm
Ground clearance: 160 mm
Weight (kg): 186
Tank (L): 14
Ignition
Spark plug: NGK B6HS
Plug gap: 0.5 mm
Fluids & Filters
Oil filter: OEM oil filter
Air filter: OEM air filter
Brake fluid: DOT 4
Fuel consumption
Estimated range: ~350 km on a full tank (14.0 L)
Service
Battery: OEM battery specification
Service interval (km): 10000
Service interval (months): 12
Valve check (km): 24000
Parts and consumables for this motorcycle
Data is gathered with care, but without guarantee. Always confirm critical information with your dealer or workshop.
Service notes
Service interval: every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first. Valve clearance check every 24,000 km. Spark plug: NGK B6HS (gap 0.5 mm). Brake fluid: DOT 4. Always confirm critical values with the workshop manual or an authorised dealer.
OEM and quality aftermarket parts that fit this bike. Always confirm with your dealer before ordering.
Engine oil
- OEM OEM recommended engine oil
- Premium Motul 7100 4T (100% Synthetic, Ester)
- Premium Motul 5100 4T Technosynthese (Semi-Synthetic)
Which Motul for this bike?
| Motul 7100 4T ✓ | Motul 5100 4T | |
|---|---|---|
| Product | Motul 7100 4T — 100% fully synthetic | Motul 5100 4T — semi-synthetic |
| Best for | Sport, Naked, Adventure (600cc+), track | Standard, Cruiser, Scooter, daily use |
| RPM protection | Excellent — ester base, stable under load | Good — for normal riding conditions |
- Standard Repsol Moto Racing 4T (Synthetic)
- Standard Elf Moto 4 Tech (Semi-Synthetic)
Fully Synthetic vs Semi-Synthetic
| Fully Synthetic | Semi-Synthetic | |
|---|---|---|
| Base oil | 100% chemical synthesis (ester or PAO) | Mineral oil + synthetic additives |
| Heat resistance | Excellent — stable at extreme heat & RPM | Good — suitable for normal temperatures |
| Cold start | Better — reaches engine faster when cold | Good — adequate for normal climates |
| Change interval | Longer (up to 10,000 km) | Shorter (5,000–7,000 km typical) |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
Oil filter
Air filter
Spark plug
Spec: NGK B6HS, gap 0.5 mm
- OEM NGK B6HS
- Premium NGK BR6HIX
- Standard NGK B6HS
Front brake pads
Spec: EBC FA132
- Premium EBC FA132
Rear brake pads
Spec: EBC FA132
- Premium EBC FA132
Front tire
Rear tire
Battery
- Premium Yuasa YTX9-BS or YTZ7S (typical 250-500cc)
Brake fluid
Spec: DOT 4
- Standard TotalEnergies HBF4
Coolant
Service interval
Spec: 10 000 km / 12 months
- OEM Engine oil + oil filter change
- OEM Air filter inspection
- OEM Spark plug check
- OEM Brake fluid replacement: every 2 years
Valve check
Spec: 24 000 km
- OEM Desmodromic valves — specialist service
Drive chain
