500 GTV

1978 Ducati 500 GTV Technical Analysis & Specification Breakdown

Positioned in Ducati's classic motorcycle lineup, the 1978 Ducati 500 GTV utilizes a 497 cc (30.3 cu in) air-cooled twin, four-stroke layout. In factory specification, peak output is rated at 39 HP (28.5 kW) at 7,500 rpm, transferring power to the rear wheel through a 5-speed gearbox and chain final drive. With a specific output of 78.5 HP per liter, the engine character is indicating a tractable, stress-free state of tune focused on everyday usability and broad torque delivery.

On the scales, the 500 GTV measures 195 kg (430 lbs) wet (curb), translating to a power-to-weight ratio of 0.2 HP/kg (5 kg per horsepower). The 14-liter (3.7 US gal) fuel tank supports practical everyday commuting and weekend road stints, while factory top speed is listed at 165 km/h (103 mph).

Within MotoLibrary's Ducati archive, this model family spans 2 indexed model years from 1977 to 1978, allowing buyers to track year-over-year changes in emissions tuning, weight and equipment.