Some of my fondest memories of traveling to Lorain, Ohio were of going to the Penton Dealer and Service Schools. I still have the paperwork for the one that took place on February 12, 1973. I was out of high school by then, but when I was still in school I would talk to the principal about missing school for this event and he was always very sympathetic to my cause.
The Penton Day at the AMA annual POG event grew out of the strong desire to try and rekindle some of the very strong personal, emotional and mechanical bonds that were very evident at the Penton Dealer Schools. The folks who attended those events were not just there to learn how to make a few more bucks, it was as much family reunion as it was motorcycle business, and in the center of it all was John Penton...
This years Penton Day at the AMA event will take place on Saturday February 6, 2010 at the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum located on the AMA campus in Pickerington, Ohio. The Museum opens at 9am and our days events will begin at 10am. This link will take you to their website containing directions, available lodging and much more.
http://www.motorcyclemuseum.org/about/hours.asp
If you have a Penton powered by a KTM engine you will most certainly want to attend this event. Kip Kern and Forest Stahl have graciously agreed to lead a discussion on the dismantling and rebuilding of the KTM engine. The entire engine from drainplug to sparkplug will be discussed.
You say your engine is fine but your ignition is the problem, your in luck as we have the best possible person to help you along. Dane Leimbach has agreed to lead a discussion on the evolution of the KTM ignitions, starting with what the factory used to what is available for use today.
Lunch will be provided by Buehner Supply, thanks Al and Dale...
Please feel free to bring your Penton or Pentons along for display.
Thank you Kip, Forest and Dane for being so gracious with your time and talents.
Thanks also to the Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum and it's staff for allowing us to use their facility.
If you wish to see what this event looks like follow this link to view a collection of photos taken by Bill Smith.
http://www.pentonusa.org/GalleryServerPro/default.aspx?aid=17
Hope to see you there.
Paul
Paul I may take this one in; and it's only 12 short hours away. Thanks for the post.
1973 Penton Jackpiner
1982 Yamaha XT200
1982 Yamaha XJ650J Maxim
1987 Yamaha YZ490
2005 Honda CRF450R
Sounds great. I will be there weather permitting.
David the meeting at the AMA Museum is in February.
Are you guys going to video this presentation? It would be great to have this and a Sachs rebuild video available
Desmond's got the right idea. A video would be priceless for people like me that live in the middle of nowhere.
G
72 six-day
unfortunately, the timing for me to make this won't work out. :(
i would love to be there but i'll be on vacation in hawaii with my lovely wife.[8D]
its sounds like one of the best events at the museum to date.
chi jer
Glad to be of service, the more people learn about the KTM engines, the easier it is for them to enjoy the Pentons, and the more Pentons we bring back to life!
I was planning on bringing a 250cc engine for the demo, possibly 2 so the entire contents can be viewed and we can then reassemble a complete bottom so everyone can get a pretty good feel in case they would like to rebuild their own engine. Paul, I don't think Forest is going to be able to make it:( as he has another Dealer Show to attend (V Twin) but I will pick his brain prior to coming and have some crank and cylinder info to share.
Anyone have any specifics they wish to cover? I plan on going over the entire engine but may miss something. The basic goal at the end of the day is for everyone in attendance to feel pretty comfortable about working on or rebuilding their own engine. I will be covering KTM engines from 1971 to 1978 as they are all pretty much the same. Prior to the class, if you have one, review the Penton Shop manual pertaining to the 175/250/400 engines and write down any questions. I don't know everything, but I am sure there will be someone in attendance who can help out if we get stuck!;)
I would think a major part is setting crankshaft end play.
Lew Mayer
Hi Paul - Given the time constraints allowed by the Museum is there any chance the Sach's engine will be discussed during this event?
Thanks!
Stephen
If someone videos it, count me in to purchase a copy if it is at all reasonable. (I have the manual but any additional tips are always helpful.) I think my MC5 is going to need an overhaul this year or next. 6 years of racing (8-10 events a year) without anything other than oil changes, plugs and clean air filter. (Knock on wood.)
Boy talk about timing! My 250 is sittin on the stand cause the motor needs work! I might have to buy the video though:(
Thomas Carmichael
1970 125 Six Day
1976 250 Hare Scrambler
We do video tape these meetings and will have to view the captured video to see if we can provide a "how to" video from this meeting.
The main focus of this meeting is the KTM engine and the ignitions, with that being said I am sure that if Sachs engine questions are asked that they will be addressed as well.
Thanks for all of the input...
Kip,
My question for Forest concerns what he feels is the proper piston to wall clearance for the 100, 125, 175, 250 and 400 engines when fitting a top quality piston into a fresh properly bored cylinder?
Thanks
Paul
Paul He (Forest) usually bores all my cylinders at .003 clearance, unless I have an old Wiseco and then we go at .004 plus as they (pistons) expand very quickly. I'll recheck this info with him.
I really wish I was closer this would be an event I would really enjoy. I could learn alot. I posted an idea a few years ago about having a weekend long clinic dealing with this kind of thing. I sure the guys like myself would not mind paying a fee to have the opportunity to learn from some of the best.
Rod Whitman
Omaha, Nebraska
1972 Six Day (Rider)
1972 Six Day (Project)
I would definitely be interested in purchasing a video of the information disseminated by these engine professionals.
It's the subtle nuances of what one should look for, i.e. the high wear components, and the adjustments one should carefully make while inside the engine that are SO very important.
Their experience is key and should be captured for others. Back in the day we didn't have such technology as video to preserve their knowledge as we do today.
Phil Ketchum
My Wife says go so I'll be there. Mapquest shows 12 hrs from the Cape so it's not really a dealbreaker. I have a 175 engine that needs case gaskets so it can be used as a guinea pig if need be.
1973 Penton Jackpiner
1982 Yamaha XT200
1982 Yamaha XJ650J Maxim
1987 Yamaha YZ490
2005 Honda CRF450R
Sounds like a great day. I'll bring the cake!
Toni[:X]
Did Penton ever do a service school during Daytona Bike Week? For some reason I recall attending one held in the infield at Daytona International Speedway back in '73/'74. And I also recall Miami Dolphins punter Larry Seiple was in attendance as he was a dealer back then...or maybe I dreamed all this?
Thanks,
Keith R. Larson
I just noticed that the EVENTS lists the next meeting at AMA for Feb.7, and your posting lists it for Feb.6. I assume that your posting supercedes the EVENTS. Hope I'm not the only POG member who is sometimes confused. Joe
Joe,
We sometimes post erroneous information just to see if anyone is really reading these listings :D The Saturday Feb. 6 date is correct.
Kieth,
Having not personally been at Daytona that year, I have no first hand knowledge of what went on. That being said, I did some research and found in the #14, April of 1974 issue of Keeping Track, that there was a great Penton presence at Daytona for the MX that year.
Long story short, Buck Murphy rode his 250 Penton to a 2nd. place in the big Daytona MX on a Carl Cranke prepared machine as Mr. Trunkenpolz looked on. I think that Carl stated during his visit a couple of years ago to our Penton Day meeting that Mr. Trunkenpolz asked for, and received, the Carl Cranke prepared top end off of Buck's 250 engine to take back to the factory with him.
As far as a dealer school taking place, it probably looked like one, but I haven't seen any mention of one. As far as Larry Seiple,
I do believe that he was a Penton dealer.
Hope this helps, and hope to see you folks on Feb 6 :D
Paul
I'm committed to deliver the MC5 I just sold to the buyer (first time Penton owner) in Columbus.
So I'll be there. :D
This sounds great. While I am not a frequent visitor, I am a respectful one. The "Penton family" activities have no rival.
A friend and I are planning to be there. I know there was general reference to lodging in the area, but would a more frequent visitor give us a tip on near by lodging. We are a cut above the Motel 6 but do not require any fancy lodging, just clean and safe.
Cliff,
These two places are almost side by side and we use both of them. The AMA campus is only about a mile away and there is a Cracker Barrel between the hotels and the AMA campus. Be sure to mention the AMA and Motorcycle Hall of Fame Museum to get the special rate at the hotels.
Country Inn & Suites
Columbus-East
2806 Taylor Road
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
(614) 861-8888
(800) 456-4000
Make reservations online
Enter promotional code "motor" or call or walk-in for the special rate of $69 per night for an Executive King room.
Marriott Fairfield Inn & Suites
2826 Taylor Road
Reynoldsburg, OH 43068
(614) 864-4555
Call the hotel for a special rate of $74 per night for King and Double rooms.
Looking forward to seeing you folks.
Paul
Living in NY, makes it impossible to attend. However, I would be interested in buying a copy of the video if one is made. Thanks, James
James where in NY do you live? Anyone travelling from Indy or west of? Thanks, David.
1973 Penton Jackpiner
1982 Yamaha XT200
1982 Yamaha XJ650J Maxim
1987 Yamaha YZ490
2005 Honda CRF450R
I am not sure yet, whether I will be able to attend, but really hope to be able to attend.
I live 50 Miles West of the Indianna State line and travel on I70 through Indy and have a bike carrier for the back of my Honda Pilot, or a 4 bike trailer, if the need arises. Mike
[email protected]Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1980 KTM 175-400'S
A quick update on the meeting.
Just spoke with Katy Wood at the Museum and she has everything ordered that we will need, can't thank her enough.
We should have plenty of room to set up, some years we have been a bit tight, but this year we should be fine.
Scott Brogan, the POG shirt man, has his shirt man busy and will be unveiling the 2010 POG shirts. Can't thank Scott enough either, he always does such a great job.
Kip and Dane, well as you guys all know these guys are always on top of it, can't thank them enough either...
Hope to see you there
Paul
Sounds great Paul, what time should we show? Thanks, David.
1973 Penton Jackpiner
1982 Yamaha XT200
1982 Yamaha XJ650J Maxim
1987 Yamaha YZ490
2005 Honda CRF450R
The Museum opens at 9 and our days activities begin at 10. The day goes by quickly and there is much to see and many folks to visit with. There will be coffee on hand.
Thanks
Paul
Last time I was at the museum there was an entrance fee, same this time or do POGgers get in free??
From the AMA website:
¡AMA Members: $5
¡Members of national motorcycle organizations: $9
¡Adults: $10
¡Students: (ages 12 to 17) $3
¡Seniors: $8
¡Family Rate: (parents and all single children under 18) $25
¡Children 11 and under: Free
1973 Penton Jackpiner
1982 Yamaha XT200
1982 Yamaha XJ650J Maxim
1987 Yamaha YZ490
2005 Honda CRF450R
OK, this may sound stupid, Setting the timing.
Again a Video would be great. Even if all it is just hearing the guys talk. This might be helpful to people that have nothing to go by.
G
72 six-day
G
I will try to set the timing if I have enough (time):D. I use the sachs timing gauge and it takes about 15 minutes.
I use a digital gage it takes less than 2 or 3 min, Later Gary
It looks like Saturday is going to be a beautiful sunny day in Pickerington, Ohio. Don't forget to bring those Pentons out of storage for the display.
http://www.pentonusa.org/GalleryServerPro/default.aspx?moid=1450&hr=1
Paul
Don't think I'm gonna make it over the mountains. Happy Anniversary to Gary and Toni, though.
Lew Mayer
Our weather guy says that parts of the US, south of the I 80 corridor are going to get winter this weekend. Safe traveling guys if you're headed to AMA.
you guys that live in the region around Ohio are so lucky wish I could go to some of the Penton meetings that would be so cool...
Thom Green,Still crazy after all these years!
76' 250 MC5 (orginal owner)74'
250 hare scrambler (project bike)
Thom,
Be assured, we all sure do wish that you could be here and be a part of the happenings. Part of the reason we do the videos and pictures is to allow folks who could not attend to be as much a part of the events as possible.
I personally have always felt very fortunate to live only 2 1/2 hours from Amherst, Ohio. I just finished stapling together a hand out for the meeting, it is a copy of the hand out that Penton Imports passed out at the Penton Dealer Service School that I attended on February 12 and 13, 1973. That is about 1 week short of 37 years ago, if my math is correct. Guess what a couple of the topics were from 37 years ago, Motoplat ignitions and Penton 175cc engine work, guess what two of our topics are on Saturday :D Ignitions and KTM engines, I had no idea about the topics till I had the copies printed up today.
Your comment is very touching. As the saying goes,
wish you were here.
Paul
Paul
I'll be hitting the road at 5am tomorrow, supposed to get some snow but will see!:)
Kip and fellow POG members, Everyone might want to log onto //www.weather.com and enter Pickerington, Ohio. There is snow expected, but only a few inches each day on F and S. Everyone drive safely and allow adequate time to travel safely. We intend to travel this evening and stay at a hotel for the night. Wake and make it to Cracker Barrel for breakfast. Wife if not interested in the POG meeting all day, so I am sending her with our two young children to COSI (center of science and industry) in Columbus for the day; just 20 minutes away. Looking forward to meeting all the POG member who attend! joe
Thanks Paul, I have never seen any of the video's but it is kind of cool to see some of th pictures.. This site really has been great, I feel like I know so many of you because of all the conversations I have had with all of you over the last 7 years... Wow, it really as been that long, time is fun when your going fast....or something like that....
Thom Green,Still crazy after all these years!
76' 250 MC5 (orginal owner)74'
250 hare scrambler (project bike)
Hi all. Its 1:30 Fri afternoon and Col, OH tv stations are reporting that most school districts are sending kids home early due to the storm. I live in Parkersburg, WV and its raining here with snow later tonight. My wife and I had made plans and reservations to be in Pickerington about now. However, my only mode of transportation at the present time is a Mazda Miata. This is due to a run in with our ever present, always present vermin [ other people call them deer] and my Ford Explorer. The Miata is a W G O S, [ won't go on snow] so we are going to stay home. I'll miss seeing ya'll and ya'll be careful!
Hank Rinehart
Hi all,
Sorry to say but the weather threat has me staying home this weekeend also. Have a safe trip to all those making the trip to the POG/AMA meeting this weekend and guess we'll see you at New Blaine at the end of March or at Mid Ohio this summer.
Dave McCullough
As much as I hate to be a weather wimp, I too have had to cancel my trip from Tennessee to Pickerington. My wife's son in Dayton called and recommended that we not attempt the trip-not just because of the snow, but primarily because of the possibility of ice. I hate to miss it, but want to thank all of you that are working so hard to put on this event. I know it will be a big hit with all who are able to attend. I hope you have a large turnout and everyone's travels are safe.
Nelson Lingle
73 Jackpiner
74 Jackpiner
71 DKW 125
Paul, you guys do a fantastic job and make owning, racing and restoring Pentons a pure joy. Besides this public forum, not a week goes by that I am not contacted by a POG member where we exchange both technical and sometimes personal challenges. John Penton started it all. The POG continues the tradition, promotes and advances his legacy. And as Doug Wilford would say, we "Have Fun" along the way. Thanks -EP
Ernie P.
Chattanooga, TN
I made it without any problems from Illinois to the Mariott in roughly 6 1/2 hours. Normally it would only take 5. I saw several cars off the road on the opposite side and 2 cars badly damaged, backing up traffic for a couple of miles in the Westbound lane of RTE70. Honda Pilots are good in snow and slick conditions, thank God! No snow accumulation to speak of on the road, but slushy conditions and low visibility in sections. If you stay in one lane, you are better off. It is tricky crossing over to the passing lane in the slush, but not impossible. Temperatures were 31-33 all day from 11am-7pm with intermitent rain-snow mix. I think there is about 4-5 inches on the ground in Pickerington, almost double of the most I have seen along the way. Mike
Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1980 KTM 175-400'S
Well worth the trip Mike and Thank you again for picking up my new Six Day! We had the best time at the AMA Museum, and what an absolute pleasure to meet everyone involved with the Penton Group. Perhaps we can Skype these events in the future so that everyone can tune in?
1973 Penton Six Day
1973 Penton Jackpiner
1982 Yamaha XT200
1982 Yamaha XJ650J Maxim
1987 Yamaha YZ490
2005 Honda CRF450R