I had a message from a friend, that a friend or a friend has a '79 420 for sale. I don't know the condition of the bike, but it supposedly needs fenders, etc but the motor "has been gone through". Now, I love my '77 250 MC5 but it is a little small for me. In general, what is the consensus of the '79 420. Is it competitive in it's class, what are the "good and bad" things about that year and that motor? I will probably go look at it next week to find out what the quality of the bike really is. Thanks for any input in advance.
Lloyd
Moving down to San Diego in the next 2 weeks.
From a guy that raced one back in the day, and again in AHRMA. The 420 is a great MX bike.....plush ride. Condidered a "cheater bike" back in the day, nice power when you needed it, but not a beast like the 495. It liked the wide open spaces. Have fun with it.
Big Dave
Lloyd,
Take it from a heavy 6'-2" guy. I rode an MC5 400 for a couple years against Maico 490s and YZ 465s. The '79 420 fits big guys MUCH better and is way more competitive, a fantastic runner. Ohlin piggyback shocks on '81 were a bit better--easier to take on and off, rebuild seals for reservoir available vs remotes unavailable, but still a great ride with remote res Ohlins on '79 in comparison to anything the MC5 could deliver. Turning is better, sit-to-stand more natural, more solid in big jumps. Also '79 420 kickstarts in gear...much quicker re-start in a corner stall.
Line up a pair of 83-84 40mm fork, wheel and double-leading shoe brake set up combo, hone the 38mm clamps out to accept the forks, and you'll go way deeper in corners with no flexy front end too.
Only modest challenge is that parts can be a bit harder to come by and not many parts bikes out there. Nothing ever breaks though, even clutch plates last forever. 420 was better on the rod and mains than the 495 was I believe, but check for up-down play on rod if you can. Better check for next-over piston size and put one on a shelf, only one source for Wiseco's and only a small run made. Flash at sunrisektm.com has kept me in parts no problem, has had pistons, new and used parts as needed.
Jon McLean
Lake Grove, OR