Hi Folks. I thought that I could identify all my Pentons, but could use some help here. I recently picked up two, and have a couple of questions. I did refer to the guides here. The first bike is a Berkshire, with a 21159...
Assuming a November 1972 date, is it a 72 or 73?
The other bike is a Jackpiner with pre 76 attributes. The frame number has me questioning my noggin though. It reads 54 60690...
I am thinking 74.5 to 75 model. I am reading it wrong as a June 06 date? All help is appreciated. I do have pics to send individually, as I can't seem to get the hang of posting them here. I don't know much about their history (estate sale). It does look like JP signed one tank in 2011. Both are runners. I do plan on bringing them to sell on my annual trip to VMD.
Thanks in advance!
Rob Brown
5408158411
Rob,
On the Berkshire, does the side stand mount under the swing arm or on the side of the swingarm? If its under, I would call it a 72 vs. if its on the side its a 73.
As for your Piner - It's a 76, the 54 is just a prefix to the serial number that is on some frames, but not all.
Thanks,
Kevin
Hi Kevin. Thanks for the quick response. The JP has a couple of different parts that made me unsure if it was pieced together. May I sent you a couple of pics?
Rob,
Sure, feel free to send me photos, or post them here.
Thanks
Thank you. I don't know how to post pics. How about you send a text to my number posted above? I will send pics that way if ok. I really appreciate your advice.
I had forgotten about the sidestand bit. Berkie is a 72.
Well, it looks like I am able to send a couple of lower data pics. Will keep trying.
right side
At least I did a search and figured out how to post a pic:)
Rob,
Thanks for posting the photos. The Berkshire, looks pretty correct other than the magnesium hubs and Akronts. These originally had aluminum hubs and steel Radielli rims. As for the 175, the frame looks more like a 74/75 with the positions for the lay down shocks and the triples and forks are from a later bike. Take a closer look on at the serial number on that one to see if its actually 506XXXXX.
Thanks,
Kevin
Thanks Kevin. Whomever had the bikes did some mods to each. I will send a pic of the JP number. That is what confused me. But I'm easily confused these days. haha.
Isn't a 54 a 250 frame?
Quote from: Doug Knight on April 28, 2025, 05:49:20 PMIsn't a 54 a 250 frame?
That was my first thought!! Maybe check the engine number also. Just because it's blue doesn't mean much. There are a lot of Franken-Pentons out there!! I have a 400 that is a Heinz57 Variety of parts, such that I think it was built from parts at a dealer.
Type at you later,
Dan McEntee
Thanks everyone! I appreciate your feedback. I will check the engine number when I stop by the warehouse. I've been working on a nice barn/shop. Can't wait to get all my stuff in one place! lol
Rob,
I know for engines 54 designates 250, 55 for 400, 52 for 175, and 51 for 125, but I don't believe that is true for the frames. If you take a look at the frame list for CMF bikes it lists this prefix as a production code and there are bikes of every displacement with the 54 production code.
Heres the frame list - https://www.pentonusa.org/penton-motorcycles/production-years/frame-number-lists/cmf-frame-numbers/
Hey Folks. I have been working on my barn project and several other bikes. Time is flying by! I will be able to go over these two bikes enough to ensure they run and roll. I have ridden the Berkie around the yard. I started the JP and ran it through the gears while tilted - them ran out of fuel. I will be bringing both of these to VMD to sell, and possible one more if I can squeeze it into the trailer. I will also bring 3 good running Hondas w/titles: 1970 ct90, 1974 cl125, 1974 xl125 Beauty Queen. I will list these all on The FB "What are you bringing to vmd" listing in a few days, but wanted to preview to the pog first. Would prefer to sell within the group. Prices higher on FB $2900 for Berkie, $3400 for Jackpiner. Lower for POG. I will take them to the pavilion on Saturday morning if not sold prior. Please contact me for more info. 5408158411 Rob. I will have booth 422 this year. My Texas friends cannot make it this year. Will cross post to the for sale section. Looking forward to another VMD!
Hi Rob,
Both bikes look to be nice projects for someone. The 606xxxxx serial number would make that bike a 76 Cross Country. The illustrated parts book shows the leading axle Marzocchi forks would also be the correct ones that came on that bike. The 76 Cross Country would have originally come with an orange tank and side number plates. By the looks of the exhaust pipe, I'm betting you'll find the engine serial number starts with 52 and is a 175. Look forward to seeing you at VMD.
Dave McC