Messages

Thank you for all the responses.  The bikes have been sold.

Hey guys.  Thanks for all the responses.  The bikes have been sold.  I am actually glad I didn't have to part them out and someone will be fixing them up.

Sorry guys, I should have given my location.  Fremont, Michigan 49412.  I can help some with delivery on a paid per mile basis.  Pretty easy for me to get to the Southern Michigan border.
Thanks for all the interest.

OR BEST  reasonable OFFER is true in this case.  Haven't heard a price from anyone yet.?.  Thanks for looking though. Lots of people saw the ad.  Look at the pictures anyway and if there is something you need, and nobody wants to buy it, I may be parting it out soon.
Thanks

Sounds like I need the manuals.  I reread my post and may have missed something, but how do I contact Al?  Is he at Penton USA ?

It sounds like mine is early 1976 so it would use orange and yellow number plates?  Mine has the orange gas tank.  I think the older 76-77 used white number plates...correct?  The airbox is not off, but appears fiberglass.  Doesn't sound like metal when I tunk it with a wrench.

Were the Penton's pretty tough bikes when running?  I mean good ignitions and pretty bullet proof.  The last Penton I remember seeing in action was Old Ted up here in Michigan.  I rode some enduros in I think 2000 and remember seeing his bike.  Got out to a road and thought I would blow by him...no such luck...it got going pretty good.

Once again, thanks for all the help.

OK, I've got a couple more numbers that makes me think it is a 400 and not a 250.
The engine number is 6-5502800 now I think the 55 on the engine indicates a 400.  Looks like a cross country and it could possibly be a 6 speed per the 6 ?
It has a Bing 54 carb.
I'm thinking that the 250 and 400 shared frames though.
As far as side panel...there is one on the left that is red and yellow, but I was told this was from a 250???  I emailed you a pic.
Don't have a right side number plate.
I have been trying to find a picture of one, but can't find it anywhere.
This is pretty difficult research, usually you can just put in the name of a bike and pictures of the bike pop up on the internet.
Once again, thanks for all your help.  If I do decide to part out or get ride of it, I'll let POG know first.

Hey if nobody buys the penton 400s in the next couple weeks I will be tearing them apart and parting them out.  Let me know what you need and what you will pay for the parts you need.  Anything I don't sell, will be thrown out.  No more room, no more time...

See my previous ad on the bikes for description and pictures

[1976 Penton (orange one)]

I had one of these up for sale before, but after 3 months of one of the group saying they were going to come up and get it I am re-listing.  I bought the second one to combine the two and make one good bike, but you could have two pretty nice 400s if you restored both.

Pictures  http://hometown.aol.com/jwbike962/page1.html

These pictures aren't the best.  I can send a zip file to your email with more pictures.  I can help some with delivery if negotiated before the sale.  I get 70 cents per mile, but don't like big towns.

1976 Penton (orange one)

Engine 5502800  Frame 5460389131
Engine turns over.  The bike does have spark.  I put on a chain and you can see when you push it in gear.  Shifting is very notchy.  Kickstarter strokes but doesn't catch anything.  Bike sat for years and oil was like jelly.  I flushed gearbox put in new oil, now it shifts through the gears, but I think kickstarter pawls are still gummed up.  Biggest problem I can see with engine is the top of the case is cracked where the stay attaches.  I have photos.  Going to be welded or one person told me JB Weld as it is not a stressed mount?  The gearbox is holding oil as I made a new gasket.

Other things:  fender bag has MS logo and all the straps-front fender says FALK-fiberglass airbox-have not looked at carb-needs roller set up for chain-need clutch lever and handlebar mount...plus I'm sure other stuff...look carefull at pictures.  I don't know very much about Pentons.

Late 1977 Penton

The certificate of origin signed by John A Penton says 1977 400 with mfrs serial no 55003039 and motor number 65503926

Engine is VERY stuck, otherwise it looks like a pretty complete motorcycle.  It will shift into first and second gear and into neutral, but kickstarter will not move and it will not turn over when you put it into gear.  Did someone take out the kickstarter stop?
I am completely unsure as to what it is as I have not looked.

You can call me evenings at 231-924-5965 or email me at [email protected] or [email protected]

****************Oh yeah, $1,200.00 for both bikes****************

[case cracked]

1976 Penton 400 needs total restoration $900 or best offer

After talking by email with several of you and being told that the 400 is a relatively sought after bike, I have decided not to part it out at this time, but to sell it hopefully to someone here at POG.
I came up with the starting price from your input.  I will take offers on the bike, below is a long winded description of the bike and also a web site where pictures can be seen.

http://hometown.aol.com/jwbike962/page1.html

I would have put the pictures here, but couldn't figure it out.  The website pics are lower quality.  I can send and 8 picture set (16 MB) to your email box if you want to zoom in real close.  You can also email me and I can take more pictures or answer questions.

Engine:  Turns over-owner told me it had a blown head gasket.  Shifting is very notch and kickstarter is not engaging.  Bike sat for years and oil was like jelly.  I flushed the gearbox and put in new oil, before that it wouldn't shift at all...now it shifts.  I tend to think things are OK, but just gummed up.  Biggest problem with the engine I can see is that the case cracked where the engine stay connects to it on the left side.  I'm sure it could be welded but it will take some good prep work.  Also, I don't know if there is spark as there is no chain on the bike and I can't get it to turn over fast enough using the crank.  The magnesium covers show some signs of interior corrosion (moisture?) but I cleaned up the surgaces and right now the gearbox is holding oil after I made a new gasket.

Other things:  fender bag has MS logo and all the straps-front fender says FALK ? - fiberglass airbox - no grips - no clutch lever / perch -needs roller set up for chain guide - seat cover torn - have not looked at carb - tail light broken - no headlight / # plate - has speedo drive but no cable or speedometer - no front brake shoes, well I take that back, they are in a baggy as they fell off the metal and were just sitting in the front wheel - front tire is flat - shifter is bent (bend back?)

You will need to come get this bike in Fremont, MI.  I might, repeat might, be able to help someone out by driving a couple hours depending on my schedule.  No title, bike will come with a bill of sale.

I might have missed some things, but feel free to ask me questions or ask me to take more photos.

You can call me evenings at 231-924-5965 or email me at [email protected] .

Hi guys,

Nice web site.  I'm new here but lots of info in your posts.

My son (14 years old) bought a bike recently.  The guy told him it only had a blown head gasket.  I took a look and the crank turns, piston goes up and down, clutch turns, countershaft sprocket is free, ...
Kickstarter goes down comes up does not engage anything...same with shifter.
Maybe clutch is stuck on?? stuck between gears?? any ideas??

Early research from another site says it is a 400  1976 early 1977?  5 spd - 6 spd?  Enduro model? Anyone got a pic of what side panels looked like.

If picture would help I could email you one couldn't figure out how to post it.

Frame:  54 603 89131      Engine  6 - 2800
Orange tank with L white black stripe  Rear fender with tail light and leather tool bag (a big one), leather strap around tank, pretty much complete, is it worth fixing?? part it out??

Any help would be appreciated.
Thank you.