Messages

Thanks Kip,

It arrived yesterday.  I can't thank you enough!  I'll be ordering the drum bushing and gaskets from Al B. so I can button this thing back up very soon.

I hope I can return the favor someday.

Thanks again,

Paul E

rejuvenated 78 KTM 400 MC5

Well, I split the cases without any problem and quickly discovered the problem.

The hook/claw on the shifting quadrant was broken and laying in the bottom of the case.

Also, as I went to remove the shifting drum it just fell out of the other side of the case.  The bushing on the clutch side of the case had broken off inside the drum.  The broken part is rolling around inside the drum.  I can't imagine how to get it out of there.  Maybe try to drill it into pieces perhaps.

Does anyone know if these parts are available?

Other than that everything looked good inside.[8D]

Paul E

Hey Lloyd,

We are very close.  I've been living in Simi Valley for 20 years.  I grew up in the south bay area (Harbor City) not far from Lion's and Ascot.  Also used to go to Saddleback and Indian Dunes, I was just a kid at that time.  I would love to come see your bikes sometime.  My email is [email protected].  

I live off Royal and Sycamore in the middle of town.

Sometimes it's a small world.

Paul E

Thanks for the info Lloyd,

My Dad's riding buddies from the seventies all bought their bikes from Mid Valley CZ.  In fact my KTM was also purchased from there (It still has the Mid Valley sticker on the side panel).  The original owner of my KTM was a loyal Mid Valley customer, and just made the switch from a 74 CZ 400 to the 78 KTM 400.  

I'm more of a desert rider (Dove Springs is a favorite place), but I look forward to getting out to the track in the near future!

Did you race at Mammoth back in 74 by any chance?  or the Elsinore GP? I remember John DeSoto winning it in 71

BTW where do you live these days? (if you don't mind me asking)

Paul E

Thanks for all your welcome words, and the details on your experience with this issue.

I am looking forward to getting into it it the coming days.  I'm sure I will have more questions as I go.  I plan on taking my time, to do it right.  

This motor has never been worked on.  Never even had the head off!  It has never been raced, only ridden in the desert.  It sat for 15 years in my garage, until 2004.  Now I get out 4 or 5 times a year (I wish it were more often).

I'll keep you all posted on my progress.

Thanks again,  Paul E

A former CZ rider in the 70's
KTM owner since 1980

Does anyone have, or know of anyone who might have, a shifting quadrant (hook/claw)for a KTM.

I think it is the same part for all size engines (mine happens to be a 78 400 MC5).

Without it I will be out of action.  The rest of the bike is in such great condition I can't imagine not getting it back together.

Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks again for everyone's help. I wouldn't have gotten this far without all your input.

with fingers crossed

Paul E

My 78 400 MC5 started missing shifts especially 4th to 3rd.  It's been getting progressively worse, and now is at the point where I need to fix the problem.  I have the repair manual from Al Buehner, but I don't have all the special tools that are referred to.  My question is,  is there anyone near Southern California who has experience working on this motor.  I'm mechanically inclined and good at maintaining the bike, but splitting the cases and overhauling the transmission without the special tools may not be a good idea. I am in need of some expert advice. here is a link to a recent photo http://paulericksenrecording.ning.com/photo/2186719:Photo:94?context=latest

Paul E