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Well I think I'm going to take the plunge and get cracking on this thing. I think it will be a very cool conversation piece with an occasional ride up the street when finished. I'm restoring it to a very high standard. If I'm going to do it, I'm doing it right. Whatever it's worth is whatever it's worth...

One of the things I need to make a decision on is which rear shocks to use. Everything else is just being restored back to original but the rear shocks are trashed and not rebuildable. Any suggestions for something reasonably priced for a bike that will see seldom to no use. I just want something that is as close to stock as possible. It looks like most or all come with springs but I could sand blast and paint the old springs if necessary.

Is there a go to guy that most of you use for parts?

I have a local guy to do the motor and will do most of the other work myself. I do need several parts though...

Thanks for the help!

Ok, so if restored to a 9-10. 10 being best and going back the way it was with headlight and speedo, what's the best case scenerio of value? Am I looking anywhere near $5k-$6k or will I be lucky to pull $3k-$4k?

Thanks for the input. I know I'll never get my time back but that's okay. I just don't want to spend $4k and have it be worth $2k when I'm done. I'm planning on a very nice resto job so I'm not too worried about the value being that low. It is literally completely disassembled as of today. I'm gonna get the frame and motor done and then take it slow from there. Probably finish it up through next winter.

Any suggestions for rear shocks?

Hello all, I am new here and a pretty avid KTM rider of their latest variety. I just came across a 1973 Penton 125 Six Days that I want to restore. I've already completely disassembled the bike and marked everything as best I can for reassembly. I've restored a couple cars in the past so kind of got the idea. However, having never restored a 73 Penton before, I  thought this would be the best place to start and get some questions answered.

First of all, is the bike going to at least be worth what I have in it at the end? I'm guessing it's going to take anywhere from $3500-$4500 to completely restore back to original. Am I on target here? I don't know how long I plan on keeping it so I would like to at least get my investment back when I decide to sell or more would be nice. Yes I've seen the one for $20k on Ebay and realize that he must be smoking something funny...

2nd, what things matter the most? It looks like all 73's had White plastic fenders but I prefer the metal fenders from a 72. Would it matter if I went with the metal fenders on a 73?

Also, it has a headlight and speedo but I prefer the look of the bike without those. Is that a problem? Will it hurt the value too much without them back on the bike?

I'm planning on powder coating the frame instead of paint. Is that an issue for the purist out there?

Since I'm planning on basically going all out on the restoration I'd like to do it in a fashion that makes the bike worth the most in the end.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.

I'm sure I'll have several questions as the reassembly process starts...

I'm in Michigan about an Hour north of Detroit if anyone has any local connections for parts or advice.

Thanks in advance for any help!