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Well, I have an aftermarket plastic tank, new and unused plus several used originals sitting around. I'd be glad to help you out when you are ready.

I have a spare 400 motor, it is not in running condition and I have not even had it open since acquiring it last year. It could need some lower end work but it is all there.  I have a spare head or two also.  There are other odds and ends Thom, forks, couple of frames, wheels, seat, probably the same stuff we all have in the garage.   By the way I have been slowly acquiring parts to build my son a 175 this year and have a couple of silver motors too.


This has been an interesting bike for me, kicking it is about the worst part of the whole experience as I have had numerous knee surgeries over the years and I am having a harder and harder time making it look easy.  Right now it needs a carb overhaul and so I was planning on sending it back to Bing in a few days.  When I get it back I will want to get it out in the woods to clean out the cobwebs and see what else pops up. I've been thinking about some suspension work also, not sure what quite yet.  

 After that we might be in business. I'd enjoy getting together once I can be sure she'll hold up for the day.  Actually my son and his CR are both dying to kick my butt and if there are witnesses around he will be that much more difficult to live with.

   If you are real serious about buying an MC5 400 we can talk about that some time too.  I have been thinking about building the 175 and buying a modern KTM to keep up with the wippersnapper on.  Feel free to keep in touch via my member information as you mentioned.  

Any other poggers in the NW; same goes for you also.  I would be glad to help with parts if I have them or pick up something for you in Cleveland this April.  Thanks and good luck to you all.  

Why a Penton? Because Pat Penton was my neighbor.

Actually, I don't know that I would have ever climbed on a motorcycle if it weren't for Pat's son Ted, who was my best friend growing up.  Through out high school I worked on the Liembach family farm and thought the world of his parents. Pat is terrific and Paul was a mentor to me but I don't think I ever knew it at the time.  Looking back now I think he was one of the greatest men I ever met.  Funny how that works.  

Ted was a great racer, I always felt he had the most talent of anyone I had ever ridden with.  He taught me alot about wrenching, determination and just having fun, I owe him a great deal.  I bought my first Penton from him, a used factory racer.  We built tracks all over the farm.  In the winter we drove sheetmetal screws into our knobbies and raced on the frozen ponds.  (You have to go very fast to get out to the thick ice in the middle, the ice on the edges was very thin).  Life on the farm was as perfect as it could be.

My introduction to motorcycling by Ted some 29 years ago has led me to numerous BMWs as an adult.  I have a k1200rs now and commute to work everyday of the year on it.  I have never had a wreck or been down on the street.  Some of that is luck, but most of it is chasing Ted down a dusty farm lane in Ohio many years ago.  I might even be alive because of him.

Why do I have a KTM (78 400)?  It's not the bike, although it is a damn fine machine.  Tough, well built and simple.  No despite the bike's virtues, for me it is the family.  John could have imported Urals and it would not matter to me.

Pat once wrote to me that the farm was their garden of eden, it was for me too. My KTM transports me back there every time I swing a leg over it.  It is still a blast to ride.

Thanks for the helpful info Thom, like you I want to avoid trashing a good pipe, your orv experience is very reassuring.

By the way my parents live in Ohio (I grew up on the same street as Dane), whenever I visit I go out to Buhners so if there is anything you would like me to look for please feel free to let me know.  Next trip is April.

Good luck with that shop.

Hello Tomale, I live in Kingston Washington and have a 78 400 MC5.  I am still working on it but it runs well enough now and has alot of potential.  I believe my racing days are over (two torn rotator cuffs) and will be actively trail riding it with my son and his CR.  I was wondering if you have ever had any problems with the Db level requirements in the Washington ORV system?  I don't have many options for quieting the bike down and I don't know what kind of reception the bike will have in public areas.  

I am slowly building a stock of 400 and 175 parts and will eventually build a 175. I have a couple of spare motors, frames, wheels and so on.  The exhaust pipe/silencer question seems to be the one I have the hardest time with.

Thanks for the NW report.      

Rob W:  If you need a road trip you always have a rack out here in Seattle.  We have enough bike parts in my garage to make anything we want and two BMWs in the drive way if speed is what you need.  Good luck and hang in there, we need you.

 

I would be willing to order two 400 MC5 pipes.  We need to talk abit about silencers.  I am also looking for a 175 MC5 pipe.  Good luck

 

I would be willing to order two 400 MC5 pipes.  We need to talk abit about silencers.  I am also looking for a 175 MC5 pipe.  Good luck

 

I have a ten dollar reward for anyone who can trick rob w into responding to one of my many attempts to purchase his motor.  Is there a secret POG handshake they forgot to tell me about when I joined...or maybe they didn't forget hmmm....

 

I would like to buy your engine.  I have two frames needing a prime mover.

 

I purchased the frame as a back up for my 78 MC5 400.  I will let you know how it works out if you are interested.  Mark Nitchman, [email protected]

 

Lindeman:  Do you have a 400 pipe you are willing to sell.  I am building a 400 and could use one eventually.

 

I would be very interested in your engine.  You can e-mail me at [email protected].