72 175 Jackpiner - Iowa

[Keith Meatyard]

Saw this bike on Craigslist listed as a '74, but it looks like a 72/73 with a later tank.  Mostly there, free motor, headlight.  Probably a good resto deal for $700 for anyone looking for a JP.  I've got enough already, the wifey would kill me.
http://desmoines.craigslist.org/mcy/2053905543.html

Keith Meatyard

[DougDyar]

Hello All
This is my first post - I bought this bike. Not sure whether it was a good deal or not, but it's almost all there and I plan to restore it and ride. It was built in Dec 1972, so I guess that makes it an early 1973?
Anyway, you'll probably hear more from me as the rebuild progresses.
Doug Dyar
Ankeny, Iowa

[Steve Minor]

Doug....Welcome to the Family. Here you'll find a wealth of knowledge and people that are always willing to help.

Tell us more about your "new" Penton. If you don't have a manual, that should be on your first parts order. Al Buehner (from the Suppliers section on the home page) has manuals and most of the parts you'll need. Good luck and keep us updated on the project.

Steve Minor
Wilmington, NC

[DougDyar]

Steve
Thanks for the welcome. I've been lurking on this forum for several weeks, and I can see that this group can be very helpful.

As far as the bike goes, like I said it was built in Dec of 1972. It's a 175 Jackpiner with the black KTM engine. It's missing its original metal fenders, as it has a '73-style plastic front fender and a Preston Petty rear. The exhaust is all there and in pretty good shape. The seat is trashed and needs recovering/refoaming. The original tool bag is on the rack in the rear, but it's missing the speedo and the headlight doesn't look right to me. I'll snap a couple of pics and see if you guys can ID the headlight. It has a switch assembly on the LH handlebar for the lights. One feature that's kinda neat is the fuel tank. I believe it's a High Point aluminum enduro tank. Oh, and it now has a Mikuni carb.

I plan to completely disassemble it, replace the swingarm bushings, etc., find someone to rebuild the engine, and get someone to take the dents out of the fuel tank. My son and I ride modern dirt bikes as a hobby, and I can't wait to try out the Jackpiner at our favorite riding spot.

[Steve Minor]

Sounds like a nice "scoot". If I can offer one piece of advice: Take pictures and keep a shop journal as you progress thru the project. Not only will it become a keepsake, but will come in handy on your next Penton project...I feel sure this will not be the only Penton in your stable!

Steve Minor
Wilmington, NC

[Kip Kern]

Doug  Welcom aboard!  I have a January 73 Piner I just finished and it is actually a 72 model.  Non frame breather, aluminum fenders and the kick stand under the swingarm.  Really beautiful machines when complete.  This site will be able to help out a lot during the restoration of your new Penton.  Have Fun!;)

[DougDyar]

Kip
Mine must be a '72 as well, then. It also has the non-breather frame and frame-mounted kick stand. It's titled as a '74, but in my state they would title just about anything back then and the year is frequently wrong.