1977 Penton 400 MC-5

[brian kirby]

You will have trouble keeping it under you, but it wont matter what spring rate you choose. The 400 in MC tune is unrideable in the woods, or at least I couldnt do it. If I was in your position, I would leave it in MX trim and not even attempt to ride it on anything but an MX track.

Brian

[454MRW]

Dan,
Email me a pic & I will post it for you, or do a search on, how do you post pics. Mike [email protected]

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1980 KTM 175-400'S
1975 Can Am 175 TNT & 77 250 Black Widow
1979 Husqvarna OR390
1976-78 RM & 77-79 PE Suzuki's
1974 CR250M 07 CR125R 79 CR250R

[Big Mac]

Brian, you're forgetting the de-tuning factor that girth brings into play. I'm 250 lbs and no issue in handling the 400 MC5 in tight woods and offroad. Kind of a tractor that will loft the front end with a blip.

I've run the stock Marzocchi shocks with fresh oil and right reservoir pressure, but with heavier springs off later Ohlins that had dual springs (use just the long one, of course) that came on '80 KTMs/Huskys with more extreme shock angle/leverage...not sure the spring weight, price was right though.

A couple of problem I've found with the MC5 for us big & tall guys for serious racing--weak foot peg design with the dual mount setup, have collapsed two left side pegs on hard jump landings, and the seat height vs pegs makes for serious leg pump for long legged guys. Still have the MC5, but I've gone to the long & tall '81 KTM which fits big guys much better.