Ramblings...

[CWilson]

I have owned my 1975 Penton 125 for 37 years and have enjoyed many pleasant experiences. Memories of past trail riding and motocross adventures come to mind and I would like to share them with the POG group.

Let me begin by noting that no other dirtbike sounded or looked like my Penton 125 which, way back in 1975, I thought was very cool. I still think that way today!  Perhaps if I had ever crossed paths with a 100 Berkshire my previous statement would be untrue.  Alas, I never saw one or knew anyone who owned one.  Still don't.

My Penton has hauled me through clear and deceptively deep Ozark streams; center punched an armadillo at speed on a trail at the John Zink ranch in Oklahoma back in the late 80's; pulled me up some very gnarly and technical hills; and slalomed through twisting, tree-lined trails.  I flogged the Penton mercilessly while drag racing various Japanese mx bikes in the mid to late 70's.  The bike did pretty well as long as I didn't miss a shift!  When my daughters were younger I gave both of them rides on the Penton.  They still remember those excursions!

In 2005 I had a memorable moto against a highly modified Hodaka Super Combat.  With half a lap left I managed to sneak inside of the Hodaka in a right hand turn and stay in front to the checkered flag.  The Penton won its class in a one hour hare scramble in 2007.  Or was it 2008?  That my bike can take to the trails or mx tracks AND also give my daughters a thrill is a tribute to the people who designed the motorcycle!

She has 1,757 miles on the VDO and has had the following parts repaired or replaced: one clutch cable, front fender, sprockets and chain, fork seals and fluid, selector key, the original Girlings were replaced with Konis and I now have a pair of Curnutt shocks on the Penton.  The original Metzler tires were replaced with Cheng Shin knobbies and front and rear wheel bearings have been replaced also. The motoplat ignition was replaced with another one long ago and that motoplat was repaired by Vance Smith last fall.  Last but not least, the cylinder is on its first overbore.

In the last four or five years, perhaps for reasons of sentiment, appreciation, or protectiveness, the bike is not ridden very often.  And I am ok with that! She is, however, prepped and ready to ride, only requiring some pre-mix in the tank.  Maybe someone can explain what causes a Penton to become more than just another motorcycle in the garage?  It's as if they get in your blood and become something greater.

There are several examples on this website of beautifully restored Pentons. I admire the skill and expertise required to do that kind and quality of work!  Admittedly, I have entertained thoughts of having my own bike restored to that same museum-quality level.  I hesitate because if I do, my Penton will never be ridden again.  So my bike will stay the way it is, blemished and battle-scarred.  On occasion I will fire it up and ride it.  And let its unique sound and head turning appearance take me back to a simpler time.

Craig Wilson

[454MRW]

Craig,
Welcome to the "Family of Penton motorcycles". It is not just a motorcycle, it is a way of life, living it to it's fullest. Pentons were made by caring persons who put their heart and soul into their creations, were proud of their craft and were not just another assembly line motorcycle. I think that you said it best..."And let its unique sound and head turning appearance take me back to a simpler time." Mike


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