Front wheel offset

[Mike Korgan]

What is the correct solution to get the wheel centered in the forks? It's a 77mc5 with 38mm forks. Spacer on the brake side? Re-lace the wheel?
Thanks.

[thrownchain]

Is the rim centered on the hub? Are the spacers on the correct side?

[Cal Alexander]

If you have your spacers, bearings, seals, etc. installed correctly and the front rim is still offset you can pull the rim over usually by 1/2 inch or more by loosening the spokes on the short side of the rim and tightening them on the long side. This works well as long as you have enough of the threaded area of the spoke remaining inside the nipple.

I use a yellow tire pen to mark each spoke nipple position then loosen the short side spokes by one full turn and then tighten the long side spokes by a full turn all the way around the rim. If you have to adjust them by more than two full turns you probably need to take the tire off to see if the spokes you are tightening need to be ground off so they won't puncture the tube.

The early 1972 CMF Penton's with the shorter 32mm front forks have a slightly offset front rim as well as the Mudlarks which makes lacing and centering the rim a bit challenging.

You can usually pull them in position without re-lacing. Best of Luck!

[454MRW]

Stock front forks on a 77 MC5 are 35mm. They started using 38mm forks in 1978 MC5's. You should look up the parts diagram in the 78 MC5 chassis manual to see what spacer is used in what position. You might need the 78 front axle, as some years are longer, and the larger diameter section sticks through the clamping section of the forks. Remember do not overtighten those small clamp bolts, they should just be snug, or you will crack the fork legs.

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Penton
1976 MC5 400
1978 KTM 78 GS6 250
L78-79 MX6 175-250 KTM's
1976-78 125-400 RM's
2007 CR125R Honda
1977 MC250 Maico
2017 KTM Freeride 250R

[Mike Korgan]

Thanks everyone. I double checked the hub assembly, everything is correct. I made an adjustment with the spokes and just by loosening the brake side 3/4 turn it corrected itself about half or so of what I need to get it centered. I'll finish truing the wheel tonight, I'm hoping it will get very close without too much tightening on the other side. I'm hoping I don't have to pull the tire. Tires are right up on my list with sit ups. Thanks again.