1976 Penton 125 Cross Country Frame question

[400gs6]

Hello Gentelmen, I'm in the process of wrapping up a vintage feature for Trail Rider Magazine. The bike is a 1976 125 Cross Country (first year of KTM's own 125 engine).

What I find very interesting is the frame (512 88015) does not have provision for multiple upper shock mounting options. This '76 frame  looks identical to my 1972 125 Six Day CMF frame. (has three lower shock positions on the swing arm.

We've also got a '75 125 Six Day here in the shop (502 81369) that does have the multiple shock mounts (presently lay-down position)

Any reason why KTM would have regressed to the '74 and earlier frames on their brand new KTM 125?

Huge thanks,

[email protected]

[Mike OReilly]

Because that is what was left in the parts bin?

I've scanned and sent the 1975 and 1976 Cross Country brochures (showing at least 3 varieties of rear suspension setups) for Kurt's reference.

Mike

[JP Morgen]

I have only ever seen one of these, in a Dirt Bike magazine test, or maybe it was an article on Carl Cranke in Dirt Bike, because I remember the photos showed him riding one like you write about. Never seen another photo of one since.

[slvrbrdfxr]

Kurt,
I owned a 76 125 Cross Country (frame  # 511 87623) several years ago and just went and looked at the pics of it saved on my pc. It too had the single mount position for top of rear shocks and three position shock mounting on the swing arm as you described. Bought mine out of the back of a local farmers's pickup truck as I was following him into the gate at Mid Ohio quite a few years ago. As I recall, it was pretty crusty, wouldn't roll and only gave a couple hundred for it. I had to remove the chain so I could coast it from the upper parking lot down to my swap meet space. I can send you some pics if interested so just let me know.
Dave McC

[242]

Kurt, I'm restoring my 1976 Penton 125 with KTM motor # 512-88016. It has one top and 3 bottom shock mounts. There was an old Penton dealer in my area that I woun,t mention. He got one of the new 125 Pentons in with white MX fenders?? maybe? It set around his shop for a time with on takers. Then one day a fellow came in and put $500.00 down on a 400 Penton Enduro. As time went by for some reason $$$ the dealer could never get a 400 Penton in. With no interest in the little 125 after selling off the white MX fenders he put on yellow Preston Petty fenders, and headlight trying to sell it as an enduro. Then one day the fellow who want's the 400 Penton come's in want'ing has 400 or has money. The ol dealer had nether but told the fellow "I got a deal for you" and with no way out had to settle for the 125. Some years later, a dealer myself, took it in on trade and let my 16 year old sun race it. It's been hanging around for 30 years or so and about ready to get her running. Have to pick up the orange tank, air box, and side covers from Gary Ellis and mount the painted and rebuilt motor. Last time it was on the dealer ?? show room it had yellow fenders and headlight, and still had them years later. Yep, I put'er back like I founder her yellow fenders and light. Ol Dave

[rob w]

Link to picture of said bike, brochure ->
https://photos.app.goo.gl/ExzehBgAKknxSi2N8

[Dennis DeGonia]

To bad they don't make that exact
bike today. I would buy one tomorrow!D

[rob w]

The first introduction to the color ORANGE

[Toolsurfer]

Looks like 74 250 frame. I though 76's was first year of zoke leading axle forks? Maybe it was sherrys or the zoke?

[454MRW]

Although I have seen the leading axle Marzocchi forks on some 76 175 Cross Country models, the 76 MC5 had leading axle Marzocchis' or Cerianis. I assume that some of the 76 125 cross country's head leading axle Marzocchis as well, but I I'm just speculating. By 77 they were all Marzocchis. Mike

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

[Daniel P. McEntee]

But as neat looking as these bikes were, they were not exactly a success, correct? This was KTM's first 125cc engine I believe. In one email exchange I had with Carl Crank about a whole 'nother subject regarding reed valves, he said that he never put reed valves on any KTM engine ( because in his words, they didn't need it) except for the 125 when it came out. It was such a poor performer that they were  trying anything to improve performance including adding reed valves. Am I correct in this? I do not think I have ever seen a KTM engined version.
   Type at you later,
   Dan McEntee