1976 vs 1977 MC5

[Tahitian_Red]

Hi,

I've got a few questions about the differences between the 1976 MC5 250 and the 1977 MC5 250.

Which is the proper tank for the 1976, the red tank with the C-stripe or the orange tank with the horizontal stripe?  I've seen photos labeling both as 76's.  

I think the red with C-stripe is correct for 76, but it doesn't seem logical since the 75 has horizontal and the 78 has C-shaped.

Also, some repro parts suppliers list seats (covers, foam, etc) and fenders as up to 76.  From what I have read there was minimal differences between the 76 and 77 MC5.  Which seat and fenders do I need to buy for my 1976 MC5 250?

Thanks in advance!

The Factory Novice

[G Ellis]

The only difference is the the 76 should have the orange tank. If you have a red tank with a "C" shape decal that is for a 77. The red take is for a KTM from the west coast.Seats are the same, fenders are the same.If you email me I will send you a photo of my 76 MC5 bike. Hope this will help. Later Gary

[Larry Perkins]

Early 76 MC5 did not have as good a gusset if I remember correctly.  Several early frames broke.  I think some other guys that raced the first ones like Mike Lenz can confirm this.

Larry P

[Mick Milakovic]

Larry, were there any frame mods available for that bike, like Kent's mods for the Harescrambler?

[rob w]

'76, East U.S. - Penton - orange - horz. stripe.
'76, West U.S. - KTM - red - horz. stripe.
'77, East U.S. - Penton - orange - "C" shaped stripe.
'77, West U.S. - KTM - red - "C" shaped stripe.


'76 front fender, same as '74 & '75, reproductions available.
'77 front fender, no repro's available.

'76 & '77 MC5 seats are very close to a '75 (long/tall) GP seat.
The '75 pan is a tad wider than the MC5's, but it'll fit.

Does anyone know if Al still has "long/tall" pans and foam available ? I know at one time you could get all the parts needed to make a '75 GP seat from him. But I don't think he was calling any of it specifically MC5.

 Also, I believe Pogger MRW said he was having DC Plastics make MC5 pans, and covers. The foam I don't know about.  

Welcome Tahitian Red - it's a wonderful thing when the group expands, new blood is good.

Bob W

[454MRW]

Bob W,
Yes, Don at DC Products may even have the MC5 and the 77 GS6 seat bases finished by now. He has a local guy that does the seat covers. There is also another source that has listings on eBay for Made in Italy MC5 and 79-81 seat covers.
I spoke with Don about improving the fit of 76-77 MC5 side panels and the 77 GS6 panels and he is sending me some samples to drill holes in to relocate the depressions for a correct fit and he mentioned that he will be sending me a seat foam manufacturers info with the samples. Don is now offering side panels in most colors.
I have the KTM front fender that has M. Roberts made in Italy cast on the underside and KTM logo on the top front from the 78 MC5 I bought from you that Don will soon be reproducing. It may be the same as the 77 MC5 front fender. It doesn't look like other M. Robert fenders that I have seen. Mike

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1980 KTM 250'S