Steering head-ache

[tlanders]

I have played around with different diameter and thickness o-rings. Can't tell you what I am using now because I am at work, but it is a smaller diameter than the outside of the metal collar so it fits in the gap and it is slightly thicker than the gap it is supposed to fill. It it drags a little, just consider it a very cheap steering head damper!!!

Teddy

[DKWRACER]

Hi Paul, if you go searching for new o-rings, you might want to ask for EPR material, it is less prone to cracking etc....I have p/n 2-328 from my local supplier. Adios, Tom Brosius

[tofriedel]

I recommend you get the correct O-rings from Al B.  They will/should last as long as you own the bike.

Tony

[paul]

Hey, The bearing and seals(s) came from our buddy Al. they could be for this bike or another. like I said...they dont fit where I thought it should go but has a complete seal when in place it just puts a bad drag on the steering. thanks, paul

[454MRW]

Paul,
When I put a set of 38mm Zokes on my 77 MC5, I actually put the o-ring up into the steering head recess on the lower bearing, because it seemed like that was the correct placement at the time. On later bikes however, it appears that I should have rolled the o-ring over onto the steering head and then after tighening the collar, roll it down into the gap between the steering head and the lower bearing race, leaving the o-ring visible. That is what all of my other bikes look like. Even after greasing the o-rings on my latest project, a Late 76-early 77 MC5 400, it definitely adds some resistance to the steering movement with the bike on the stand. Mike

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1980 KTM 175-400'S

[rob w]

Hi Paul,
 I guess you can call them seals if you'd like, but they're really O-rings.
They go on the outside, and fill the gaps outside of the bearings, between the head tube and bearing races, after the forks are installed and tightened.
 If they're 1/4" too large, and not a friction fit, then you must have the wrong o-rings for your application.
BW

[rob w]

Oh, hello Michael.

[454MRW]

Hi Bawb,
I'll send you some pics of my L76-E77 MC5 400 that I have almost finished. Mike

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1980 KTM 175-400'S

[rob w]

Mike,

Yeah please do. What does the L and E stand for ?

Bob

[454MRW]

Bob,
It's one of those on the fence bikes: Late 76-early 77. It has the rectangular rear frame sections at the back by the seat, but not the dual position footpegs, and is a higher serial # compared to other 76 model frames that I have, but not quite as high of a frame number as my 77 frames with the dual position pegs. I wish I could post the pictures. Mike
**Let me try this**








Needless to say, I still have to buff the tank and put on the c-shaped 77 decals, the correct rear fender and finish painting various pieces like the footpegs, etc. but you get the idea.

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1980 KTM 175-400'S

[rob w]

Mike,
Woah you've been busy, and have'n fun playing with Penton's. Good work - nice looking bike !
I'm pretty sure, not all '77's had dual position foot pegs.
I think I can nail that gold color for the Marzocchi sliders if you care.
Bob

[454MRW]

Bob,
That is the original finish. They were in good condition and I didn't even blast or paint them, at least for the time being. This bike started for me as a frame and swingarm from eBay, then a pipe, forks, tank and seat from a 76 125, Engine, Etc...Mike

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1980 KTM 175-400'S

[paul]

Hey Yall, Yep, I put them outside and everything is good...I guess. It sure looks like the o-ring was supposed to go inside on the bottom as their is a groove there. It drags when I put it there and its not right. So its outside now on the top and bottom THANKS
 Mike, I like the orange on the MC. What is it? I just took a break from the 74 I bought from u....finally cleaning the carb. Should have it fired up in the a.m. She is getting loaded down with weight thou cause I made a skid plate and added a  High Point case saver. She's gonna be a tank,cant wait! take care, TooTallPaul

[454MRW]

Paul,
That is the original paint on the tank from a 76 125 MC5 that I bought last year, and sold the engine out of a while back. I am going to try buffing it before putting on the decals. The side panels are NOS original 76-77 MC5 panels that I bought on eBay and had JP sign the RH one at Mid-Ohio. Mike

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1980 KTM 175-400'S