clean machine

[rob w]

I just wanted to show you this Penton that I'm in the process of cleaning. Every piece you see in these photos is original to the bike as new - all paint is original, and not one iota of touch up.  

[Tom McPeek]

Bob  Thanks for the pics  It is helping me determine what my shock and exhaust mounts should look like   Tom

78 KTM250 MC5,77 Penton 250 MC5

[rob w]

I have the bill of sale and title. This bike sat new in the Flint Indian Sales dealership (Flint, MI) - and was purchased by the first owner in 1989.
Bob

[454MRW]

Bawb,
That is an excellent example of a fine original machine! Take lots of pics! I've already saved these to my computer for future reference. it is interesting to note that the tripple clamps, engine, and possibly the airbox appear to have been painted the same color, slightly contrasting the frame. Mike

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

[thrownchain]

I'd say that the frame has been painted, but the other parts are "bare metal". Most of the triple clamps I've seen are plain, not painted.

[firstturn]

Bob,
  Very interesting and neat bike.  Thanks for the pictures.

Ron Carbaugh

[454MRW]

Dan,
Usually the magnesium pieces are painted to avoid corrosion. At least all of the ones I have been in contact with have been painted, and I have media blasted the coatings off and repainted them. Mike

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

[David Laite]

Mike what's the best media to use on delicate parts, glass? Thanks, David.

1973 Penton Jackpiner
1982 Yamaha XT200
1982 Yamaha XJ650J Maxim
1987 Yamaha YZ490
2005 Honda CRF450R

[454MRW]

David,
I use plastic media like that used to strip paint from cars in a body shop. You can blast aluminum or magnesium without removing any metal or damaging the surface. It does not work to remove rust on steel or cast items. Mike

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

[marsattacks]

I'm sure everybody knows except me but is that a 76 HS or JP? I assume HS.

[454MRW]

That is a 1977 MC5 with the dual position footpegs, drool, drool! Mike

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

[rob w]

1977 MC5 400

[marsattacks]

that's why it is so clean -- it is only 33 not 34 years old!:)

Super nice.  I like the shocks.  I thought the dual pegs were only on the GS but I don't know much about these. Is it simply preference, clearance, or any other reason for running the shocks in this configuration as opposed to upside down?  Thanks, John

Mars Attacks!

[tofriedel]

On the shock position, I have seen photos of new bikes with them installed both ways.  My guess is that it varied depending on who was putting them together.

As for the frame, I believe it is the original paint, since some of the decals are still present.  Also it shows little wear in the normal wear places.

Great find.

Tony

[SouthRider]

FYI - The zokes were originally installed with the reservoirs in the "down" position, and on some bikes would only fit that way.

Then we realized that there was less unsprung weight if they were in the "up" position. That way the weight of the reservoirs was riding on the "sprung" frame instead of the "unsprung" swingarm.

Over the course of a year or two in the early 70's all manufacturers switched to putting them in the "up" position.

There was also some thought that the shaft seals stayed better lubricated this way - though that effect is minimal.

Clark



1979 SERA Louisiana State Champ