When did Penton turn KTM?

[Gordon Brennan]

What was the 1st year that KTM was on the tank and the motor. I was surprised at the 73 KTM 125GS on this list.
http://www.vintagedirtbikeparts.net/VintageKTMPhotos.htm

[SouthRider]

As part of John's handshake deal with KTM to build bikes he had the rights to the US market, and they were given the rights to sell the same bikes branded as KTM in the rest of the world.

I believe it was some time in 1978 that he gave up the US rights and the Penton name stopped appearing on US models.

[KTMTOM]

That's a great question. My understanding was that the 1975 west coast bikes were the first of the true KTM bikes. I picked one up that I've been refreshing for the last few months thinking that I really had something, least in my mind, but would love to know if that not be the case! (By true KTM I mean KTM motor & Decals)

[SouthRider]

Now you are jogging my memory - John did release the West Coast rights earlier - I'm sure this is all in the book, but it's fuzzy in my memory.

But to re-state - there were always KTM models in Europe simultaneously with Pentons in the US. The only differences were the gas tank stickers, and the special enduro mods done by the Penton Imports Group on arrival in Ohio or Texas.

[sixdazed]

I worked at Hemet Cycle Center,a KTM dealer in California in 76 thru 80 and the bikes were KTM badged then and different colors maybe,blue instead of orange on the x country bikes but the MC5's were red.Ted Lapadakis was the distributor.A friend Bill Tarling rode for him in off road/desert and his bikes were always blue KTM's.Bob Balantine and Tom Kelly rode them too with much success.
                                                   Ric

ric emmal

[rob w]

_______________
Penton sells western distribution
rights to KTM
_______________

LORAIN, OH., JUNE 20, 1975

John Penton, in the form of a letter to his dealers in
western states, announced Friday the sale of western distribution
rights to KTM. Larry Maiers, Penton's general manager, informed
us that the motorcycles will no longer be sold in the western states
as Pentons, but will carry the KTM name.
The complete text of John Penton's letter follows:

Negotiations have been finalized for the sale of the western
distribution rights of Penton/KTM parts and motorcycles.
The rights have been sold to the manufacturer of Penton cycles,
KTM of Austria. The reason for this is KTM's desire to not be
dependent upon one individual for U.S. sales.
The effective date of transfer is July 1, 1975. It is
expected that KTM will announce a new distributor at that time.
I have been assured by KTM that all existing Penton dealers
will be absorbed by the new KTM distributor. We will furnish
the new distributor a complete dealer listing from which you
will be contacted within a very few days.
We are very thankful for the past considerations you have given
us. With your help the Penton name has been established across
the country as one of the finest dirt bikes available. I am
certain each of you will continue to work with the new distributor
to maintain what you have established.
We will continue to service you with the Hi Point line of
competition accessories. In fact, with no cycles to worry about,
our West Coast emphasis will be 100% on further development of
our accessory line and distribution methods.
Thank you again for your past business and friendship.
See you down the trail. JOHN PENTON


This is a press release from a July 1, 1975 Cycle News.
Hope that may clear up some of the dates in question. I take the term "western states" meaning those west of the Mississippi River. If anyone can tell me if that assumption is correct or incorrect, please do
____________________________________________

East of the Mississippi, the bikes were branded as Pentons until Janurary 1, 1978.

Bob

[marsattacks]

There are other quirky facts. I don't claim to be the expert but as examples:

The euro markets received diff headlights to US (same with Hercules and other marques). E.g., the small bullet ZKW was not supposedly used on 72/73 bikes and the large CEV was not used on 74/75 bikes.

In 73 Mr. Penton apparently filled some Penton orders via drop-shipment to Australia --- until the Ozzie importer discovered he was buying bikes largely made in Austria (see the 73 HS article in VMX mag for this).

The euro markets had diff side panels (louvered on some bikes).

There are some other interesting facts too.

[socalmx]

quote:Originally posted by sixdazed

I worked at Hemet Cycle Center,a KTM dealer in California in 76 thru 80 and the bikes were KTM badged then and different colors maybe,blue instead of orange on the x country bikes but the MC5's were red.Ted Lapadakis was the distributor.A friend Bill Tarling rode for him in off road/desert and his bikes were always blue KTM's.Bob Balantine and Tom Kelly rode them too with much success.
                                                   Ric

ric emmal

1976 was the first year that KTMs starting showing up at the races. I had the opportunity to talk with Ted Lapadakis last year at a banquet about his distributorship in the 70's. He was the man behind the killer Deeks of Mark Adent and Tommy and Cordis Brooks.