MX-6 Identification

[454MRW]

For those who have never heard of the MX-6, I have found from talking with individuals that the MX-6 introductory 1979 model was formed from left over 1978 MC-5 frames and chassis components when the KTM factory personnel ordered the wrong grade of Chrome Moly for the new updated 79 frames and a pile of frames were seen at the plant which were told to be junk and unusable because of the oversite. KTM then had to scramble to release a new model, made of updated leftovers, possibly only producing them for a month or so.
If looking for identifying clues; The MX-6's that I have found started around serial number 855-10315 and higher 855- serial #'s, and had 8-XXXXX dated engines. The lower fork legs have the white KTM logo and additional holes drilled in the damper rods to improve fork compression, reducing much complained about fatigue. Black accordion fork boots in the place of rubber wipers at the top of the fork legs. Often the boots are gone, exposing the top seal and clip. MX-6 side panel logos. They could be strictly MX or dealer upgraded Enduro packages added, and all Enduro ones that I have seen were with Preston Petty rear fenders, headlight, and VDO speedometer. Most of the plastic tank caps are long gone on the smaller MX tanks, and replaced with metal standard caps. The MX numberplate has a 1977 World Champion sticker on the 79 style numberplate and the 79 style front fender. Also the forks have air caps. Here is the KTM literature on the new 79 MX-6, best of all, no price increase. Imagine that!
Good Hunting! Mike


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Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1978 KTM 250'S
1975 Can Am 175 TNT 250 conversion
1976-78 125-400 RM's & 79 PE250 Suzuki & 2012 DR650
2007 CR125R Honda
1977 MC250 Maico

[firstturn]

This is some interesting history.  You did just find a 175 right?  I guess you did.  Didn't see your other post.  Not sure I have seen one of these in the last 20 years?

Ron Carbaugh

[454MRW]

I have owned 2 MX-6 250's, one enduro  & one MX. I restored and sold the MX one, and kept the huge tank Enduro one, and now I have a 175 Enduro as well. The Speedo mount is still there and cable, but no speedo, so I need one. I have tried to buy a couple 175's that showed up at Mid Ohio occasionally but never had the funds at the right time. All in all I have only seen in person or listed for sale about 5 beside mine, and maybe only 1 400 if I even remember seeing a 400, and never any 125's that I can recall.
I'm trying to keep a record of the Serial #'s for a registry of sorts. Mike

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1978 KTM 250'S
1975 Can Am 175 TNT 250 conversion
1976-78 125-400 RM's & 79 PE250 Suzuki & 2012 DR650
2007 CR125R Honda
1977 MC250 Maico

[454MRW]

I bought a KTM 250/400 frame a while back from a bike that had been completely parted out and the frame was all that was left, which was in the serial number range of an MX-6. If anyone ever sees a set of 78-79 forks with the white KTM logo on them, I would be interested in those forks, either 35 or 38mm. Even though the KTM brochure mentions the new improved action forks are 38 mm, the 125/175's used 35mm air assisted forks. I have not had a set of  MX-6 175 forks disassembled (yet) to see if they have the extra holes in the damper rods like the ones on my 250's. Mike

Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1978 KTM 250'S
1975 Can Am 175 TNT 250 conversion
1976-78 125-400 RM's & 79 PE250 Suzuki & 2012 DR650
2007 CR125R Honda
1977 MC250 Maico

[454MRW]

Update:
While dismantling the forks on my newest 79 MX-6 175 to replace the fork seals and repaint the lowers, I found that even the 35mm forks on the MX-6's do also have the addition oiling holes drilled by the factory at 90 degrees from the stock 78 hole location to soften and improve the fork compression action which had previously received numerous complaints in 78 about causing arm fatigue from stiff action on the compression stroke. Mike


Michael R. Winter
I enjoy rebuilding and appreciating Pentons!
1974 250 HS Pentons-1978-1979 MX-6 175 & 250 KTM's
1976-78 125-400 RM's & 79 PE250 Suzuki & 2012 DR650
2007 CR125R Honda
1977 MC250 Maico