A blue one

[Jason Rowland]

The last Penton my father owned is his Jackpiner, which has spent its entire life in Wisconsin – most of it parked in his barn in non-running condition. But very shortly it'll be on the way to its new home in Indianapolis, which would be the perfect time for me to drop it off with someone who can freshen up the powerplant, for starters.

Anticipating that this day would come, I've been learning from you guys for a few years.  Another thing I've anticipated is the lukewarm reception a Penton project will receive from the Mrs - especially when she notices there is only one set of footpegs.  As usual, in order of priority, the list of things I need to spend time on and the list of things I want to spend time on...is the same list...reversed.

Aside from the engine work, I could finish it up myself since you guys have taught me how, and shown me where to source the bits and pieces.  However, in order to keep the peace, I'd much rather bring it home as close to finished as possible. I don't want it shiny and restored, just to function as intended. Never been a big fan of unnecessary leaks or squeaks, duct tape, epoxy or drywall screws as permanent fixes, bent nails in place of cotter pins, or wheels that don't run true.  When I bring it around for the surviving members of dad's Sunshine Racing Team to enjoy, I don't want to have to give any disclaimers.  

So, I'll need a black-case specialist and ideally, someone to rebuild the suspension.  Then anyone who wants to run with the project from there is welcome to.  Leave your contact info below and I'll get in touch.  The bike is likely to be in transit from south central WI to central IN on October 22 or 23...any engine pros on my way? JR

[G Ellis]

I can help I live west of Indy in Danville IL. You can call me 217 260 0237

[242]

Jason there is ways to deal with the Mrs. My dad was a farmer and to hide a new tractor he painted them all red, had three barns, and moved them around lot. Yes we had a red John-Deer A. I have a set of clamp on footpegs and a old back rest.  Dave

[Jason Rowland]

Thanks, Dave - the Mrs is aware that dad's Jackpiner is moving in, but I'm still not quite foolish enough to stop hammering on the homestead in favor of wrenching on a toy.  

I admire your father's creativity, and you'd have no trouble hiding another handful of Pentons in your museum right in plain sight, but it wouldn't matter what color I painted dad's Jackpiner - being the only motorcycle, it's gonna stand out like a sore thumb...and even more of a sore thumb if it's got a back rest on it.

Although I appreciate your offer of the clamp-on footpegs, I can foresee a scenario where I'm pulling some fashionable footwear out of the spokes.  Be sure to let me know if you run across a sidecar, though.  

Although I don't believe we actually got a chance to meet at the Penton movie in Indy, I'm glad the tickets worked out - hope you enjoyed the show as much as I did.  There was a really good turnout, I thought.

Thank you, Gary - I'll give a shout.  Danville isn't just on the way, it's in the way...and since my last miserable experience spending a good portion of the day creeping along 15 miles of Chicago expressway 4 lanes wide at almost walking pace...it's the only way.

[242]

Me and the wife had a great time at the Penton movie thanks again for the tickets. I'm planing on a get2 this fall so you need to try and make it down about a 2 1/2 hour drive. Might have soom parts for the Blue one. Gary will get you going he.s good with them Jackpiners. Dave

[Jason Rowland]

Here's an update on frame 7-20856798 / engine 2-5201160:

She spent a bit of time at The G. Ellis Finishing School for Wayward Pentons, and is now a well-mannered 2-kicker.

Here it is back when we were both pups:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/4qpwvrhelpf6ek5/Way%20Back.jpg?dl=0

After 30-odd years of barn purgatory:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/fatep7ldtv2wm3v/In%20Time-Out.jpg?dl=0

Being coaxed back to life by the Penton Whisperer:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/fyse89lbby0t8gc/Piner%20with%20Gary.JPG?dl=0

Reunited with the gear from the first pic:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/nijvf78jw47jsmj/Reunited.JPG?dl=0

The Sunshine Racing Team was a group of friends who all lived around Barneveld, WI.  Although my father has passed, most of them still do.  Among others, Rick was on the Pursang and Mike on the Elsinore, if memory serves...and all of them, plus the extended pit crew, were on whatever mind-altering substances happened to be available.

Much thanks to Gary for doing all the heavy lifting.
Never had the opportunity to do much besides lube the brake pads back in the day, so I'm really enjoying the view from the front seat now.