Need ID help

[John Aloi]

Hello, I'm a newbie to Pentons. I ran across a bike I might possibly purchase. I would like whatever info I can get. The frame number is 11152xxx  engine number is 6820xxx. Thanks in advance

[slvrbrdfxr]

John,
Welcome to the group. That 111xxxxx serial number would make the bike you're looking at a CMF (chrome moly frame)Penton and it could be either a 100 or 125. The serial number starting with 111 equates to it being built in the eleventh month of 1971 and so it would be an early 72 model. Typically a red fiberglass gas tank would indicate its a 100 whereas a green fiberglass gas tank would be a 125. Since the Sachs 100/125 top ends and magneto covers (where the engine serial number tag is riveted on) are interchangeable, there is no way to be absolutely sure of the engine size without pulling the cylinder head to see if it's a 48 or 54mm piston. These early CMF Penton bikes built in 1971 marked the end of the Penton Steeltanker era which ran from 1968-1971 with approx 6900 of the Steeltank bikes produced. The CMF bike production started in approx June of 1971 with the earliest serial number in this site's registry being 106xxxxx. Most of the early CMF Penton bikes built in 71 came with 32mm Ceriani forks and Arces triple clamps and were approx 3/8" narrower than the CMF bikes built in 1973. The way to tell if it has the narrow forks is to check and see if the triple clamps say Arces on them and also they should only have 4 pinch bolts whereas the later wider forks were still 32mm Ceriani but will have triple clamps with 8 pinch bolts. I've added a picture of my early 125 CMF bike with serial 109xxxxx so you can see what the correct triple clamps should look like. Sounds like what you've found would make a nice project. There are lots of restoration parts available for these CMF bikes and so I wouldn't hesitate to buy if the price is reasonable. This site has wealth of knowledge and so feel free to ask more questions if needed. Good luck !
Dave McCullough

[Admangia]

Hello to all, I want to preface this with sincere condolensces for members loss of spouse. Very sad for sure and maybhis grief be replaced with fond, loving memories.
I am new to site and looking forward to April weather so I can get busy on  my Penton 125. The bike has been in heated basement about 30 years and very good condition. I don't really know where to start with this. Is it likely I will need to empirically replace fork seals, carb gaskets, replace tires/ tubes before trying to run the bike. I have never dealt with bike that has been stored this long. The bike has tremendous sentimental value as it was my dear friend's who has since passed but intended to race it for him just once. Given the decent shape and completely original I'm not sure if I should just make it shiny and back into house?
Thoughts please and thank you. If I do decide to get it in thorough running condition I will certainly need some direction on where to find  maintenance instructions, parts and manual.
Thank you for taking time to read this.

[Admangia]

Mybsincere apologies for positing this message in wrong area of forum.