New guy with no clue

[grandpaul]

I recently purchased a Penton 125 Six-Day (I believe it's a '70 or '71) and a KTM 125 of about the same years. Both have the large radial finned head, so I assumed 71-72, but the Penton has the small round (green) metal tank, unlike a 125 Six-Day I had before with a kinda slab-sided plastic tank held down by a strap. How does one go about determining the actual year model?

Second question - more important: The DKW (orange) will barely squeak out a timy spark only if the plug lead is held (bare) right up to ground, no spark through a brand new plug. I cleaned out (as best I could) the points and tried several different coils, same resut. HELP!!!!


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[Bob]

Try this link at the excellent old POG site :

http://w3.one.net/~bely/pogyearbyyear.htm

[Doug Wilford]

grandpaul;
The first part of your question do as Bob says there is a way by serial number to determine the years of your Pentons.   The second part, is simular to any electrics Lucas for sure.  Make sure you have all good grounds.  Pull the flywheel and make sure there isn't so much rust the coils can't pick up the flywheel magnets.  Have the flywheel remagnitized. New points and condenser would probably also be a good idea.  Check the parts link: Al Buehner and Fisher cycle have the points etc.

 

[grandpaul]

Thanx for the quick info... will try the aforementioned remedies & keep fingers crossed. My (late) younger brother loved my Penton best of all the over 40 bikes I've ever owned; it was the only bike he could wheelie (it's all in the power/weight ratio).


Host of the Triumph Bonnevilles Forum at //www.delphi.com/grandpaul

[Dave H.]

The symptoms you describe indicate that the trigger coil is hosed, from my experience. (I'm assuming you have a Motopoop ignition) Unfortunately they (actually Motoplatt)went out of business.  sorry, I know that wasn't what you wanted to hear. Good luck, and don't dispair, I'm  told that PVL makes a good replacement.
Dave H.
POG 414

[grandpaul]

And where do I find this PVL outfit?


GrandPaul,
Host of the Triumph Bonnevilles Forum at //www.delphi.com/grandpaul

[Dave H.]

Someone had posted this source for PVL in an earlier POG forum message...
http://www.pentonimports.com/index.html


 

[grandpaul]

Can anybody tell me what happened to the old POG site that had year-by-year identification of Pentons?

GrandPaul,
Host of the Triumph Bonnevilles Forum at //www.delphi.com/grandpaul

[grandpaul]

I guess I'm high-centered with nothing definite as to whether my Penton 125 is a '68 or '69. Even though I have the serial number that would indicate a '68 model, I understand this does not mean it is for sure, it could be a '69 made from 'old stock'. HELP?


GrandPaul,
Host of the Triumph Bonnevilles Forum at //www.delphi.com/grandpaul

[OUCWBOY]

One big difference between the 68 and 69 was the air box. The 69 had a round external box that had a rubber boot that attached to the frame. The 68 air box was inclosed under the seat.

[grandpaul]

Well, I guess that narrows it down to a '69! I've got the external round aircan with the rubber snorkel. So finally I can say with some assurance that I own a '69.

GrandPaul,
Host of the Triumph Bonnevilles Forum at //www.delphi.com/grandpaul