New Penton owner with a few questions

[tuckerdt]

Hi All,

I just got lucky enough to come across a Penton bike recently and have a few questions about it. I have been watching the board and reading and googling everything I can to try to find some answers but that isn't working for me so here goes. If these are repeat topics sorry.
1. The bike I have I think is a 1974 175. Frame number 5441179100 engine number 4-5207308 is this correct?
2. How can I tell what version this is or is there different versions of this bike availabe? MX vs. Jackpiner, What do I call this thing besides a Penton?
3. This bike has shoulderless aluminum wheels with hi-point stickers on them. Is this correct for this bike? I couldn't tell in all the reading I have done if it should have shouldered wheels or not.
4. It also has a Lectron carb on it. I thought it should have a Bing carb. Which is correct and what would be the best option on carbs for this bike?
5. My bike is complete except a few minor pieces missing but like a lot of others I hear about, I got it because it has no spark. Is there an inexpensive way to get spark to see if the rest of the motor is good? I don't want to spend $400 for a PVL to find out it has a bad rod or burnt piston.
6. The rear shocks have aluminum bodies with cooling fins cast into them on the bottom. Are these the correct shocks or something someone has changed?

Thanks in advance for any information you can provide,

Darrin

Proud new owner of a 1974 Penton 175 and current owner of many Hodaka's (yes Hodaka's and I love them).

[Ernie Phillips]

Darrin,  Welcome to the POG.  In response to #5 - No spark:

Vance Smith is a good source for repaired Motoplat stators
  http://motoplatrepair.tripod.com/index.html
If you have a red wire coil (diode in coil), he should be able to rebuild your stator for <$150.  If you have the stator with the diode, be careful (black wire coil).  I've experienced problems with these repaired stators and have had repeated diode failures -- costing much aggravation & DNF... On my bikes with Motoplats, I converted to red wire coils.  Vance is working on a better diode fix for the black wire coils.  If you are going to race and/or value your riding time, buy the best your can afford.  If the PVL is within your budget, it is a bargain.  


Ernie P.
Chattanooga, TN

[tuckerdt]

Thanks Ernie,

The coil on it is a red bodied coil and the connectors are marked Blue wire and Black wire so I'm not sure which it would be.
I plan on keeping this bike and seeing how I like it. It could be a RR classic class bike or just a woods bike to chase my son around on. If the motor is good I will spend the money for a good ignition but don't want to commit that much right now.

Thanks again,

Darrin

Proud new owner of a 1974 Penton 175 and current owner of many Hodaka's (yes Hodaka's and I love them).

[rfpotter]

Welcome to Pog, Darrin.
I have yet to see any reasonable question go unanswered through this group. Thye certainly have helped me through one resto/rebuild, and get ready for the next.
I have answered many of my own questions using the search function at the top right of the forum page. Also reading through "Production Years" from the home page is very valuable in terms of frame and engine numbers and particular design elements.

Patrick Houston
Cosby, Tennessee

[Ernie Phillips]

Darrin,  Red wire / black wire refers to the high tension lead - (connects to spark plug).  The red wire coil has the diode built into the coil and appears to be more reliable than the earlier bikes with black wire coils which had the diode built into the stator.  The red wire coil will work with either type stator.  Troubleshooting Motoplat guide can be found at:

http://www.yankeetwin.com/motoplat.html

Ernie P.
Chattanooga, TN

[paul]

Hey Darrin, Welcome! Let me know what you are missing as I just parted a 72 175 and most parts will fit. This includes a 30 or 32 Bing. What ever came on them. I know Pentons came with Lectrons but someone else would have to answer about the 175 having one stock.
 Your Bike is a Jackpiner. I believe they called them that until 75 or 6.Hollar,TTP

[tuckerdt]

If you had the ignition (stator and coil) and the carb and cables I would be interested. I could at least try to get it running with this much. Shoot me a price to my email and if it's in my price range maybe we can make a deal. darrin at malonerealty dot com

Thanks

Darrin

Proud new owner of a 1974 Penton 175 and current owner of many Hodaka's (yes Hodaka's and I love them).

[tuckerdt]

Thanks Ernie and Patrick,

I will use the information you sent me Ernie and check the ignition as best I can Monday and see just what I have and see if I can figure out which part is bad if any.
Patrick, I have done many searches and read the production information about 4 times now. I pick up a little more every time I reread it. I think this bike must be a 74 1/2 (November of 74 by the frame number). I haven't been able to find a picture of the Ceriani shocks but think that must be what these are. The swing arm has all the extra holes for different shock mounting locations too. I will do more searching and poking around to see what else I may find out about this thing.

Thanks again,

Darrin

Proud new owner of a 1974 Penton 175 and current owner of many Hodaka's (yes Hodaka's and I love them).

[Bill Campbell]

Darrin - if you look further back on the forum you will find advice on checking all of the ignition, engine and frame contacts. Corrosion builds up between the stator and the engine and the engine and frame etc leading to poor or no earth. Worth a check before buying a replacement.
Cheers Bill