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by Floyd Clymer (Author), Penton Motorcycles (Author), Velocepress (Producer)
128 pages and more than 150 illustrations and charts, size 8.25 x 10.75 inches. This manual is a compilation of 3 publications: (1) A workshop manual for the Penton 175cc Jackpiner the 250cc Hare Scrambler and the 400cc Mint models (2) An illustrated Frame and Chassis parts manual and (3) An illustrated 175/250/400cc KTM Engine Parts manual.
This publication is also appropriate for the KTM MC(Motocross) and GS(Gelande Sport) machines that utilize these same engines.A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF THE ASSOCIATION BETWEEN PENTON AND KTMIn 1967 when John Penton approached KTM (Austria) with a plan to manufacture off-road motorcycles to his design, it was obviously seen as an opportunity by KTM to gain a foothold in the expanding USA off-road motorcycle market. Certainly, having someone like John Penton representing their product was a major win for KTM, as John's prominent status in off-road racing was already well established. The first of the Penton-KTM joint venture motorcycles, the Berkshire 100 and Six Day 125 models, powered by Sachs* engines arrived in the USA in 1968. The use of a Sachs powertrain was an obvious choice for KTM who, without any in-house engine capability, had been using Sachs engines in their moped, scooter and road-going motorcycles since the early 1950's. While the Sachs powered off-road machines established a solid foothold for Penton motorcycles, John began to pressure KTM to construct an engine of their own design. The first of the Penton models powered by KTM engines debuted in 1972 as the 175cc Jackpiner followed in 1973 by the 250cc Hare and the 400cc Mint in 1974. (*See Workshop Manual ISBN 9781588502933 for Sachs powered Pentons).However, KTM was also marketing identical KTM badged bikes as MC (Motocross) and GS (Gelande Sport) models on an international level. Obviously, this did not sit well with John and the situation worsened when those same KTM badged bikes, began to show up on the west coast through a different USA importer. The 1976 MC-5 and Cross Country and the 1977 GS-6 Pentons were also badged and sold as KTM's and the association between John and KTM continued to deteriorate. In the interim, KTM had been pressuring John to relinquish control of his distribution rights and in 1978 KTM purchased both the distribution rights and the company infrastructure and the Penton brand was no more. A sad end to an era of great innovation by John Penton, however, his motorcycles and the identical KTM versions are regarded as some of the best ever to come out of the 1970's off-road motorcycle phenomenon and are highly collectible and still used in vintage events by enthusiasts worldwide. Unfortunately, owners of these early Penton motorcycles are subjected to considerable confusion surrounding the appropriate selection of the multitude of originals and reprints of the various manuals and parts lists that have recently flooded the marketplace. We encourage you to exercise caution when purchasing a manual for your motorcycle or automobile as many of the reprints found on internet websites are from 'bedroom sellers' at enticingly low prices by individuals that have no idea what they are selling. Many are nothing more than poor quality, comb-bound or ring-bound photocopies that are scanned and printed complete with greasy pages and thumbprints and, as such, are deceptively described as 'pre-owned', 'used' or even 'refurbished'. In addition, they are often advertised for the incorrect series and/or model years.
Number of Pages: 136
Dimensions: 0.29 x 10.75 x 8.25 IN
Publication Date: May 15, 2025
