Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/1139140
32 Trail Rider Vintage Feature 1976 Penton/KTM 125 Cross Country The 70's were magical years, no doubt; even more so for off-road motorcycle enthusiasts. From 1974 and up, the evolu on curve was strong. Manufac- turers graced us dirt freaks with dras c changes from year to year, some leaps and bounds within a six-month span. Racers would buy a new bike in the spring and when the new models were released in August or September, their ride could be consid- ered obsolete. Sounds absurd? Yes, but technolo- gy was advancing at an alarming rate during this exci ng decade. As one who experienced this fun period first-hand, I think it's safe to say most techni- cal advancements in suspension design took place during a 10-year period. From '74 to '84, dirt bikes evolved at an alarming rate. As a lifelong woods rider, I always held the Penton Marque in highest regard. As a teen during this era, I'd sit in class daydreaming about that gleaming new 125 Six Day on the showroom floor of my local bike shop. Charlie Hildebrand's, Cape Ann Cycles in Beverly, Massachuse s was mecca in my world. Charlie sold Penton and Hodaka, along with Nor- ton's. At the me, I was a punk kid of 14, consumed with all things two-wheeled. Having grown up on Honda QA's and Mini Trails, my first real motorcycle was a Hodaka Wombat 125. The Hodie treated me well, but it was the Penton brand that I truly lusted over and have ever since. Having ridden and collected Pentons for the good part of the last four decades, I've for- ever been intrigued with the uniqueness of the brand. There's always debate amongst Penton aficionados concerning what's correct and what's not. Changes in components and assembly were made constantly, not yearly as the Japanese brands of the day. During this period, Penton dealers really didn't know what to expect when uncra ng a new shipment of bikes. Ceriani forks and shocks might have been expected, only to find upgraded Marzocchi's front and rear. KTM, the manufacturer of the Penton brand, was a small company during this me, and they had the ability to "move and shake" if and when needed. As one who likes different, I've always enjoyed the "trick" feel of the brand. One of my favorite bikes in the fleet here at Trail Rider is a '76 Penton 400 that I've owned for several decades.