Post Sale Update: This Penton sold for $4,150 after 15 bids on eBay in Dardanelle, Arkansas.
The Penton Six Day was a very important motorcycle – it was the start of the commercial relationship between John Penton and KTM.
For more on the Penton/KTM relationship, check out this article from KTM themselves. Just 400 of these bikes were brought to the US in ’68, the first year of production. The next year, KTM brought over 1,000, and the rest is history. The components used were high-end – Ceriani forks and shocks, Oldani brakes, Magura levers, and more.
This example (VIN: 11051452) was originally acquired by the seller “for the sole purpose of racing some vintage hare scrambles,” but he said he couldn’t do it as it’s too original – he believes that even the tires are original. The bike spent most of its life in Phoenix, was bought by the American Pickers TV show, then sold into Ohio. The current owner then brought it with him to Arkansas, and performed the following:
“1) Very small hole in the top of the gas tank was professionally repaired.
2) Carbuerator was removed from the bike and cleaned.
3) I rebuilt the petcocks
4) Replaced air filter with a new filter
5) Cleaned and lubed all cables
6) Cleaned and polished entire bike”
It’s not perfect – the throttle assembly needs a rubber boot and there’s a tiny amount of rust on the wheels, but it runs and shifts “like it should” and it’s one of the nicer Six Days I’ve seen. It’s offered with a bill of sale.
Find this Penton for sale in Dardanelle, Arkansas with bidding up to $4,000 and the reserve already met here on eBay.