Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/125797
II> By Tad Rafferty Photos By Gary Van Voorhis, The new Penton 125 Trials machine ts more, and in some ways less, than the sum of its parts. Like most of John Penton's bikes, it does more than one thing well. (In this respect, all Pentons refute the hyper-spec1al1zatlon approach of many manufacturers. Some riders may have single purpose machines for motocross, enduros, hare scrambles and nat track - and find themselves behind a Penton in each ev- . ent.) Knowing this, we weren't certain what to expect from the 125 Trials. Its appearance is str1k1ng, bearing a more than superficial resemblance to the Dalesmail. The visual giveaway that this may be something other than just a trials bike ts the high front fender. Otherwise, It has plenty of refined bogwheeler appointments: The double cradle frame is Reynolds 531 tubing, the best, the tires are Dunlop 2-ply trials universals; the suspension gets Girl1ng adjustable shocks and Metal Products telescopic forks. Other goodies include an oU-in-the-frame chain oUer, spring loaded tensloner and conical alloy hubs. Okay, It looks great, but how does It go? Very well, actually. Our only major complaint against the Penton as a trials machine is the marginal low end power. The Sachs engine will plonk along reasonably well, given the proper jetting/ needle posltlon/sparkplug combination. However, when confronted with a sizeable obstacle, It will take a better than average trials rider to get the front wheel airborne. We should mention here that our test bike Was an early production model with the Sachs "A" engine with point type Ignition and a 22mm Amal carbo The Penton Trials now arrives with the "B" engine (smaller crankshaft; same weight, less circumference) and Motoplat transistorized ignition. Now, It may seem that the Motoplat would be even less 'suitable for slow work than the traditional ignition. But, having ridden the transistor model equipped with a 27mm Bing carb, the improved throt-· tle response far outweighs the other disadvantage. The power comes on right 'now. What it comes down to is that the serious trials rider will have to do some experimenting with the machine to suit his own needs. Both carburetors come with the unit. It may be that the smaller Amal, in conjunction with the Motoplat, will be exactly rlghtfor trials. A Mlkunl may prove even better. ... - ! "" '" .. - CL ~ g. « -l~ w z W .J U >U TEST: NEW PENTON 125 TRIALS Our only other complaint with the Penton-as-Trialer Is the footpeg location. WhUe they are located right at the swing ar m pivot, the lead1ng edge of the pegs is 18 inches from the center of the rear axle. This measurement on a Montesa Cota ts 15 1/2 inches. The result Is that the riding position feels too far forward, putting the rider's shoulders almost directly over the handlebars. T'ne pegs would not be difficult to relocate. So, only In those two respects Is the Penton less than the sum of Its parts • But, as we mentioned before, Penton bikes are always more than t1iey appear to be. We suspect that thts machine was not intended to be a specialized trialer, although It easUy could be. It . is easy to ride. Lock turns are a breeze. It looks great. (The package is assembled by Wassel in England, and "the Dalesman" himself was allegedly in on the design.) The new Penton will sell for a tidy $975, and It will sell because, for one thing, it's so damn cute. Beyond that, It will draw riders who may just want to play in the woods one day, ride an enduro the next and then set It up for next weekend's trials. It will go fast with as little effort as It will go slow. (We even tried some short trackln', going around a 'gear higher each time. Just throw It over and It holds the line.) The Penton 125 Trials Is fun to ride. As reports filter in on trick modifications, etc., we'll keep you Informed. II hai bll chain pard, chain oller and callie actuated rear brake. Is lhere anylhln, like a day In the woods? rO"'.M----.M;;;;~~~;:;:·;;~;;;;~;--·,~·---~--i i i ! ~ i _ i ~ , I ; ! I Engi ne ••••••••••••••••••••••••• 125ct Sachs, 6-speed Frame ••••••••••••••••••••••• D' • '1' Rehynolds 153t1dlubtingl Wheels. • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •• un op c rome p a e s ee Security oolts on both wheels Ti res •••••••••••••••••••• Dunlop Trials Universal, 2-ply Suspension ••••••••••••••••••••• Rear: Girling adjustable Front: Metal Products telescopic Gas tank •••••••••••••••••••••• Polished alloy, 1\2 gallon Foot pegs ••••••••••••••••••••••• Folding, spring loaded Wheelbase ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 51~" Wei ght ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 189 Ibs. Saddle height, ••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 30" Ground clearance •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• 12\2" ..,----,-----_._---------------, i !