It’s not often that we cross paths with a Penton, much less one that’s been customized. But when we spotted this terrifically reworked Mint 400 at the Mama Tried show earlier this year, we had to know more. (Especially since it had what looked like John Penton’s signature splashed on the fuel tank.)
It also helped that the Penton’s owner and builder, PJ Grakauskas of Chi-Jers Vintage Bike Works, is one of the friendliest and most forthcoming guys you could ever hope to meet. And as it turns out, his love for these vintage, KTM-made dirt bikes goes way back…

?The Story of John Penton and Penton Motorcycles actually starts in Amherst, OH, the same hometown as me,? PJ tells us. ?My pops is a very recognized Penton guru in the States. His rebuilt and modded motors are on some of the quickest Penton machines here.? ?The collection of old Penton parts in the barn is massive. I didn?t have to go far for what I needed.?

PJ picked up the 1974 ?½ Penton Mint 400? a few years ago, mainly because it had a title?and his plan was to build a road legal street tracker.
After he finished an Indian Scout Bobber for an Indian-sponsored build-off, he decided it was time to build something for himself. And so the Penton went under the knife?with no expectations and no deadline.

Naturally, PJ’s father was roped into the project too. ?Pops handled the fresh motor rebuild, top to bottom, teaching me tricks along the way,? PJ says. ?It has been brought ...