1974 Penton 250 Hare Scrambler - 5-Page Vintage Motorcycle Road Test Article

Description

1974 Penton 250 Hare Scrambler - 5-Page Vintage Motorcycle Road Test Article
Original, vintage magazine article
Page Size: Approx. 8" x 11" (21 cm x 28 cm) each page
Condition: Good
An Enduro
Bike For
Motocross;
Or Is It A
Motocross
Bike For
Enduros?
It’s Both....
■ LOOKING FOR a good 250? If
so, ask yourself this series of ques-
tions. Would you rather buy one
expensive machine that is more
versatile than one would normally
deem possible? Or, would you
rather buy one equally expensive,
highly specialized machine for say
motocross or enduros, but not
both? Or, would you rather buy
two or three less expensive bikes to
cover all the bases?
If you’re a serious competitor, discount the 3rd choice. If
you aren’t pro motocross oriented and never intend to be,
discount choice two as being impractical. That leaves choice
one, and John Penton’s 250cc Hare Scrambler is one of the
first bikes you should consider. Here’s why.
Earning a berth for the International Six Days Trials is a
rather remote possibility for the average biker, but it is
definitely not out of reach for the 250 Penton. All that needs
to be done for Six Days work is to install the optional enduro
kit, consisting of a VDO speedometer, psuedo legal lights, and
a small rack to hold the leather tool pouch.
Several Penton 250s qualified this year and more than a
couple survived the test on gold time. Some people don’t think
it takes much to earn a gold medal in the Six Days, because
riders aren’t penalized for early arrivals at checkpoints. But
daily special tests make those individuals wrong and these tests
require an element most enduro bikes don’t have enough of.
Speed.
The Hare Scrambler is fast; fast enough for desert events
thanks to a sixth cog in the close ratio gearbox. Also
important for desert is the ability to track straight at speed.
The Penton does, but not at the expense of turning. Just stuff
it in. Steering in soft stuff is great and if it comes to a slide,
John’s dreamchild is a natural. Running WFO for three hours:
12681-7401-08