1978 KTM MC5 250 cc

[Vintmxman]

I am wondering if anyone can tell me if the original frame covers or side numbers plates were made out of fiberglass ?   Also I am looking for a good source of parts for this bike. I need shifter level, seat cover , stickers and/or decals etc....Beginning a totally restoration on the bike...It's a Fast bike that handles quite well.
thanks in advance

[ozktm151]

Definitely plastic, best places for parts are Al Beuhner at Penton Parts and Andre at KTM Klassiker. Keep us informed of the resto. Cheers Bill

[Vintmxman]

thanks ozktm151...Rode the bike around an open area prior to buying it and these little 250 had some power. must have been a real contender in the day. Looking forward to restoring something other than a jap bike. Done enough of them for a while...I will post a few pictures as I go on this one. I think I want to keep this one for my own. I like it that much...

[Slakewell]

I bought some 78 side plates from DC plastics that seem fine but they only have white , they also have new Tanks for 78 which are red.

[cyclegod]

I bought some 78 side plates from DC plastics that seem fine but they only have white , they also have new Tanks for 78 which are red.

Ask Don at DC plastics, he will make you some in any of the colours he uses from white to black it's not a problem for him and he doesn't charge extra either.

[Gippslander]

Agree DC have the plastic and it's good for race use.

But try Les at VMX Unlimited in Sydney:
 
http://www.vmxunlimited.com/side-panel-set-76-77-ktm-white/

I think Al Beuhner has fiberglass only but it's good product, have some 74 KTM covers he made (pretty certain they are his), fit and finish OK

Sorry to hijack, but is the 78 MC5 a carry over from the 77? -- or to put that another way -- can you ride a 78 in pre 78?

No particular reason for asking except that I have a 77 250 MC5 coming and plan to run pre 78 here in Vic so just interested.

[ozktm151]

Ask Dave Tanner if the 78 can be run in pre 78. Technically it is a carry over model but the suspension would have to be restricted to 230 mm. Cheers Bill

[Slakewell]

The only big change from 77 to 78 is the fork everything else is interchangeable the standard 78 fork is bigger dia 38 versus 35 and well over the 9 inch limit. The frame/engine and rear suspension mounting points are the same and they went to white tanks with orange frames. KTM 77 forks are rare so it would be hard to retro fit them but YZ D forks are always on ebay and are probably better anyways. IMO they could be a follow on model with a fork change.

[JC]

The only big change from 77 to 78 is the fork everything else is interchangeable the standard 78 fork is bigger dia 38 versus 35 and well over the 9 inch limit. The frame/engine and rear suspension mounting points are the same

Are you sure? I thought the red/orange 78 frame was quite different from the 77, but maybe I'm thinking of the 79/80 models

[Vintmxman]

This is my 1978 KTM MC5 250.........Totally restoration have started on this bike. Much to my surprize, It is still on standard bore and appears to be extremely low hours. I like the artistic license on the "PENTON" stickers. I may place the same back on after painting the tank. This is a Solid core builder bike. This one should come real nice upon completetion. Same tuned.

[motomaniac]

The only big change from 77 to 78 is the fork everything else is interchangeable the standard 78 fork is bigger dia 38 versus 35 and well over the 9 inch limit. The frame/engine and rear suspension mounting points are the same

Are you sure? I thought the red/orange 78 frame was quite different from the 77, but maybe I'm thinking of the 79/80 models

The swingarms are different,made the same but the bend and the shock mounts are positioned different

[motomaniac]

Agree DC have the plastic and it's good for race use.

But try Les at VMX Unlimited in Sydney:
 
http://www.vmxunlimited.com/side-panel-set-76-77-ktm-white/

I think Al Beuhner has fiberglass only but it's good product, have some 74 KTM covers he made (pretty certain they are his), fit and finish OK

Sorry to hijack, but is the 78 MC5 a carry over from the 77? -- or to put that another way -- can you ride a 78 in pre 78?

No particular reason for asking except that I have a 77 250 MC5 coming and plan to run pre 78 here in Vic so just interested.

78 sidepanels are bigger than 76/77

[Vintmxman]

Agree with above. I now own a perfect set of 76/77 fiberglass side frame covers if anyone is interested..250.00 plus postage !!!  They do not fit my 1978 correctly. They will mount up but are not correct for my 1978 bike..

[motomaniac]

Agree with above. I now own a perfect set of 76/77 fiberglass side frame covers if anyone is interested..250.00 plus postage !!!  They do not fit my 1978 correctly. They will mount up but are not correct for my 1978 bike..

I have both original and fibreglass made for 78 .I wouldn't call them perfect .would sell swap or trade if you are interested

[Vintmxman]

OH yes..Very interested. Photo's please of both...Fiberglass swap one for one...but please show me both...