76 KTM MC5 400 - Build

[ozktm]

Just started the 76 MC5 400 build. Some pics:

[TeeBone]

One of my favourite models, can't wait to see the finished product.
One question - Garage Queen or Rider? Bit dubious about the Paint/Powder coat left on the braking surface of the drum.

[ozktm]

Will look great, but will be ridden/raced as per all my bikes, when time/family permits.
Yes paint left on drum. Will be cleaned up shortly, nothing much too worry about yet, just making sure rims and spokes all worked out.

NOS rims from the US. New spoke kit from KTM Klassiker.

[Hoony]

looking forward to watching this one progress. are parts readily available for this model?

[ozktm]

Engine parts are typically the same for the early models.
Forks will be the rarer leading axle Ceriani's.
All the wheels and chassis parts are common I suppose. Ya just need a chassis/ swing arm to start.
Tanks can be bought as a new Clarke plastic version if u don't have an original.
So yeah I suppose most things are easy to get if u have dollars to spend
A good pipe is harder to find.

[Slakewell]

These bikes are such a good thing shame there so rare

[ozktm]

[ozktm]

[ozktm]

Running!
http://youtu.be/AATuMwz9l5M

[MauriceR]

Very nice Adrian...what color of orange did you use, is frame sprayed or powder coated, what color on the motor and any tricks to painting the magnesium motor's, why did you paint the forklegs black, were they black on the 76 400's originally,
What gearing did you use 14/52 ?
who is the plastic from DC plastics or elsewhere ?

again nice but would like to see some more pics

Maurice

[ozktm]

1. what color of orange did you use?

It is a tank from the states and i haven't painted it. It will be fitted with one that is white later to emulate the early 76 mc5 400.

2.is frame sprayed or powder coated?

Powder coated the frame / hubs / brake plates.

3.what color on the motor and any tricks to painting the magnesium motor's?

Engine is a silver paint that i had, probably could use something else that is more resilient to fuel than i have used. Normally just etch prime and paint.

4.why did you paint the forklegs black, were they black on the 76 400's originally?

These are original 35mm Ceriani leading axle forks that the MC5's had, and yes these are black. i believe the 35mm marzocchi ones were left a natural magnesium look. The triple clamps are blasted and clear coated.

5.What gearing did you use 14/52 ?

I have set it up as 14/52, but will test this weekend. Maybe tallish, so have a spare 13T in case.

6. who is the plastic from DC plastics or elsewhere ?

Unfortunately i had to use DC plastics. The LHS cover fitted close, RHS one the holes will be out a fair way off centre from the cover mounting holes, but i fitted my number backgrounds over the hole setup so you cannot see  this.
The rear guard fits, I spent ages setting this up, no matter what you do the bloody thing looks bent from the back...
A guy in the states make plastics that are shiney and good quality, but did not want to send overseas...
My bike is the MC5 frame, if you have a 76 GS framed bike (ie the 74.5 gp frame continued) The best plastics are from Maier and are available from the KTM Hutt in the USA i think. Bloody good quality like modern plastics.
My front guard is the UFO universal. There are a few choices from UFO that would suit.
My inner guard is an original NOS Falk.

Regards,
Adrian

[MauriceR]

Adrian... thanks for the info as I am just starting on my restorations, 250 and 400 both 1977's thats why I have questions and sure I will have more.
Both of my bikes came with 14/52 gearing which seems odd to me
Have you ever tried http://www.vintagedirtbikeparts.net/default.htm for parts they have good selection at good prices
Looks like you should avoid ktm hutt, sounds like they are taking money still but not shipping product bankrupt is the rumor
Too bad we aren't closer as my 400 has a white tank (painted blue right now) and I will be doing it in the ktm red and the 250 in the penton orange, we could have traded tanks
i think I am just going to paint the frames as the swingarm bearings are like new in both bikes so I really don't want to replace them to powder coat, have thought about powder coating the frame and painting the swingarms but not sure how that would look
i like the black forklegs but have only seen them on 125's previously
The only things I haven't found yet are seat base brackets

again looks great, post some more pics please

Maurice

[ozktm]

Both of my bikes came with 14/52 gearing which seems odd to me

On the 74.5 250 i run 14/54. I got that info from the penton forum. And it works a treat. I will test the 400 this weekend and give some feedback.

Have you ever tried http://www.vintagedirtbikeparts.net/default.htm for parts they have good selection at good prices

This is the guy that will not send to Australia....

Looks like you should avoid ktm hutt, sounds like they are taking money still but not shipping product bankrupt is the rumor

Pity that maier don't do MC5 plastics....maybe one day. Thanks for the heads up, i didn't know about their issues.

Too bad we aren't closer as my 400 has a white tank (painted blue right now) and I will be doing it in the ktm red and the 250 in the penton orange, we could have traded tanks

I to have a 250 to build, and it will be red.

Post some pics of your bikes!

Cheers,
Adrian

[Slakewell]

Are you bringing this to the next Heaven round?

[ozktm]

Nope, I will be out for rest of the year.
Ear op next week. Then knee op for medial ligament.