Customer Reviews

John Penton and the Off-Road Motorcycle Revolution

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Ed Youngblood, long-time director of the American Motorcyclist Association, has put to ink the life story of John Penton, one of America's premier off-road racers, and his quest to build the perfect off-road motorcycle. This biography traces the roots of the Penton clan from their modest, rural-Ohio farmstead, through personal triumph and tragedy, and explores the man behind the famed Penton motorcycles that were so victorious in the late 60's through the late 70's in America and overseas. Any vintage off-road afficionado will appreciate this behind-the-scenes look at the Penton racing dynasty. John Penton was a man driven to succeed, driven to reach for his dreams, driven to prove to the world that the impossible could be realized. The off-road motorcycling world today owes so much to this man of vision. Youngblood's biography shows us what this man is made of.

I didn't know too much about Pentons before reading this book, but was always interested in the history and lore behind the name. This book tells the life story of John Penton, and how his involvement, passion, and vision helped revolutionize the US off-road motorcycle market. It is an inspiring story for any off-road enthusiast.

A great story about a great man, a great bike, and a great era. Really brings back the memories about old enduros and six-days and actually explains why Penton, Bultaco, Ossa, Husky, etc., no longer exist.