| Author | Message | ||
     Uly_man |
 I have been messing with this bike, on and off, for a while now. It is a solid 2001 genuine 15k miles bike but the previous owner had not looked after it very well. I like my bikes to be "right" so I have spent a few bucks on it. Some had to be done but others because it was what I wanted to make the bike a better ride. The total cost is still less than I would have had to pay normally. I had always wanted to try one of these but they are rare to find these days. It now rides, brakes, handles VERY well and is great fun to ride on the road. I use it as my "hack bike" in town, as I want to protect my 10 Uly, but needed something that was still good to ride. Everything else in this price range in the UK (1500 USD) would be total rubbish as well as not having anything like the spec this bike has. And it costs me no more to insure, as it is with my Uly policy, and only 50 cents per day extra for the annual UK tax and road test. A bargain if you ask me. (Message edited by uly_man on May 28, 2014) | ||
| Fotoguzzi |
just like a Buell, you don't see any/many others on the street. | ||
| Hughlysses |
I remember seeing a new one at a dealer in Asheville, NC about 2003. I thought it was a cool bike at the time and it still looks like it today. | ||
| Turf_moor |
I used to look through the window of Jack Nice's in Walthamstow at this model (and the other similar MZ model) with some lust. DR 650 engine, Uly man? | ||
| Buewulf |
The MZ's are definitely rare in these parts. I remember the Skorpions, but I have never seen one of these in the States. That Yamaha single is a great engine. | ||
| Uly_man |
"DR 650 engine, Uly man?" It is a Yamaha XTZ 660 engine so all the parts are available even the CDI. It has been used in a number of other bikes over the years and makes about 50 bhp. 5 valve SOHC head with a complicated duel carb system. For a "thumper" it revs fast, runs smooth and makes few vibs. It is a good engine and I can see why people like them. | ||
| Mark_weiss |
I thought that this thread was going to be about 'old' bikes? | ||
| Elsinore74 |
I remember the first MZ Skorpion I saw at a dealer in Central Florida, about 15 years ago. Thought it was a tough looking, functional bike then. Still do. Uly_man, I use an '89 Katana 750 to keep miles off my '09 Uly. I understand the concept of "hack bike" very well. Been thinking about a DR650 with spare set of wheels/tires fitted with street rubber for my next everyday rider. Would end up looking something like your MZ (probably a wee bit slower, though). | ||
| Uly_man |
"I thought that this thread was going to be about 'old' bikes?". A 2001 bike is not old for me but would be for many others. The point I forgot to mention is that any decent built machine will last for many years. You can fix most things it is just a matter of cost at the end of the day. I see no reason not to get 10 years or more out of it with daily use. The MZ is going to be my "runabout/ hack/ town" bike as it is more practical being water cooled. I will also not worry on it being damaged or stolen as I am with the Uly. | ||
| Kaikoura |
My old bike 1965 motor 1971 frame  Bought her in boxes all put back together again.. | ||
| Mark_weiss |
Except for my Ulysses, each of my road bikes are at least 30 years old. I've had each of them for at least 20 years. And still ride them. |
