2T fetishist question

[Steffan]

 Some of you will know my mate Keith, anyway he is thinking about getting an MZ or CZ/Jawa. What are the 350 JAWAs like reliability, durability and for parts.

He is looking at stuff from the 80s mostly

Thanks

Steff

[SteveC#222]

When I was with the Cossack Owners Club, we often had joint rallies with the Jawa/Cz club and the MZRC. Like most East European bike owners the Jawa boys swore by their bikes, but, like many East european bikes they were very reliable once you sorted them out.  The big thing with Jawa's apparently is getting the right model. Within the general 250cc, 350cc etc catagories there were many engine/bike variations -633/7 , 631/3 etc and each is slightly different and the important bit was getting the right variation.  Personnally I'd rather have an MZ any day of the week, a well sorted MZ is a joy to ride.  Mind you, some of those early Jawa's did look really nice.

[johnr]

mz's would be my choice, jawas can be ok if you are prepared to sort them and know your way round a set of spanners. some of the jawa twins features are pretty smart, i love the combined kick start/gear lever, and the foot operated clutch/gear lever is smart when you are used to it!
but, were it my cash, id have an mz every time!

[Mark]

I had a Jawa 350 as main transport in my early biking years, commuted on it and lived on it outside of work.

No problems to speak of but the MZ is reputed to be a far superior motorcyle, fortunately I matured and never needed to resort to trying an MZ or any other Eastern European bike again.

[guest1380]

I'd go MZ partly because I prefer the handling, but with a little tweaking with the timing they are surprisingly quick (if a temperamental sod to start).

Also from a spares point of view I would have thought MZ's have the edge there too. 

I'd be careful if going for a late disc brake MZ though. For those who don't know it's basically half the system used on the BMW R series and in the wet is too much for such a light bike.

[SteveC#222]

I'd be careful if going for a late disc brake MZ though. For those who don't know it's basically half the system used on the BMW R series and in the wet is too much for such a light bike.

It's a Brembo, and it's an awesome stopper for such a small bike - 1 finger = brake 2 fingers = brake HARD 3 fingers = Over the bars!

I'm told pistons are getting hard to source, not they use many for a 2 stroke, mine did over 40K without the head off!

I always fancied building one as follows - TS250 frame/tank/seat etc,  ETZ disc front end complete, ETZ swingarm so you can fit the 18" rear wheel, ETZ 300 engine ( probably converted to premix as nowhere to fit autolube tank).  I saw one like that once and it really looked and went the business!

[trophydave]

I really ought to have kept my 300 engined ETZ 250,the benefit of hindsight I suppose.

[002]

Having had an assortment of MZ 125/150/250 and CZ 250/350 and Jawa 350 with and without Chair, I think best bet would be an MZ 250.
Especially as he is a mate of yours and Richards !

Jawa TS350 was pretty good and did well pulling a chair.One Dragon Rally transporting myself and RobG with kit and a slab of 24 cans cruising at 60mph.Did have a few issues stopping !
CZ 350 smashing bike.Basicaly CZ125 rolling chassis with a Jawa 350 motor,I did like that.Newport to Ty Croes,Anglesey just under 4 hours.

But I think an MZ would be nicer.


Jethro

[Richard]

I think I've come late to this one but consider:

We have loads of spare bits, a bit of knowledge, they have a way better reputation.

Go with the MZ !

[002]

I think I've come late to this one but consider:

We have loads of spare bits, a bit of knowledge, they have a way better reputation.

Go with the MZ !

Eggzactley wot I waz saying...so to speak !
Does make sense !

And Steffs MZ was running a little rich to me.
Check air filter and remove carb and have a good look.
I know on the old BVF carb the fuel enrichening plunger thingy can stick open,also known the rubber end to become detatched.

Jethro

[Richard]

He sorted the rich running - his fairly new and very posh stitched seat was letting water into the foam, which was getting the filter wet.

Sorted.

[Andy M]

I know on the old BVF carb the fuel enrichening plunger thingy can stick open,also known the rubber end to become detatched.

Jethro

Posh MZ'ers have the Bing 

Andy