MZ 250

[guest27]

So having become intrigued following some comments on here - what sort of prices are you looking at for a half reasonable MZ, how difficult are they to keep running - or get running - if a rough one is found?

Never had one, have fancied one in the past and now do again

R

[trophydave]

About three years ago I sold my ETZ 250 fitted with a rebuilt 300 engine and enough spares to just about build another bike plus a few surplus bits and bobs for £300.With the benefit of hindsite I think I sold myself short by about £100.
They are dead easy to work on as long as you are used to waving spanners about.
It depends a bit what you want.TS bikes are premix,six volt,drum brakes-I have never owned one of these.ETZs are autolube(unless removed) 12 volt and have a disc on the front.I had several of these,aquired in varying states,a lot of swapping parts between bikes went on.
Saying that a lot of stuff is interchangable between models.
No doupt Steffan and Richard will be along at some point

[SteveC#222]

From what I've seen, a nice tidy TS or ETZ is probably going to be £450 upwards.  Cheaper ones go from £100 upwards. The 'old bike in my shed you can have for £20' have disappeared thanks to Ebay 

Most parts seem to be available. Engines are very good for a 2 stroke - 50K + miles before a rebore ( or even a decoke!) is not unusual and some go much much further. crank seals can go if they've been standing for some time.  Pistons can be a bit expensive as can crank rebuilds. Gear lever return springs can go.

Generally they are extremely good bikes. Good quality components - Bosch alternators and Brembo brakes on ETZ and silver coated switch gear internals. A few silly bits like the fuse box and tail light fitting are cheap and annoying. TS's are 6V ETZ are 12V.  Great owners club that attracts some real characters ( sounds familiar!).

I used one for work daily for 5 years and the only problem I had was the points closing up occasionally (they are a bit sensitive to ignition timing).


When my old ETZ eventually died I replaced it with a GN250 for convenience but it's not a patch on the MZ.  I would have another tomorrow if i could ( but the wife would kill me).. I can honestly say that it's one of a very few of the bikes I've owned that would be happy to go ANYWHERE on knowing I'd get there........Blast you Rog!!... you've got me wanting another now!!! 

[Richard]

Love em.  Got a few wrecks in and around the shed that one day, time permitting, will make the ETZ 250 with 300 engine that seems to me to be the best bet.

The disc brake is if anything too powerful, certainly off road.  The styling on the 251/301 models is a bit 'odd'.  I wouldn't lose too much sleep over which one though, go for how it has been looked after - Supa 5, 250/300 or 251/301.

If you are looking at making it slightly more off road capable be aware though that the 251/301 swing arm won't accept an 18" rear wheel whereas the 250/300 will.  16" rear knobblies are hard to come by.  The styling of the 251/301 is however a bit more off road oriented, but thats about all.

The MZ list will argue vociferously over whether premix or pump is best, and whether to spend £15 or £60 on a rear tyre, but they will offer useful advice on keeping one running.

Richard

Get an MZ, one of the best bikes for your Pound or Ilb out there.

[002]

Having owned a dozen or so MZs  125/150 and 250s plus a Host of other bikes.
I can honestly say TWO of my favourite all time bikes I have owned have got to be MZ.
TS250 Supa5 and ETZ 125/150 FanBloodyTastic...up their with my Enfields,Bonnies,Velo,XBaRses,900 Divvi etc.


Jethro

[Steffan]

I am say nought. 

Rog, make Richard an offer and build one yourself - they are like mechano for grown ups. Once set up they are brilliantly reliable - not at all like enfields which need constant minor tending - it's a vibration thing.

Steffan

[KirriePete]

May I just echo the sentiments of my compatriots - cracking bikes, easy to work on, as reliable as a breeze block once they're setup properly and they have a charm that will worm it's way into your heart.

If you want to know what you're letting yourself in for, here's a wee bed-time story:

Part 1

Part 2

We're still waiting on part 3, but here's another wee bit of info while you're waiting:

MZ - 2nd class classics?

Proof of my MZ credentials (question for the MZ-ista - what's 'wrong' about this bike?):

[SteveC#222]

I am say nought. 

Rog, make Richard an offer and build one yourself - they are like mechano for grown ups. Once set up they are brilliantly reliable - not at all like enfields which need constant minor tending - it's a vibration thing.

Steffan

Lets See....  TS250 Supa 5 - Frame, tank, sidepanels, seat, bars, clocks - For 'classic' MZ looks.

                  ETZ 250/300 -  Rear swingarm/ suspension, complete forks/ brake + both wheels - 18" wheels     
                  and good brakes.

                 Late ETZ 300  Engine - good power, good torque, reliable 12V electrics.

                 Only thing is you would probably have to lose the autolube unless you can find somewhere
                 to re-site the oil tank ( Maybe inside a side panel?).

                Perfect MZ!!


(Now I really REALLY want one!!!!  )

[SteveC#222]

Proof of my MZ credentials (question for the MZ-ista - what's 'wrong' about this bike?):

Honda TLS front hub/wheel ?

[guest7]

If you want to know what you're letting yourself in for, here's a wee bed-time story:

Veru enjoyable. Thanks for posting the links
GC

[KirriePete]

Proof of my MZ credentials (question for the MZ-ista - what's 'wrong' about this bike?):

Honda TLS front hub/wheel ?

That's not wrong, just sensible - after writing off my first MZ (SMIDSY'ed by an Escort Mexico), I knew it's replacement had to have something more effective up front - this was it.

Still not picked up on the 'wrong' thing .....

[KirriePete]

If you want to know what you're letting yourself in for, here's a wee bed-time story:

Veru enjoyable. Thanks for posting the links
GC

If you liked that, there's more over there, including a tale of travel and travails on an MZ250 Finland-bound - it's all under here

You're welcome

[guest27]

Right - getting there - so what is all this 250/300 251/301 etc, is there a mumpty guide to the differences?

R

[KirriePete]

Right - getting there - so what is all this 250/300 251/301 etc, is there a mumpty guide to the differences?

R

Was going to write an Idiot's Guide (no offence!), but thought "Sod it! Send him over to MZRC", so here's your link:

MZ Riders Club

You're welcome

BTW - The 'wrong' thing with my old faithful ring-a-dinger?  4-speed ES250 cylinder head on a 5-speed Supa5 engine.  Old head cracked around the plug'ole (didn't know my own strength), Araldite only lasted so long, scrappy had this head for £2 and it fitted, so why not?

[Richard]

Best front end is still the disc off a later model.  The bike is so light and the brake so powerful it will do stoppies, not that I would ever encourage such wanton behavious of course.

The Honda TLS drums are getting rather thin on the ground these days.