Not really a thumper, but a quixotic vehicle just the same!

[CrazyFrog]

I've bored the members of the IKBA forum with this, so I don't see why you lot should get off scot-free!

Because of the long stroke engine configuration, it's actually quite similar to ride to a traditional thumper. It will pull from tick over revs in all four gears and in top that means from 20mph to 80'ish. It's a very relaxing 'bimbling' bike and therefore ideally suited to my favorite 'B' roads and lanes. That's not to say it won't get a hustle on when required - I gave it the berries down our local by-pass a couple of weeks ago and it hit 70 in 3rd! The exhaust note is great too, sounding like a 1st world war bomber at tickover, rising to a bit of a wail at around 5k rpm. Economy is pretty excellent for a simple piston ported stroker, and on club runs I've had over 70mpg out of it, though solo use on a run gives 60 - 65 mpg. Best of all, it only cost £1200 quid at 7 years old and with 8K on the clock, and that included 2 sets of hard luggage. Recommended!

[Smithy]

Hi Pete

Having had several 350 JAWAs in the 80s I must say I was really impressed with yours when we went to East Kirkby. I wish they had done a fully faired model when I was buying them, very practical and a good looker to boot.

Ian

[SteveC#222]

Like a lot of East European bikes, while the press and a lot of riders who've never ridden them will tell you they are Crap, truth is they are actually pretty nice bikes a lot of the time.  I badly miss my old ETZ .  Personally I always preferred the old look Jawa/CZ's with the 50's looks and chrome sided tank. Followed one from Nottingham once with the Pav trailer ( Like the one on 'Shed & Buried') and it was gorgeous!

[CrazyFrog]

Thanks guys, I think the best thing you can say about the styling is that it's better than most 2t MZs (quickly peers over shoulder for any signs of the MZRC Mafioso) and that at least it's not trying to be something it's not. The fairing does improve matters too and it confuses the he'll out of sports bike riders.

[timbo]

I too saw your bike in the flesh on our Lincolnshire trip and think it is pretty damn gorgeous