Please post pictures of your bike
I have had my 1990 ETZ 251 for almost 1 year now (though I have had an 1987 ETZ 250 (with 300 piston) since 2012. Quite difficult animals In my opinion.
The ETZ251 is a complicated machine as it spans relatively few years with quite a few modifications, esspecially as it changes manufacturing hands.
The original ETZ251 came out in 1989 and I am really not sure (I would like to be clarified myself), whether the points ignition was the only option for that year, or whether it was the 'base' bike and the electronic ignition being extra. It definately had both out at the same time I believe, and then more confusion is that the electronic ignition came through two iterations whilst being made in Zschopau. Up until 1991.- so there are three ignition systems from '89-91. I am not too clear on after that point, but the Saxon's didn't come out until '92, which is what presumably yours is. Which included the square clocks (in KM only!), and an electronically driven tachometre. So another iteration type of the electronic ignition! More plastic items (such as front mudguard)- and light unit. I never knew, but I guess the airbox was made into plastic too instead of metal.
In late 90/early 91 on the DDR made 251, the rear mudguard was changed from metal to plastic and that was the start of the conversion to the cheaper materials. Other than the fact that the 251 was shorter than the 250 which encourages manoeuvrability but also kept it in-line with the few years released etz125/150 models. I believe the frame is exactly the same, so saving production variations there..! The reversion to the 16" rear wheel was also put back into force with the 251. I'm unsure why, possibly because they were also cheaper to make (being smaller), also because of reasons above, plus the fact that the 16" wheel is easier to remove from the bike without having to tilt the bike at all.. The ETZ250 was the only one with 18" rear wheel and it is noticably more difficult to remove. ETZ251 also had a shorter exhaust to accompany the fact that the bike was shorter. I am unsure however what that had (if any) on the performance. Apparently there is a difference, and I can feel it. But there are so many factors like the engine health and fuelling which could also obviously change this.
Do not forget that after 1991 and the takeover, the carburettor had changed from the BVF 30-N3 (which I really rather like!) to the Bing carburettors.
My ETZ251 had a points ignition on it when I got it, and I would have continued to use it but HAD to purchase one of the many aftermarket electronic ignitions around now which has certainly given me peace of mind, and clear thinking when running faults arrise (Ie-not blaming bad running on wear on the contact breaker). Mine is the Polish made Zapłon ignition with LED timing light on the electronic unit (which is oh so lovely to have!). I do wonder how long it would last though? - Presumably the length of the bike.
BTW. My signature link to my FTP holds most information I have concerning the MZ's...
Posted: Wed Apr 05, 2017 5:29 am
And one of my indicators on the front is the rear of a TS/ETZ250 model seeing as I had plenty of those spare.