New ETZ251 - Advice sought - brakes etc.
Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 9:11 amHi,
Just bought a cheap and high mileage (62,000 miles) ETZ251. It goes really well, but needs lots of TLC and I'm trying to work out whether it's worth getting stuck in or if I should just get something better and use this as a spares bike. Main issues with the bike as follows:
1. Front brake master cylinder: This obviously needs the seals doing at least as applying the brake causes the fluid level to rise in the reservoir. Brake stopping power is not exactly awe inspiring. Burwins are happy to sell me the seals but won't do the job as "it will probably start leaking again in a month or two". Is it worth overhauling or would I be better off getting a new (and expensive) "Grimeca" one from ost2rad.de in germany (http://www.ost2rad.de/product_info.php?products_id=343)? Alternatively can anyone suggest a good used replacement for it?
2. Rear brake judder: According to the Haynes manual the only likely cause of this is a mis-shapen drum. Is it worth investigating further or should I just look out for a good used rear wheel/drum? Does anyone know of any other causes of this fault?
The bike starts and runs well and has not seen too much bad weather by the look of it. Visually it's in better condition than my 50,000 mile ETZ251, and the engine and gearbox, if anything, are quieter and smoother-sounding (although a little "rumbly" when revved hard). It hasn't been used (or serviced) much over the last ten years although it's been kept running and MOTd. The forks are horrible and definitely need an oil change, possibly new springs. Tyres have seen better days. Wheel bearings and headset bearings are both a little stiff, too, possibly lack of use more than anything, but certainly wouldn't hurt to strip and regrease.
I'm quite up for giving the bike the rolling resto treatment, but the high mileage makes me a little nervous about investing too much time in a bike whose days may be numbered. What sort of mileage can you reasonably expect to get out of these bikes?
Thanks in advance from a new MZRC member!
Just bought a cheap and high mileage (62,000 miles) ETZ251. It goes really well, but needs lots of TLC and I'm trying to work out whether it's worth getting stuck in or if I should just get something better and use this as a spares bike. Main issues with the bike as follows:
1. Front brake master cylinder: This obviously needs the seals doing at least as applying the brake causes the fluid level to rise in the reservoir. Brake stopping power is not exactly awe inspiring. Burwins are happy to sell me the seals but won't do the job as "it will probably start leaking again in a month or two". Is it worth overhauling or would I be better off getting a new (and expensive) "Grimeca" one from ost2rad.de in germany (http://www.ost2rad.de/product_info.php?products_id=343)? Alternatively can anyone suggest a good used replacement for it?
2. Rear brake judder: According to the Haynes manual the only likely cause of this is a mis-shapen drum. Is it worth investigating further or should I just look out for a good used rear wheel/drum? Does anyone know of any other causes of this fault?
The bike starts and runs well and has not seen too much bad weather by the look of it. Visually it's in better condition than my 50,000 mile ETZ251, and the engine and gearbox, if anything, are quieter and smoother-sounding (although a little "rumbly" when revved hard). It hasn't been used (or serviced) much over the last ten years although it's been kept running and MOTd. The forks are horrible and definitely need an oil change, possibly new springs. Tyres have seen better days. Wheel bearings and headset bearings are both a little stiff, too, possibly lack of use more than anything, but certainly wouldn't hurt to strip and regrease.
I'm quite up for giving the bike the rolling resto treatment, but the high mileage makes me a little nervous about investing too much time in a bike whose days may be numbered. What sort of mileage can you reasonably expect to get out of these bikes?
Thanks in advance from a new MZRC member!
). Mz ETZ original handlebar diameter is 22 mm. You must have also a different brake hose and remember different length with hight or low handlebar.