Sensible racier modifications for a roadbike

[Lasse]

Hello guys, my first post on this board!

I am getting a '98 MZ 301 bike.

Don't know much about these, got a friend who's got a heavily modified 80'es model.

But what is good for this later model? The bike is going to be used on the way, to and from work, but I want fun and don't care much about it being comfortable.

I really want this lower as when I try to kickstart it my knee is up under my chin.

Any suggestions? I don't have the option to do heavy welding as I just moved to Ireland and don't really have a shop.

Bolt on goodies and the like would be nice, though everything is appreciated!

Kind regards, Lasse

[el-mar]

welcome to the club and good luck with your bike

[TS2Fifty]

Likewise, welcome.

Funny you should mention high kickstarts, I'm 6'2" & find the kick on my TS250 to be quite high up also (though not knee/ear high!) & the only solution I've found for a little more comfort is to take the bike off the stand & lean it towards me a good way first, although this is only practical if you have a bike that you're sure is going to take within a couple of kicks I'd reckon.

Probably the best solution really is to have the ignition/carb etc. all nicely set up and maintained to minimise the amount of kicking that has to be endured!

Anyways, someone with constructive advice is likely to come along soon so I'll slink off back into the shadows! Once again welcome & happy MZ'ing, Dan.

[Louis Mair]

I'm afraid I can't help you with modifications that are both 'sensible' and 'racier'. MZs are great bikes for riding to work, riding for pleasure, proving you have a sense of humour, ...

I'm intrigued by your comments on kickstarting. As a right handed and right footed individual I always get off the bike to use the kickstart. I once met a left handed member of the zed fraternity at a rally. I meant to ask him if he found it comfortable to use the kickstart whilst straddling the bike. His stories about flying a Yak trainer were so good that I completely forgot!

Remember: MZ stands for 'Miles of Zmiles' not 'Mucky Zwingernails'!

Good luck

[TS2Fifty]

I meant to ask him if he found it comfortable to use the kickstart whilst straddling the bike.

From my experiences (trying to be lazy when I'd just got on the bike, only for it to stall as I did so...) kicking whilst sat on the bike, for the TS at least, is a definite no-no. Unless you enjoy the colour of bruised calf muscles & picking at shin scabs that is!!!

[tufty1066]

hi welcome to the forum mate,i am a newbie myself,for bolt on goodies burwins motorcycles in islington london are worth a try,they supply all or most of the racing bits,he also does engine tuning,failing that there is the owners club in ireland,cheers,tufty.