New ETZ251 - Advice sought - brakes etc.

[TomG]

Hi,

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!

[manumensa]

Hello TomG!

1. Nissin Honda CB 250 second hand front brake master cylinder work ok for me and cheap in my zone only little problem you must buy a new brake hose.
You don´t spend your time job in the original MZ brake master cylinder.

2. Of course, you must examination it, perhaps only dirty in drum and brake shoes.


I have run a 125 model and other three as spare bikes. My bike work system is never wait breakdown, bike (sounds) tell me when I must be change the engine by engine that I repare it before.
I am a motorcycle courier, ride daily much miles and I haven´t 250 or 251 model because drink a lot gas.
50.000 and 62.000 are a long mileage for no rebuild (bearings, small -end bearing) engine but motorcycles can run a thousands miles

Best regards,
Manuel

[TomG]

Thanks Manuel, that's all good advice. Does the CB250 master cylinder (and lever assembly) have a suitable switch for the brake light built in?

[DAVID THOMPSON]

This obviously needs the seals doing at least as applying the brake causes the fluid level to rise in the reservoir.

if there is an adjuster stem and lock nut on the lever if it has the puck pushed in it may cause problems
bike has high miles the whole thing needs cleaned up and new fluid

dave

[manumensa]

Hello!

Yes, Honda CB250 is a modern bike and have a brake light switch essential here to pass the vehicles inspection. Switch and brake lever spare part still available.
Strong brake master cylinder,I ride in the city stop and go the best test and no leaking (cross my fingers).

David, "MZ" brake master cylinder and spare seals very bad quality, like write TomG "it will probably start leaking again in a month or two" and... shout blasphemies, dirty trousers...
really bad vibrations.

[TomG]

Thanks manumesa, probably a good idea to fit something stronger if it's not going to be expensive.

what about this?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=130255970159&ssPageName=STRK:MEBI:IT&ih=003

or this?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=140209091684&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=004

both are available and cheap - what should I be looking for?

[manumensa]

Hello TomG!

The first is for a 50cc. light scooter aprox. 70 kgs.

The second Grimeca is for 125 cc. with 300 mm. brake disc I think brake power compatible with ETZ 251.
Little problem no suport in brake master cylinder structure for mirror and I don´t know the handlebar diameter Aprilia SR 125 ( 1" ). 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.

Best regards,
Manuel