MZ/MuZ Riders

by **bob griff** » Sun Mar 24, 2013 6:48 am

Hi after years of two stroke mz I am might buy a 4 stroke 125 sm ,I could always fix the old bikes because there so simple but not so sure about the more modern 4 stroke ,are they easy to fix ? Is there some major prob with the starter mechanism ? Could one still be bump started if the elec start packed up miles from anywhere .regards bob

by **den** » Sun Mar 24, 2013 9:11 am

bob griff wrote:Hi after years of two stroke mz I am might buy a 4 stroke 125 sm ,I could always fix the old bikes because there so simple but not so sure about the more modern 4 stroke ,are they easy to fix ? Is there some major prob with the starter mechanism ? Could one still be bump started if the elec start packed up miles from anywhere .regards bob

I think 4 strokes are more reliable that 2 strokes and are just as simple to fix if there small engins,ie single cylinder,,,You would think a 4 stroke engine would go wrong more often because it has more internal parts however i believe the engins are used well under power and therefor never run at maximun unlike high reving (screeming) 2 strokes,,and yes , 4 strokes can be bump started if you battery goes flat,

by **DAVID THOMPSON** » Sun Mar 24, 2013 11:55 am

lots of info in the 125 cc section

overall mine has been excellent
and has done 20,000 miles in 10 years

and has made several long road trips where it was flogged harder than i should have ....
one trip it averaged 50+ mph for 5 hours and i weigh 230 plus to much camping gear

lots of fresh clean oil and filters as its a hard working 125
dave

by **arry_b** » Sun Mar 24, 2013 1:43 pm

I've had both types - almost all of the two stroke models, and an RT125. And yes there is a weak point in the starter mechanism, but it can be bump started in an emergency.

It's a £200+ part if it does fail, plus fitting if you can't DIY. Connecting up the battery the wrong way also causes £150+ of damage instantly (which is why I got the bike cheap in the first place). Electrical parts, bodywork, exhausts, engine and starter parts are fairly unique to the bike so there aren't many second hand options So it's broadly similar to running a modern Japanese 125 in those respects.

On the plus side, the engine is a peach, and the electric start is a nice to have if it works.

Me, I've gone back to two strokes for my knock around bike. I can run my Skorpion Traveller for less money than the RT125 would have cost me if I kept it.