hello, new user/mz rider

[awschmidt]

Hello people. My name's Kevin, I live in south central Michigan usa and I just bought my first mz. I replaced my xt600 with a 98' Mastiff. I've got a couple of questions. 1. are there any chassis and electrical manuals (decent) avialable? my bike came with the mz/yamaha engine repair manual. 2. my mastiff shows 6500 km on the speedo which means it's dialed the same. do all mastiffs come metric only? (not changing, just curious). and last but not least........I found the oil dipstick and fill (sweet design) but where do you drain it from? I may be having an early senior moment, but I didn't see an obvious drain.


Thank you in advance,
Kevin Johnson
P.S. I'd like more aggressive enduro like tires, any recommendations?

[phlat65]

welcome.

there are 2 drains for the oil system, the plug on the side of the engine, and the banjo bolt that secures the line to the bottom of the frame/tank. it also has a screen that should be cleaned with each service.

drain all oil, change filter (same as XT600ee), put 2 quarts in frame, start bike for 10 seconds, and 3rd qt to frame. run until warm, idle for 30 sec, shut off and set oil level to top of full mark. I change mine every 1500-2000miles, and use 5w-40 synthetic.

my 01 BP is metric only speedo, but I changed it to a trailtech digital speedo.

I too sold my 93 XT600 and got the MZ. perfect bike for me, loads of fun!!!!

as far as tires, I thing Bridgestone makes a 17 in knobby, I will check.

[phlat65]

continental TKC-80, only available in a 150 rear, but should be ok

(won't attach a pic right now)

got to their website, easy to find.

[awschmidt]

Took a look at the conti tires, looked a little too aggressive. After lengthy internet search, I think I'll probably settle for some Avon tires. I've been shaking the bike down (and vice-versa), and I keep coming home with a big smile!!!! Tonight (about 2am) I discovered that above 70mph, I've really got to tuck in and pull back to settle the speed wobble out. Additionally, above 80mph, I couldn't eliminate it. I looked in the forums and this appears to be normal for the bike. Is that a correct deduction on my part? BTW, the mastiff is unbelievable in the corners.

Kevin

[phlat65]

I am a dirt bike guy, so the wobble at speed does not bother me. tire pressure and tire type will affect the wobble alot.

yeah, I gust got back from a parking lot session, laying some sweet 50ft back it in rubber into the corners! max revs in 3rd, down to 1st, sliiidddeee

jumped down my first loading dock today. the full height made a huge diference in the landings!!

[DEmark]

How does the full height compare to the reduced height when "backing it in". Do you have any photos of launching it off the dock?

[whysub01]

My Baggi is stable right up to top speed. Using Bridgestone BT014's, which have lasted about 2,000 miles so far, including about 80kms of very hard riding on a highly abrasive kart track.

Pressures set at 29/29 psi, and not a wobble nor a weave-ever.

[awschmidt]

Well, I took a good look at my front metzler and I found some radial irregularities down the center (bumps and ridge). Me thinks new tire asap.
But I've got the corner feel for the mastiff down now, no dust on these sidewalls--SWEET!!!!

[phlat65]

the bike backs in the same, just compresses a bit more when you end the slide, not quite as stable. I think a little adjustment will help. I was planning to get some vid this weekend if it is dry, I am getting real comfy with the back out 30deg or so. what a cool sensation. It is amazing how controlled it is once you get over the sketchy feeling. I was having troubles with real bad chatter, and got the advice to just "push it down you pussy". works like a champ, once you get on the side of the tire, the slow revs of the rear wheel scrubbing sideways match the rolling distance of the front. you can see the phyisics of the slide with a toy motorcycle. just lean it over and push it through the arc with the rear tire out there about 30 deg, and you can see the difference in wheel speed.

I wish I had a fellow MZ rider here
I ramble......

[DEmark]

Yeah dude, I wish I lived close, we would have fun riding. What do you have your suspension set at? My bike doesn't inspire a lot of confidence when throwing it in a corner, maybe I just ain't stuffing it hard enough. The best bike I every had for "backing it in" was a Harley XR1000. I could walk that bike out of a corner sideways on tacky asplalt with only one hand on the handlebars. The heavy flywheels and awesome low to midrange power made it perfect.

[phlat65]

well, I set the sag at 95mm i think. went 2 clicks stiffer on the shock compression, rebound in the middle.

I had the forks apart, and the compression adjuster is for high speed only, the low speed dampening is set with the slot size in the cartridge. I softened the comp 2 clicks, rebound stock, with 5wt fork oil.

changing the front sprocket helped out alot with the hacking in. you just have to flat track style the thing into the corner, and get pretty agressive with the down shifts. outside elbow up, and carve an arc into the corner, it slides really easy and predictable. 3rd to 1st seems to be easiest, and if you don't use too much front brake, you can hold the slide for 50 ft or so!!

I will get some video hopefully this weekend, found a good P-lot close.