Wildguzzi.com
General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: jas67 on November 23, 2015, 03:48:37 PM
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I know that there are some MZ fans here, so, I thought I'd share:
http://reading.craigslist.org/mcy/5329089482.html (http://reading.craigslist.org/mcy/5329089482.html)
EDIT: relisted: http://reading.craigslist.org/mcy/5454960573.html (http://reading.craigslist.org/mcy/5454960573.html)
Standard disclaimer, I not my bike, and I have no association with the seller.
(http://images.craigslist.org/00O0O_dmJZmbGDr0L_600x450.jpg)
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Not a bad price. It would be welcome in my garage anytime. :grin:
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Kool bike, for sure. It's *not* a Raptor engine, though.. It's the Tenere euro only engine, and quite a bit different. Don't ask me how I know. I thought, "Yamaha.. parts will be a cinch.." Wrong. I managed to find a carb kit in Poland. :rolleyes: It has the weird 2 carb 5 valve 2 exhaust stuff, though. Makes good power, boring as a BMW.
If you want the best handling bike you've ever ridden, though.. give it a thought.
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I have 2000 MZ Tour and just rode it today. This Traveler model is very rare in US and is the real touring version of the series. I've ridden my Tour from norCal to so/Utah and put 800 mi./day ride on the stock seat w/gel pad under cover. You can go 200+ mi. per tankful, runs on 87, and will cruise @ 75 mph no problem. This series of MZs has improvements over the 1st series and I have had no issues w/mine whatsoever @38K miles. The piston/rings/sleeve are good for 100K miles. Best handling/braking bike I've ever owned. Even comfortable for 2up riding for us. If I could only have 1 bike, this would be it. :thumb:
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Oh, forgot.. that plastic, including the tank.. is unobtainium. Don't crash it. :smiley:
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Chuck covers all of the reasons I chose the Silver Star over the Skorpion. But, I'd still like to have one eventually, just for the experience.
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Kool bike, for sure. It's *not* a Raptor engine, though.. It's the Tenere euro only engine, and quite a bit different. Don't ask me how I know. I thought, "Yamaha.. parts will be a cinch.." Wrong. I managed to find a carb kit in Poland. :rolleyes: It has the weird 2 carb 5 valve 2 exhaust stuff, though. Makes good power, boring as a BMW.
If you want the best handling bike you've ever ridden, though.. get a Ulysses.
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Chuck covers all of the reasons I chose the Silver Star over the Skorpion. But, I'd still like to have one eventually, just for the experience.
There were plastic body parts available just before MZ shut down. I'm sure someone has them. 1 would just have to find out who that is. OTOH, the bike is still operable say if the fairing could not be replaced. Mine doesn't have the fairing. I just added a small windshield and hand guards. Mine has bar end weight/protection. If I ever go down body damage will be minimal. ABS plastic can also be repaired on the inside. If there's a better handling bike I'll have to ride it to believe it.
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Chuck covers all of the reasons I chose the Silver Star over the Skorpion. But, I'd still like to have one eventually, just for the experience.
Here's your chance! I'll go put eyes on it for you if you want.
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Here's your chance! I'll go put eyes on it for you if you want.
There are things I need/want far more. Maybe if I didn't have the Morini and didn't just buy an Eldorado. Would it be any more fun than the Morini? Impossible! :laugh:
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There are things I need/want far more. Maybe if I didn't have the Morini and didn't just buy an Eldorado. Would it be any more fun than the Morini? Impossible! :laugh:
I wouldn't know for sure, as I haven't ridden either, but, I''ll bet that the Morini sure is fun.
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There were plastic body parts available just before MZ shut down. I'm sure someone has them. 1 would just have to find out who that is. OTOH, the bike is still operable say if the fairing could not be replaced. Mine doesn't have the fairing. I just added a small windshield and hand guards. Mine has bar end weight/protection. If I ever go down body damage will be minimal. ABS plastic can also be repaired on the inside. If there's a better handling bike I'll have to ride it to believe it.
You might be mistaken. :smiley: Graham's in the U.K. bought up all the MZ inventory.. it's where I found some almost unobtainium pieces.
Since the Skorpion is such a fantastic handling bike, many, if not most of them have been turned into track bikes with the results being all the plastic is used up.
Fortunately, that twin spar frame protects the tank pretty well. Mine's been down on both sides.
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get a Ulysses.
:smiley: :smiley: Tell you what, Brad.. I'll have it at the nationals this year, and you're welcome to take it out in the twistys. Ever ridden one?
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I had a green Sport Cup before my V7. The bike was good, put the engine braking of the large single cylinder was a pain. Ironically, the engine was designed in Italy, by the Yamaha division there. As a Euro only product.
Galen Miller, formerly of Maynard, Ma, was an MZ dealer and is the best US guy for them, east of the Mississippi. Galen moved his shop up to Lowell area, or something like that.
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I had a green Sport Cup before my V7. The bike was good, put the engine braking of the large single cylinder was a pain. Ironically, the engine was designed in Italy, by the Yamaha division there. As a Euro only product.
Galen Burke, formerly of Maynard, Ma, was an MZ dealer and is the best US guy for them, east of the Mississippi. Galen move his shop up to Lowell area, or something like that.
I think the engine braking is a "feature.." The Grimeca brakes (cheap copy of Brembos) are fair at best.. :)
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:smiley: :smiley: Tell you what, Brad.. I'll have it at the nationals this year, and you're welcome to take it out in the twistys. Ever ridden one?
Actually I'm thinking of downsizing to a smaller bike in the spring, maybe a DRZ400.
never rode one so for me the best handling bike has been the Uly. but I had a Silver Star for a short time.
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Actually I'm thinking of downsizing to a smaller bike in the spring, maybe a DRZ400.
never rode one so for me the best handling bike has been the Uly. but I had a Silver Star for a short time.
That's kind of like the difference between a loop and a spiney. :smiley:
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That's kind of like the difference between a loop and a spiney. :smiley:
Those are both heavier than a Buell (and way longer wheel base), I want something lighter..
found a DR650 that would take my Madass on trade but don't have the cash (now) to make the deal.. If I do I can keep the Uly too.
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Those are both heavier than a Buell (and way longer wheel base), I want something lighter..
found a DR650 that would take my Madass on trade but don't have the cash (now) to make the deal.. If I do I can keep the Uly too.
I meant the Silver Star compared to the Skorpion.. is like a loop compared to a spine. MZ used to build plodders for the masses, and with the fall of the wall, decided to go high tech. The chassis was designed in England, and is wonderful, with a monoshock and Yamaha SRX race bike swing arm. Big Paioli forks with Tarozzi clip ons. When first introduced, the wheels were race items, but some suit :rolleyes: decided the bike had to be capable of hauling a sidecar.. so they're too heavy. Replace the wheels and brakes, and you have a race bike. Light, and *very* flickable. Even stock, it'll surprise you. The engine, although it's a big single..*isn't* a thumper, like I'd hoped. It's happiest right at the rev limiter.
It's *not* a Guzzi, though, and doesn't give me the same grin by any means. It'll be fine out in the California canyons, where it's going to live out it's retirement. :smiley:
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Chuck,
You are right, as a big single it didn't have a lot of torque down low, and the engine didn't sing unless in the hi rpm band. Just made it something of a disappointment for me , but overall the bike was still a joy.
Joe
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Chuck,
You are right, as a big single it didn't have a lot of torque down low, and the engine didn't sing unless in the hi rpm band. Just made it something of a disappointment for me , but overall the bike was still a joy.
Joe
True, that is my biggest disappointment with it, too. The engine is competent enough, just kind of boring unless it's really boiling. :smiley:
gratuitous Skorpion picture.. you can see where the frame saved the tank on the left side. The right side is the same.
(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c294/elwood59/1-001_zpskxzypkji.jpg) (http://s29.photobucket.com/user/elwood59/media/1-001_zpskxzypkji.jpg.html)
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(http://nice-cool-pics.com/data/media/16/mz_660_baghira_street_moto.jpg)
I always thought these were the coolest bikes. I knew someone who bought one new and converted it to a super moto machine.
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There is probably a lesson here for those that want Guzzi to build fast bikes . How long did MZ last after going after that market ?
Dusty
Actually, Dusty.. MZ were doing quite well. They went out of business because of a German bank swindle..
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That's not quite accurate . The bank swindle came after the company had failed and its Malaysian owners shut the operation down . Ralf Waldman , the motorbike racer , and some German heavy hitters tried to revive the MZ name , that is when the swindle occurred , WAY after the marque had failed .
Dusty
Aaaahh, I stand corrected. Thanks for that.
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There is probably a lesson here for those that want Guzzi to build fast bikes . How long did MZ last after going after that market ?
Dusty
But do you think fewer people would buy Guzzis if they had more power?
A V9 with about 65-75 horsepower, would that out anyone off?
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True, that is my biggest disappointment with it, too. The engine is competent enough, just kind of boring unless it's really boiling. :smiley:
This where the Morini really shines. Very torquey for a 350, much more than the Rotax in my Silver Star. Where the MZ would be "chattering" when in too high of a gear for the speed, the Morini will just pull without drama. Once over 5000 it really starts to pull. All the while making wonderful mechanical noises with v-twin burble backup.
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Shame they are no longer made, the Turkish company who bought rights to the ETZ now make this....
http://www.autoevolution.com/moto/kanuni-rabbit-50-2005.html
....surprising what sells?
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That's not quite accurate . The bank swindle came after the company had failed and its Malaysian owners shut the operation down . Ralf Waldman , the motorbike racer , and some German heavy hitters tried to revive the MZ name , that is when the swindle occurred , WAY after the marque had failed .
Dusty
The way I see it, in the `90s the general US MC public was still enamored more so with speed and the MZs were a bit overpriced for that compared to crotch rockets, etc. The Skorpion was a really fantastic corner carver/utility/long distance bike all in one, minus rocket speed. Plus you could get it with just about any body configuration you wanted. The chassis was designed in UK, motor in Japan, assembled in Germany. :thumb: A friend of mine refers to it as the other German MC. :smiley: The latter 1000 twin came at a time when there was no demand for 1. During East Germany MZ made all the 2 stroke MCs available there.
I can see when racing you care about the high revving, but for the street you care about the high torque from right off idle. No need to wind out the big piston for acceleration in the curves. :thumb: You can haul ass w/o straining the motor. Use the piston braking when slowing down. I prefer that.
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I would love a Skorpion Replika or Sport Cup. These were great bikes. My first road bike was an SRX-600. I still crave another road thumper.
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Has anyone here gone to see this bike? I'm really tempted, even though I'd have to eat some shipping costs.
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Has anyone here gone to see this bike? I'm really tempted, even though I'd have to eat some shipping costs.
No, I've decided to "look away", as I already have too many motorcycles.
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Has anyone here gone to see this bike? I'm really tempted, even though I'd have to eat some shipping costs.
It's a pretty desirable bike. If I didn't already have the "carnivorous insect" tour.. I'd be on it like a chicken on a June bug. I'll bet 25 will buy it.
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It's a pretty desirable bike. If I didn't already have the "carnivorous insect" tour.. I'd be on it like a chicken on a June bug. I'll bet 25 will buy it.
????? :huh:
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????? :huh:
02 Scura RC
87 Lario
95 Skorpion tour
Looks like a carnivorous insect to me..
(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c294/elwood59/1-001_zpskxzypkji.jpg)
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Looks like a carnivorous insect to me..
(http://i29.photobucket.com/albums/c294/elwood59/1-001_zpskxzypkji.jpg)
D'oh! I, of course, forgot that you had one already, and didn't get your comment. I do now (sometimes I need others to speak slowly and use small sentences).
I've got my Ducati Monster for my light fun bike, it weighs a little less than the Skorpian does, and has a lot more power :evil:
Part of me wants to buy it just to try it, and then flip it, but, I'm trying to cut back on expenditures.
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Part of me wants to buy it just to try it, and then flip it, but, I'm trying to cut back on expenditures.
That would be a losing proposition. They're hard to sell. <shrug> Just the same, this one is kool and has the unobtainium fairing.
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That would be a losing proposition. They're hard to sell. <shrug> Just the same, this one is kool and has the unobtainium fairing.
Gawd, I hate buyers that flip bikes for profit! :violent1:: Recently got a nice Guzzi Convert. that way and there's no way I will do that! We will ride it and enjoy it. :bow:
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Gawd, I hate buyers that flip bikes for profit! :violent1:: Recently got a nice Guzzi Convert. that way and there's no way I will do that! We will ride it and enjoy it. :bow:
I didn't mean "flip" as in sell for profit, but, flip as in don't keep it long. I've bought several bikes, ridden them for a short while, and then sold for around what I paid. That way, I get to experience them for "free." Yes, I've made a profit on a few, but, I've lost money on others, so, it evens out.
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I like to buy non runners cheap, get them going and looking respectable, and sell them for a loss.
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:thumb:
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I didn't mean "flip" as in sell for profit, but, flip as in don't keep it long. I've bought several bikes, ridden them for a short while, and then sold for around what I paid. That way, I get to experience them for "free." Yes, I've made a profit on a few, but, I've lost money on others, so, it evens out.
I like your style
~and a wonderful way to gather motorcycling's offerings/experiences
and sort of a "pay it forward" to the next person, as you've done the searching/buying/vetting
We just ring you up if you got a bike that peaks our interest !
THAT is worth a premium in my book !
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Buy high and sell low, that's my motto, but I have owned and rode a butt load of bikes.
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I like to buy non runners cheap, get them going and looking respectable, and sell them for a loss.
:laugh: :laugh: :laugh: :thumb:
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A '53 bulletnose Studebaker coupe for $2500? How could I go wrong?
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Although I raced one for 3 years, I haven't ridden a street Skorpion.
I've wondered how the street version compared to my race bike.
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A small amount of NE MZ history, significant to very few - - - if any.
Galen Miller was the MZ dealer in Maynard, MA. not the ever popular Galen Burke MGNOC rep in ME, nor my friend Galen Jones in NH. Galen Miller moved his operations ~2 yrs. ago. It's still called Bikeworx, @ 71 Aspley Street Hudson, MA. Galen Miller's partner, in Lucky Lady Racing (MZ's and others), was Paul Conley former owner of Moto Market, Acton, MA. R3~
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A small amount of NE MZ history, significant to very few - - - if any.
Galen Miller was the MZ dealer in Maynard, MA. not the ever popular Galen Burke MGNOC rep in ME, nor my friend Galen Jones in NH. Galen Miller moved his operations ~2 yrs. ago. It's still called Bikeworx, @ 71 Aspley Street Hudson, MA. Galen Miller's partner, in Lucky Lady Racing (MZ's and others), was Paul Conley former owner of Moto Market, Acton, MA. R3~
Thanks for that..
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Did anyone here ever go to look at this bike? I'd still be interest d if I could make the shipping work out.
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I would love an MZ Skorpion Sport, Sport Cup or a Replika one day. My first bike was a Yamaha SRX.
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A small amount of NE MZ history, significant to very few - - - if any.
Galen Miller was the MZ dealer in Maynard, MA. not the ever popular Galen Burke MGNOC rep in ME, nor my friend Galen Jones in NH. Galen Miller moved his operations ~2 yrs. ago. It's still called Bikeworx, @ 71 Aspley Street Hudson, MA. Galen Miller's partner, in Lucky Lady Racing (MZ's and others), was Paul Conley former owner of Moto Market, Acton, MA. R3~
I know both of them, casually. Nice guys, I came close to buying a Skorpion from Galen.
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Did anyone here ever go to look at this bike? I'd still be interest d if I could make the shipping work out.
It's still listed on CL, so, it might be still available.
Let me know if you want someone local to put eyes on it. If you work out payment and title transfer with the seller, I could pick it up and store it for you to collect at your convenience.
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Hermy's in Port Clinton, PA (also Herdan, the Moto Morini importers) used to be an MZ dealer. I bought a Skorpion Tour from them. If I had more garage space, I would still have it (along with the V7 Sport and the Morini 350K2 that I foolishly sold). While not perfect, they were wonderful motorcycles, but I bore easily and I'm still searching for that elusive perfect motorcycle.
I have a Traveller fairing sitting in my garage. MZ offered the fairing as an accessory to the standard Tour. I ordered it thru Hermy's and about 18 months later (long after I gave up on it), the fairing appeared, color matched to my Tour. Thankfully I still had the money to pay for it. It took about 3 hours, but the fairing bolted on to the standard Tour. When I sold my Tour, the buyer was going to race it and did not want the fairing. Maybe someday, another Tour will cross my path...
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Hermy's in Port Clinton, PA (also Herdan, the Moto Morini importers) used to be an MZ dealer. I bought a Skorpion Tour from them. If I had more garage space, I would still have it (along with the V7 Sport and the Morini 350K2 that I foolishly sold). While not perfect, they were wonderful motorcycles, but I bore easily and I'm still searching for that elusive perfect motorcycle.
I bought a new '86 350K2 in '88 from Fred Heistand Motors, sold it in '98. I've ridden a few V7 Sports and one Skorpion. This August I bought another K2 - an '85 needing lots of TLC. Great to be back on one - a K2 is more fun than either the 'Sport or Skorpion in my opinion.
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I will agree that the Morini is more fun than the MZ, but I also liked my MZ. Owning it got me to join FSSNOC in 1995 and I'm still a member.
I also like my 2006 Breva 1100. It is faster and more comfortable than the Morini was, but it also is not as much fun to ride.
My K2 was also a 1986, red, purchased new in '86 from Herm.
I also had a 3 1/2 Strada, a 500 Strada and a couple of 500 Camels, but not all at once.
Maybe someday another MZ will cross my path and maybe someday another Morini will end up in my garage.
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I will agree that the Morini is more fun than the MZ, but I also liked my MZ. Owning it got me to join FSSNOC in 1995 and I'm still a member.
I also like my 2006 Breva 1100. It is faster and more comfortable than the Morini was, but it also is not as much fun to ride.
My K2 was also a 1986, red, purchased new in '86 from Herm.
I also had a 3 1/2 Strada, a 500 Strada and a couple of 500 Camels, but not all at once.
Maybe someday another MZ will cross my path and maybe someday another Morini will end up in my garage.
My '85 is red w/silver stripes. :-)
(https://scontent.fash1-1.fna.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtf1/v/t1.0-9/11260815_795203083935158_3174869481478758195_n.jpg?oh=6baafc5b0c3556fa6004f0d518cdbfe4&oe=57099BA5)
I owned an '80 500 Strada first, from about '83 to '85. Would like to have an early (twin-shock) Camel, but they're very rare in the US.
Hermy's "Morini Barbeques" were the highlight of my riding season back then. It was the only time of the year I got to see any other Morinis! :laugh:
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How do the Morinis compare to a Guzzi smallblock?
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I've never ridden them back-to-back, so it's hard for me to make an objective comparison. But, I get the feeling a good running 3 1/2 would give a 500 Monza a good run and would smoke a 350 Imola. :evil:
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How do the Morinis compare to a Guzzi smallblock?
Both Morini and Guzzi smallblocks featured Heron heads/pistons. Popular in performance engines in that time, the field has moved in other directions. Guzzi is the last manufacturer to still use them.
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My Morini K2 looked just like that but it also had the 3/4 fairing. They were the fast ones! I still have a (broken) front fender hanging in my basement.
The Herdan Beefroasts were wonderful gatherings. Not only would you see lots of Morinis, but all sorts of BMW's, Laverdas, Triumphs and Ducatis. Plus an assortment of Japanese bikes. The food was good and the Yuengling truck provided plenty (sometimes too much) beer. I used to travel from Indiana and then Illinois to attend. A good time was had by all.
Even though I tried, I never managed to buy a small block Guzzi, so I cannot compare the engines. I will say that while Herm was importing the Morinis, and before Cagiva bought Morini, parts were easy to obtain. Even though I live in the Midwest, Herdan was still my Morini dealer. I have to put a bit more effort into sourcing Guzzi parts. But I've never bought a new one Guzzi, so maybe that is an unfair comparison.
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My Morini K2 looked just like that but it also had the 3/4 fairing. They were the fast ones!
My (silver/red) '86 had the half fairing and bellypan. My current '85 was crashed sometime in it's life and was "backdated" to how it looks now. Probably would have had the rectangular headlight, 1/4 fairing and bellypan.
I can't seem to get in touch with anyone at Hermy's no matter what time I call. Tried twice to buy parts from them, finally gave up and ordered from North Leicester Motors in the UK.
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The last time I spoke with them (and it's been a while, maybe 2010 or 2011), Herm Sr. was running Herdan which dealt with the Morini parts. Herm Jr. was running Hermy's, the Triumph / BMW dealership. I would think that many Morini parts are now hard to source, but I have not needed any in quite awhile. I still get regular emails from Hermy's, so someone is there.
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The listing for the Skorpion has expired. Anyone know if it's still available? Anyone have contact info for the seller? Thanks
John
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The listing for the Skorpion has expired. Anyone know if it's still available? Anyone have contact info for the seller? Thanks
I just searched the Reading Craigslist in case it was re-listed. No results.
I watch the local CL sites pretty closely. If it gets re-listed, I'll post a link.
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Thanks, I appreciate that.
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you could look for the old ad using the way back machine I think.
but you need the exact address to the add.. did you ever visit the CL ad? you can fund the address in your brouser history.
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Thanks. I did that but it took me to a 'This ad has expired" page. :sad:
Oh well, I bet he'll put it up again sometime. I keep doing a MZ craigslist search. Found this, but it's not what I'm looking for:
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mcy/5394341524.html
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http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mcy/5394341524.html
Hmm, I thought they came from East Germany?
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http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mcy/5394341524.html
Hmm, I thought they came from East Germany?
By time the Rotax powered MZs were built, it was all one Germany again.
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Yeah, he's a bit confused. This East German MZ is a personal favorite, but I'm a sucker for those old six days trial bikes.
(http://tuggboatsport4.site.nfoservers.com/images/picturupu.png)
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Thanks. I did that but it took me to a 'This ad has expired" page. :sad:
Oh well, I bet he'll put it up again sometime. I keep doing a MZ craigslist search. Found this, but it's not what I'm looking for:
http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mcy/5394341524.html
If memory serves this was one of a a pair of MZ's that was listed on Harrisburg CL 3 or 4 years ago. The price was something like $3,500 for the pair. I was too late. They were gobbled up with an hour of posting.
5,000km's = 8,000 miles :thumb:
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5,000km's = 8,000 miles :thumb:
I got a chuckle from that too.
It's more like 8,000 km = 5,000 miles.
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http://philadelphia.craigslist.org/mcy/5394341524.html
Hmm, I thought they came from East Germany?
I think I know that bike. It's looking like the Philadelphia Riders Group are selling off their MZs. If I lived back East that bike would of already been mine. I loved the MZS and finally when I was able to buy one the shut their doors. Abruptly at that. But the Skorpions in particular have a warm spot in my heart.
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the Skorpions in particular have a warm spot in my heart.
Oh, how I wanted a Skorpion Replika.
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It has been re-listed: http://reading.craigslist.org/mcy/5454960573.html (http://reading.craigslist.org/mcy/5454960573.html)
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Thanks Jas67.
(http://tuggboatsport4.site.nfoservers.com/images/128002qmq.jpg)
Brought it home yesterday.
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Attaboy, John.. :thumb: Perseverance wins the day again. :smiley:
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Thanks, Chuck. Now I need a mess of perseverance to clean up the garage. :laugh:
(http://tuggboatsport4.site.nfoservers.com/images/1280615610.jpg)
Last year, I was determined to make the bikes a large part of my life again. Seemed like work, working on the old house, and lack of biking commitment was conspiring to make me one of those old fellows with bikes in the garage that were infrequently ridden and poorly cared for. I was on the way to being a "I used to ride a lot" fellow. So, I made it a point to ride a lot last summer. Living so close to West Virginia, I had easy access to great roads.
Also, I started a little local group that let me meet some great riding partners. Man, I had forgotten what great therapy bikes are and what great company a few good riding partners can be. Feels like I'm back on track now. I decided I needed a light weight roadster and the MZ, at under 400lbs was just the ticket and just weird enough to fit in with the Geese.
Now, I need a little dual sport. Back to CL. :grin:
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Glad to see another disorganized garage like mine and a MuZ like I have(Tour) too. :boozing: My `00 Tour is the best handling bike I've ever ridden. Good for long distance too.
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Thanks Jas67.
....
Brought it home yesterday.
You're very welcome. I'm glad someone here could get it!