December '02 26,700 km to end the season. I was expecting to get some late fall riding in but November turned cold so that was the end of that. Even with an AeroStich suit I call it quits at about 32 degrees F. No real news on the MZ Tour as it just keeps plugging away. As mentioned earlier, I put on a Continental rear tire over the summer and that's about it. As you probably know, MZ will discontinue the Skorpion line which is a shame as these are fine motorcycles. I would have liked to seen an updated version, the bikes have basically remained the same since their 1995 introduction, but they still manage to look modern, functional, and unique. April '03 Dead battery after the winter even though I keep it charged up. It was original, $45 for a replacement. The bike fires instantly and away I go.... June '03 New fork seals for the Tour. You know something is wrong when the front brake stops working. September '03 oil.... About 28,600 km, and the the back fender is covered with oil. The breather line from the motor to the oil tank is weather cracked. Get a new hose. Also the breather hose from the motor to the airbox is cracked so I ... get a new hose. It was time for an oil change anyway. October '03 Another season over. Just short of 30K on the odometer. All is well. The first write up on the MZ 1000s is positive. Maybe next year???? July '04 The MZ 1000s is a no show so far although the reports that trickle in are positive. So the Tour has company in an Aprilia Futura. I still prefer the Tour for the commute to work however. A new front tire goes on at 30,800 km, otherwise things are uneventful. Jan '05 Its been awhile on an update, its the middle of winter with no snow on the ground so rather depressing for us snowmobilers here, and too cold for 2 wheels. The Tour finished the year with 32,700 km and running just fine. A paultry 2k miles since July although I must take it to work 4 out of 5 days a week. A few things however, the tach pegs when you turn the ignition key on so I am assuming the assembly is bad, I have one on order for $140. Some small cracks are showing up in the seat, short of replacing it I will do nothing for now. I bought a used RT125 MZ for #2 daughter as this will be her first bike. One of the only small bikes available that is not a cruiser style bike. Update after the first ride. August '05 Some updates are in order. Tour: A new seat from Sargents adorns the bike, what a beauty, changes the entire look of the bike, super comfy. Of course the previoulsy mentioned tach was installed, otherwise nothing to report. About 35,000 km. RT 125: The daughter is still getting used to things but what a perfect starter bike. I have been using it for my commute to work, what fun! Engine size does not make the bike. The seat looks horrible as some brown stains show up through the covering, it will be sent to Sargents this winter. Starts right up with no choke and is ready to go, another tail-pack was necessary as the tank is plastic. About 3,000 miles (it reads in miles!), about 70 miles per gallon. Gas hit $2.65 this summer. Someone must have rode with the rear brakes on as the pads needed replacement - a surprise to me as I seldom use the rear. The Aprilia Futura has been replaced with a Yamaha FZ1. The Aprilia just did not fit me. Clumsey at low speeds or in town. Horrible center stand. Wonderful motor, looks to kill, but it just sat as I did not want to ride it. More sport than touring for me. Seemed heavy. Dreadful electrical gremlins reported on the web but mine was trouble free. A $550 first service sealed the end, an oil change and valve check for $550? Not to mention the 4 week wait for a $10 fuel line connector - which I finally supplied (should have been warrenty) to get the bike back on the road. The Yamaha has this electric smooth motor (which I can see) great ergonomics, the small fairing works much better that it should, although not much lighter than the Aprilia it is just easier to move around, maybe due to the wider and taller bars - and - I can use a magnetic tank bag, yahoo!! The Yamaha was a bargain at $8050 out the door. That's it for now, JK. May '06 Spring time update and really no news. I have been busy so a late start firing up the Tour and it fires right up after about 3 revolutions. The tail light bulb finally quit and was replaced. About 36,000 km. Gas is right around $2.80. I also had a chance to visit my friend that I sold the Mastiff to in Trinidad. An enjoyable trip, he is just the gentleman that you would think an MZ owner would be. The Mastiff certainly looks at home on the streets of Port of Spain. JK |
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