1996 MZ Skorpion 660 Sport
Miles: 17,758
Third Owner
Clean California Title
Listed Price: $2,750
MZ or really “MuZ” was originally an East German motorcycle manufacturer famous for its two-stroke racing machines that were the first to feature expansion chambers on their exhaust systems, an innovation that fairly revolutionized two-stroke engine performance.The MZ Skorpion 660 Sport seen here was a part of an attempt in the 1990s to reinvent the brand by building a range of bikes around a common engine and frame. The Sport was, naturally the sportbike of the bunch, although there was also a limited-production Replika, the Mastiff supermoto, Baghira dual-sport, naked Tour, and Traveller sport-tourer. Which I just realized is a very interesting name for an East German motorcycle… Now I want one. The range shared a common lightweight steel tube frame and used Yamaha’s 660cc five-valve single, backed by a five-speed gearbox. Power was a modest 58hp but the bike only weighed 381lbs dry, and the single offered the fun, flexible performance you’d expect. Plenty found their way onto racetracks and were very popular in the Sound of Singles class.
The 1996 MZ 660 Skorpion Sport is a lightweight and easy to handle sport bike,
suited for beginners and expert riders!This is a Sport model, which got a half fairing and an interchangeable passenger seat and racing cowling.
It’s definitely a cult classic due to the racing successes in Europe. Remember Sound-of-Singles racing?
Far more agile and stable handling than your typical beginner bikes (Ninja, R3, CBR300, etc.). The bike always feels like on rails and is very confidence inspiring!
Due to the smaller size and low weight, it also makes for a great beginner and female rider’s bike. It is simple, reliable and has good power so you won’t outgrow it quickly.
For expert riders this bike is an absolute blast to ride on twisty roads and it is fun to embarrass much bigger and newer bikes with only 48 BHP.
It was built in Germany with a bulletproof Yamaha XT660 engine (48 Horsepower, 5 Speed transmission) and electrical systems, a British Sport chassis and premium brakes and suspension components, adjustable clip-ons and rear sets.
Modifications:
Carbon fiber slip-on exhaust,
Aftermarket Clip-on Bars,
rider seat re-upholstered by HT Moto in Orange County, California.
Battery tender cable.
Metzler Sportec M7 RR tires with 50% tread left.The sale also includes
2 ignition keys,
OEM muffler,
plastic rear seat cover (race cowl)
spare “Skorpion” sticker for left rear seat cowling.”Actual mileage is 17,758 miles.
This 1996 model was first registered before 2003 in Florida, then sold in 2003 with 750 miles on the odometer.
The 2nd owner (Colorado) then sold the bike with 3,061 miles in 2011 to the present owner (Laguna Niguel, California).”Maintenance:
This bike has been very reliable and requires only low budget services.
Since the purchase in 2011 I have done all service work myself and have logged it in a spreadsheet, and saved most receipts.No accidents, crashes!
No known mechanical issues! No leaks, no electrical issues/malfunctions.The bike has received recent complete fluid changes, engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, fork oil.
About 1,000 miles ago, valves adjusted, carb fully cleaned and adjusted.
New spark plug, air filter, lithium battery, chain and sprocket set, and cleaning and lubrication of all Bowden cables.Parts for the Yamaha engine and service are readily available from Yamaha and independent shops. And MZ parts are readily available from Graham’s in the UK, and even on eBay.
Clean California title on “Planned Non-Operational” registration status.
This MZ Skorpion 660 Sport isn’t a high-powered, high-dollar exotic, but a fun, very practical, versatile, easy to own sportbike that will draw plenty of attention at your local bike night. From me anyway: I think these things are really cool, like a modern-day Gilera, but with better parts availability. This particular example is far too nice to turn into a track-hack or racebike, and comes with some nice extras, including the original exhaust and a solo seat cowl. If you’re looking for a fun, unpretentious canyon bike with a bit of character that won’t break the bank, grab this one quick, as they don’t pop up for sale all that often.
-tad
