Ralf Waldmann and Martin Wimmer, 2 former motorcycle GP racers, are planning to revive production of MZ motorcycles which, as we reported, ceased operations at the end of last year. They are buying the trademarks and worldwide rights to the brand from the Hong Leong Group which currently owns MZ.
The old German factory is now a nightclub, MZWerk, so Waldmann and Wimmer plan to work with a Chinese company to produce the bikes. Martin Wimmer has lived in China and evidently has good connections there.
According to the racers, they want to begin by producing a new 125cc model similar to the old MZ RT125 and eventually expand with models up to 500cc.
Thanks for the tip, Tito!
Link: Motorrad
Kickboxer Subaru WRX Powered Motorcycle Concept
{ 10 comments… add yours below ... }
As much as I dislike the idea of China simply producing much of the same things they’ve been making for years, and simply buying up names for marketing, I do hope they can revive the Skorpion line. Lightweight singles that handle well can be great machines for both new and “seasoned” riders alike. Only time will tell, but I’m not holding my breath…
Maybe it’s just an April Fools joke?
A Chinese Skorpion? we’ll see!
As I recall, Wimmer is also developing a novel front suspension. Essentially a telescopic fork, that compresses from both ends, with a wishbone link in the middle.
Could this pop up on a future model?
I’d welcome it. MZs are great bikes and are definitely more interesting and different than most the other stuff out there. This should give Chinese bikes some clout.
-todd
The MZ RT125 was arguably the finest little production road bike in the world. Unfortunately, the market didn’t agree with the economics of building such a quality small displacement machine in one of the world’s highest manufacturing cost countries.
This wouldn’t be the first time an RT125 went to Asia – Yamaha built a version of the original 1937 RT125 throughout the 1950s & 60s.
This is great news, my old next door neighbour used to race these bikes and win! http://www.mzridersclub.co.uk/bikes/racing/racing.html. I really liked the supermoto singles and the later streetfighter. Unfortunately the problem I saw with the company is that they made reliable, easy to service, quirky bikes that went well in the real world for the purpose they were intended, this is great for the second hand buyer but I don’t think its what the buy it new crew are looking for. They made some great bikes which suited me down to the ground unfortunately I have never bought a brand new bike in my life so maybe their target audience was a bit off. I wish the new guys all the best.
hope they do it right my 2002 RT125 is a real winner at 7 years and 18000 miles
it is a sweet runner
but needs a big brother at about 350 to 450 cc
dave
What MZ should is make 4 storke 125, 250 motorbikes that look like the orginal in the late 90s with fully cnclosed chain case, mz was the first use this chain prctection system that gives longer chain life & clean back wheel.I like this. many copied this .Yamaha used on TR1 & chain life was more than 50,000 kms.It’s better than belt & cheaper than the shaft, plus give the bike a clean look.
A new Skorpion Traveller with the SV 650 engine would be a great touring bike.
The Kneeslider does not endorse nor imply agreement with any particular comment just because we let it stand, but, you already knew that.
Comments should be closely related to post content. Personal attacks, personal grievances and profanity will be removed. Please read the entire post and check for included links before commenting or asking questions. We're looking for your interesting thoughts and ideas that add to the conversation. Thank you.