Advice on returning an MZ to use....after some standing

[mhsilverw]

After missing a Saxon and then thinking a tiddler was on the cards; I have acquired a 1980 TS250/1...seems good order and running/OTR as it were...read on (for some advice please).

The bike has passed an MOT (by last owner very recently - late December) with only some minor updates (to get it to pass the uk MOT): a new battery and spark plug, fork seals and some cleaning/flushing of the fuel system...I think.

When running it appears to have no noises or issues with the engine/box; the (new) battery is holding charge and the electrics are doing what they should (at the moment)!

However I am mindful that the bike has stood a while so the brakes are a little grabby (maybe just surface rust on the drums?)...

...however this last point makes me wonder if the drums are like that; even though the engine/gearbox seem to be functioning; What sort of things should one look at engine-wise - could they be suffering the same (albeit drums dont have oil in when stored/stood) whereas the engine/gearbox could have!

I am mindful of the old saying 'that if it's working then don't mess with it' but it has stood.

So my dilema;
Should I attempt to just use it or should I contemplate any engine strip down to look at seals (at least) ......memory tells me bearings were once an issue on some MZ's both "mains" and some gearbox ones....

What would you do?

I am not planning a restoration as such, but aim to use the bike as it is (presentation-wise)...

Regards

M

[DAVID THOMPSON]

if it has points in the spark system keep in mind that the spring in the points can become
weak with setting then when started it will run of for a few days or weeks
then not want to run at high rpm as the spring does not close the points
fast enough
so a fresh set of points may be needed in the near future to refresh the spring

also watch out for new old stock where the spring has been cocked while they were stored

i have about 10 sets for bmw /5's that are new and worthless
been using them up for kill switch on race bikes/ trail bikes works great piece of plastic and a wrist strap
dave

[radiograf]

I would reccomend chainging the oil. I believe that the old engines actually have a supply of oil to the main bearings from the gearbox, so fresh must be best. I would reccomend a full service on any secondhand vehicle anyway, at least you know that it's been done.

[Louis Mair]

Get a manual (mzridersclub) and read the book. Then you'll know more than most.

The five speeder or TS250/1 has a relatively weak big-end (con-rod) bearing. There is some controversy over the front brake; new shoes are readily available (mz-b; ost2rad.de; etc...), they might be a solution. Corrosion can get between the hub and the steel drum which would cause a certain 'grabby' sensation. You could always try dismantling it and having a look.

It's a classic! Enjoy it while it's running and remember that a complete new crankshaft is available for less than the cost of a con-rod kit in the old days (ddr2rad.de;).

Louis

[stogadog]

I wouldn't delve too deeply into the engine if it running ok and not making nasty grumbling noises from the mains. The seals are obviously Ok if it runs and starts fine and the mains make themselves obvious if they are on the way out. I'd change the plug, points, oil, fork oil, clean out the brakes, lube the cables or put new ones on, and fresh fuel and then use it a while to see how you get on before going too deep into anything else. I have an electronic regulator on my ES which makes my feeble 6v charging system a whole lot more reliable - might be thinking about getting one ( your TS is 12V isn't it?).
Any way that's my thoughts - ignore at will.

[murdo1996]

Hi
I got a TS250/1 1981 about 8 months ago in identical condition to yours, got it off a bloke who had just reregistered it. Best piece of advise I can give you from experience is ride it! From the sound if things it's in pretty good condition. Any problems with it will become apparent after you have ridden it around a bit, and like I found there were a few problems but nothing major, all very easy to fix and cheap. Buy a Haynes workshop manual and do all the routine checks. I would do a few things as a start though; change the gear box oil, check the chain is in good condition and properly lubricated with thick anti-friction grease (and NOT oil as I found mine was), check the point gap and spark plug gap, check electrics, tyre condition etc, just the usual. As for the brakes... it might be nothing. The brakes on these bikes were not the best when they were new. But I would take the wheels off and have a look anyway as it's so easy to do. If your used to Japanese disc brakes as I was it might seem like they aren't working properly, but they properly are.
After a little tinkering you will find it's one of the best and most reliable bike of it's class!
Hope this helps.
Cheers, Kieran