Description
Click here for an CycleVIN Motorcycle History Report on this 1996 MZ Skorpion Sport. Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
The Skorpion was an example of what an international economy can achieve – a East German manufacturer brought together Japanese motors (from Yamaha) and a British design firm (called Seymourpowell) to create something that worked well on paper and on the road. It wasn’t a huge commercial success, but nowadays it’s definitely a cult classic.
The international theme continues with the Bilstein rear shock (German), Acerbis bodywork (Italian), and Grimeca brakes (also Italian).
Weighing just 380 pounds and packing 48 horsepower, the Skorpion utilizes the engine and electrical systems from a Yamaha XT660. They were well equipped from the factory, including adjustable clip-ons and rear sets. This is a Sport model, which got a half fairing and low bars.
This example is VIN: SNZ6SE201T7503945, and it was purchased new at GP Motorcycles in San Diego, California on November 19th, 1997.
The seller acquired it approximately a year ago from the brother-in-law of the original owner and has covered ~1,500 miles with it during that time. The odometer shows 7,673 miles.
In the seller’s words, “I wanted a thumper. I looked at the various Yamaha SRs and the beautiful SRX, but found electric start and water cooling in the Yamaha-powered MZ 660. My memory of this iconic motorcycle was awakened when I found this San Diego-purchased bike in amazing condition.”
“This is one of the highest developed versions of the Yamaha TT/XT single in an advanced, reliable lightweight street bike. Five valves, one cylinder, two into one pipes, and great carburetion. It runs great and has great brakes to boot. The engine sounds absolutely amazing once opened up on the road, as you could imagine a 660cc single would with this stainless steel exhaust.”
“I’ve only added 1,500 miles to the bike and have had zero problems. Parts are readily available from Graham’s Motorcycles in England with great, personalized service.”
“The battery is fresh and I often hop on it for my own little Zen ride or burrito run. Do your research and be amazed by this bike.”
In June of 2020 with approximately 6,700 miles on the odometer, the seller performed an oil change with Castrol semi-synthetic 10W-40, installed a K&N oil filter, OEM air filter, fork seals (15W oil), new front brake pads, and new front tire. The sale includes two NGK spark plugs, a Hiflofiltro oil filter, and misc o-rings for future maintenance.
It also includes the owner’s manual, wiring diagram, and original sale paperwork (MSO, warranty card, invoice from GP).
Currently located in Julian, California, this MZ is offered on a clean California title with registration current through February 2022.
The seller states that there are no mechanical issues and it is in amazing cosmetic condition for a 1996 model – “no corrosion is evident thanks to San Diego and Santa Fe, NM storage.” Have any Skorpion stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the comments!
