Quick Ride

Quick Ride

MZ 1000SF Appealing naked Eastern European

MONSTER, TNT, Speed Triple, Super Duke, Rockster, Brutale, Tuono... the list of big-bore, highspec, high-velocity naked bikes has exploded over the last few years. And that bunch just covers the Euro offerings. Into this lion’s den ventures the MZ 1000SF.

Prior to the Iron Curtain getting scrapped, East German firm MZ was a Grand Prix racing pioneer and ISDT winner, as well as being known throughout Europe for producing simple, single-cylinder, two-stroke commuter bikes. The latter were as attractive and effective as a well-worn leather mallet. After German reunification, MZ had to come to terms with losing its governmentsupported status and actually start competing in an open market. Malaysian investment followed a mid1990s false dawn, but now, in Germany, only Honda sells more four-stroke 125s (and that’s a popular sector over there).

Apparently buoyed by this success, MZ set its sights higher. Much higher. The fully-faired 1000S was first shown in 2000 but delayed when MZ decided to part company with its enginedevelopment partner and bring powerplant R&D in-house. Finally on the market in late 2004, the 1000S’s edgy styling that initially set it apart had become a wellestablished trend.

The “Super Fighter” shown here is basically a naked version of the S, sharing many major components but possessing a totally different character.

Housed in the tubular-steel frame is MZ’s own 998cc parallel-Twin. MZ admits it developed this engine because it was the only configuration not closely associated with another manufacturer’s highperformance offerings.

The 270-degree firing order lends the eight-valve MZ a measure of V-Twin character and sound, while the fuel-injection, though not as glitch-free as that of, say, a Suzuki GSX-R, isn’t

annoying or distracting. Claimed output is identical to the S at 115 horsepower.

Like the majority of current big-bore naked bikes, the in-command upright riding position immediately makes you feel comfortable-and also like being a hooligan.

The SF showed at the Spanish press launch that it is both well-behaved in town and confidenceinspiring on everything from 100-mph sweepers to slimy, gravel-strewn mountain roads. Thank the multi-adjustable suspension, powerful Nissin brakes (with good feel) and Metzeier Sportec M-l tires. Nothing but a slight ill reaction to midcomer bumps could be marked against the chassis. The mildly top-heavy feeling that manifests itself at parking-lot speeds disappears as soon as you’re really rolling.

The overall impression is one of well-built competence, even if it lacks some competitors’ over-the-top cool. Still, this is a fim bike that in terms of price$10,490 at dealers in Junecompetes well against other naked bikes. -Gary Inman