There is simply no better alternative than the MZ 125 SX for the adventure seeking rider that hasn’t yet graduated from high school, but needs a quick, efficient and fun mean on transportation both on and off the road with all of the qualities needed included: sportiveness, sufficient power taking in consideration the engine’s cylinder capacity, and a spacious riding position.

2008 MZ 125 SX

Specifications
  • Make: Array
  • Model: 2008 MZ 125 SX
  • Engine/Motor: single cylinder, 4-stroke
  • Horsepower: 11 kW (15 hp) at 9000 rpm
  • Torque: 11,7 Nm at 8500 rpm
  • [do not use] Vehicle Model: Array

 

Introduction


For 2008 MZ presents the latest version of their 125 SX, the Sixdays ’87. The off-road bike is slightly set apart from the rest of the already known models by featuring hand protectors, engine protectors (steel tube), green frame, black engine covers and silver rims.

But the terrain was already prepared for this late introduction with the Further models which offered the chassis, engine, suspension, brakes…virtually every single nut and bolt on the thing was already previously fitted on other bikes so the styling is what makes the difference.

History


But the MZ 125 SX has a complete history of such revamps due to the fact that the performance 125cc four-stroke engine and the versatile frame were a big hit ever since 2001 when the bike was first produced and manufactured. Mated to a six-speed gearbox, the carbureted engine was efficiently exploited and this off-roader started initiating teenagers.

In 2003, colors available were Green, Black and Red, but the bike remained mechanically the same for the next years of manufacturing.

2005 model year brought the DOHC fuel control system, feature which made the engine even more capable of being ridded long and hard.

Last year, the MZ 125 SX Enduro was introduced as a special version featuring all the goodies that can be found on the Sixdays ’87 model for 2008 ( Hand protectors, engine protector (steel tube), green frame, black engine covers and silver rims).

Exterior


The 2008 MZ 125 SX definitely has the looks of an off-road bike and although there is a lack of modernity, it is stylish and attractive, reminding us how the Japanese would have built the thing if it was their own.

At the front end, the high fender talks about the bike’s abilities to go over rocks, logs, and difficult terrain and the square headlight above it not only makes it street-legal, but also has a surrounding fairing offering good wind protection for when the rider wishes to open the throttle a little wider.

On the sides, the panels look like sculpted with a cutter as they feature sharp edges but which blend in together with the rest of the exterior components perfectly. Such example is the seat and the side number plates which aren’t separate from the panels.

Through its looks, the German maker intended the SX to look bigger than it actually is and implicit more capable.

The simple version can be painted either green or black while the Sixdays ’87 is white painted and receives red decals.

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Test Drive


Riding Germany’s best small Enduro bike is definitely an enjoyable experience even for someone who has thrown a leg over some larger motorcycles. It is all due to the SX’s charm and friendliness which will have an initiated rider give its OK in an instant and a beginner craving for another ride on it.

Its power to amaze is practically unlimited as the 15 horsepower engine is mounted on a versatile frame, qualities which combine and have you covered no matter where you ride.

Building quality is top notch and at a first impression the SX will seem a little to high for you to flat foot the ground, but once you do jump on it, the soft suspensions will be getting you closer to the ground and ready to get the best out of it both on the streets and on the trails.

When I picked up the bike it started right up without even using the choke and after letting it worm up a little bit I started heading towards the places I consider it was built for: the woods. I see this as the perfect mean of transportation for teenagers living at farms and places which require versatile transportation means. But until I got there, the 125 SX proved it can be a great city commuter and a decent highway machine. It is very easy to maneuver and it becomes your dearest friend when the crowded intersections don’t bilk an eye at you. Also, when riding it at a top speed of exactly 70 mph you won’t be needed to kiss the gas tank or anything like it at all.

It is an efficient bike on which you can commute peacefully, but if you are just set on commuting, I suggest you to go for the 125 SM (Supermoto), because when this baby feels dust on its tires there is nothing to stop it off the road. Have it ridden on the trails, jump over logs and even escalade rocks and you will form a pretty good impression on its abilities. Personally, I was impressed by the strong-pulling small engine which delivers its power from down low and gets you out of any situation on the trails and has a six-speed gearbox for better valuing on the highway.

With a liter rider on it (the ones who it is being addressed to) it can easily climb pretty steep hills without any problems. The suspensions are a little to soft for my taste, but the front fork doesn’t reach bottom end easily and the rear monoshock keeps things in control all through the bumpy ride.

Just for the hell of it, I also took this baby on the beach where I split the waves and noticed that the steering remains stable and secure all through the adventurous incursion. It is an extremely fun and entertaining bike to ride and it becomes a real teacher from the very first minute. But as you gather miles, approximately 40, the seat will become quite disturbing and you’ll be begging for a rest stop. But by the time I did so, the MZ 125 SX has left me with a good impression and with this recommendation: go for it!

Conclusion


With  the 125 SX and SX Sixdays ’87 MZ manages to cover an important segment of the market that the other makers tend to ignore and consider that a 250cc four-stroke engine is enough docile and user friendly for a beginner to mark the beginning of its riding days on, but these two models prove all the contrary. 125cc four-stroke engines are definitely needed on off-road bikes because with a DOHC fuel control system and with a little bit of fine tuning, enough horses ca be gained and put smiles on everyone’s faces.

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SPECIFICATIONS


Engine Displacement: 124cc

Engine type: single cylinder, 4 stroke

Max. power: 11 kW (15 hp) at 9000 rpm

Max. torque: 11,7 Nm at 8500 rpm

Top speed: 110 kph (69 mph) 

Front Tyre: 90/90-21

Rear Tyre: 120/80-18 

Front brake: single disc 

Rear brake: single disc 

Front Suspension : telescopic fork

Rear Suspension:  monoshock 

Seat height: 860 mm 

Wheelbase: 1440 mm 

Weight w/o fuel: 127,5 kg 

Max. load: 192,5 kg 

Tank capacity: 12,5

Reserve: 3,6 l