2008 MZ RT-Striker Review

Introduction

The highly modern four-valves, four-stroke engine and DOHC for more than 60mph develops a full 15 horsepower (11 KW) and MZ claims to have pulled the lucky card with this model as it is addressed to inexperienced riders in search for a docile and yet fun bike. Suspensions were highly tested and tuned in order for the bike to handle perfectly and to provide the much needed feetback.

But when it comes to appearance, the MZ RT definitely stands out as one of the best looking small naked bikes out there. Let’s get rolling!

History

1950 MZ RT 125

I don’t thing I’ve ever wrote something about a bike that is such filled with heritage as the MZ RT 125, because that is the base motorcycle from which the RT-Striker ended up.

In the early 1930s a company named Das Kleine Wunder (The Little Wonder) in Zschopau, Germany started producing a 125cc two-stroke motorcycle named the RT. In the 1950s and 1960s, MZ took over the production of this model which was to be revived starting with 2000 model year. The bike was entirely new and featured a modern four-stroke engine, as well as design. It didn’t suffer any notable change ever since, except the introduction of the RT-Striker.

Competition

2008 Honda Nighthawk

It is kind of hard to find 125cc naked bikes these days, not to mention a competitor for MZ’s highly acclaimed RT-Striker so I was thinking that it would be best to compare it with the Honda Nighthawk.

Even though the Honda features a 234cc air-cooled vertical twin-cylinder engine, the powerplant has SOHC; two valves per cylinder valve train and a five speed tranny, compared to MZ’s DOHC system with four valves per cylinder and the six-speed gearbox, the Honda ends up being one similar performing bike, despite its displacement.

After all, both of these models are meant to help riders gain experience and by completing this goal, they are being set one against the other.

With a base MSRP of only $3,699, but not featuring the performance brakes of the MZ and the sporty looks (it is supposed to be a cruiser), the Honda Nighthawk manages to make a good figure.

Exterior

2008 MZ RT-Striker

For 2008 MZ introduces the refined RT-Striker, a bike which relies on its design features to make a difference and many people reckon this recipe is successful.

You will notice the same naked look and features which characterize the simple RT 125 only that covered in an orange/black color scheme which makes the exterior lines stand out even more.

The front end is characterized by the typical round headlight and chromed instrumentation, but this baby is far from being a cruiser. Rims are black and the fender looks worthy of a Honda Hornet, as well as pretty much all of the bike’s front end.

Gas tank was and remains stylish only that the orange paintjob makes it even better. On this piece, the maker’s name, logo and model are attached because the seat dominates the rear end, leaving no room for plastics on which at least the model’s name would be written.

MZ blacked-out virtually everything it could (rims, sliding tube, flat handlebars) except the engine which remains anthracite.

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