MZ 125 SX/SM
| Manufacturer | MZ Motorrad- und Zweiradwerk GmbH |
|---|---|
| Production | 2001−2008 |
| Engine | → see table |
MZ 125 SX and MZ 125 SM are model designations for motorcycles manufactured by the MZ Motorrad- und Zweiradwerk GmbH in Zschopau from 2001 to 2008. Designed by Peter Naumann, both machines were technically based on the MZ RT 125 road bike, which had been released a year earlier; the SM was derived from the SX.
History and Technical details
The 125 SX is a lightweight enduro motorcycle, while the 125 SM is a lightweight supermoto and differs from the SX primarily in its 17-inch wheels, a correspondingly longer final drive ratio, and a seat height that is 30 millimeters lower. Additionally, the plastic parts on the 125 SM are painted rather than colored throughout.
One year after the start of production, in 2002, the factory launched the "MZ Youngster Cup" for young riders aged 12 and up, which was held as part of the International German Supermoto Championship. The factory-offered cup version of the 125 SM featured a Wilbers Products shock absorber, stiffer Wilbers springs in the telescopic fork, and a Sebring sport exhaust system.[1]
In the years 2002 to 2008, the models ranked among the 10 most popular light motorcycles in terms of new registrations in Germany, despite low and declining sales figures.[2]
Specifications
| MZ 125 SX | MZ 125 SM | |
|---|---|---|
| image | ||
| Production | 2000–2008 | |
| Engine | liquid-cooled single cylinder four-stroke engine, electric start | |
| Valvetrain | Dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), 4 valves | |
| Bore × Stroke | 60 mm × 44 mm (2.4 in × 1.7 in) | |
| Displacement | 124.4 cc (7.59 cu in) | |
| Compression ratio | 11.2 : 1 | |
| Power rating | 15 PS (11 kW) at 9000/min | |
| max. Torque | 11.7 N⋅m (8.6 lbf⋅ft) at 8500/min | |
| Introduction of fuel | carburetor (Mikuni VM 24) | |
| Lubrication | forced lubrication | |
| Ignition system | contactless capacitor ignition | |
| Alternator | Alternating current generator, 180 W | |
| Battery | 12 V – 9 Ah | |
| On-board voltage | 12 V | |
| Clutch | multi-disk clutch in oil bath, mechanically operated | |
| Transmission | 6-speed helical gearbox, claw-switched | |
| Frame | single cradle steel frame | |
| Dimension (L × W × H) | 2,185 mm × 700 mm × 1,200 mm (86.0 in × 27.6 in × 47.2 in) | 2,010 mm × 700 mm × 1,160 mm (79 in × 28 in × 46 in) |
| Wheelbase | 1,440 mm (57 in) | |
| Seat height | 860 mm (34 in) | 830 mm (33 in) |
| Front suspension | telescopic fork, hydraulically damped suspension 130 mm (5.1 in) | |
| Rear suspension | swingarm, suspension 200 mm (7.9 in), adjustable spring base | |
| Front rim size | wire-spoke wheel, 1.85 x 21″ | wire-spoke wheel, 2.75 x 17″ |
| Rear rim size | wire-spoke wheel, 2.5 x 18″ | wire-spoke wheel, 4.00 x 17″ |
| Front tire | 90/90-21 | 110/70-17 |
| Rear tire | 120/80-18 | 130/70-17 |
| Front brake | single-disc brake, Ø 280 mm (11 in), dual piston | |
| Rear brake | single-disc brake, Ø 220 mm (8.7 in), dual piston | |
| Curb weight | 127.5 kg (281 lb) | 129.5 kg (285 lb) |
| Maximum load | 320 kg (710 lb) | |
| Fuel capacity | 12.5 l (reserve: 3.6 l) | |
Special Models
The 125 SM remained largely unchanged throughout its production run, but numerous special editions were released, each with different paint schemes or decals. These included the "TWIN COLOUR," "GANGSTA," "MIG," and "CUP REPLICA" models. The latter was inspired by the MZ Youngster Cup and featured different handlebars. The "MIG" and "CUP REPLICA" models were equipped with engine guards and hand protectors, unlike the standard version.[1]
In addition, there was the special edition model "SIX DAYS '87", limited to 87 units, with a green painted frame, white plastic fairing parts and red foil, inspired by the livery of the MZ factory enduros at the 1987 62nd International Six Days Enduro. They were also equipped with engine guards and hand protectors.[1]
For the US market, there was a limited edition version, the Fun X, as a single-seater, without turn signals and headlights.[3]
In 2004, the French Armed Forces ordered 502 units. The motorcycles were delivered in black and are additionally equipped with handguards, a top case, a tank bag, and enhanced engine protection.[4]
Sources
- René Zapf (2012), Made in Zschopau. Motorräder mit Herz (in German), Chemnitz: Chemnitzer Verlag, pp. 130–139, 191, ISBN 978-3-937025-86-5
External links
- "Modelle der MZ 125 Baureihe mit 4-Takt Motor". www.mz-heinz.de (in German). Retrieved 2026-03-06.
- Wimmer, Matthew (Mar 26, 2005). "2005 MZ 125 Supermoto – Little motards aren't just for 16 year olds". Motorcycle.com. Verticalscope. Archived from the original on 2007-08-24. Retrieved 2011-11-08.
- Henneman, Dick (2005). "MZ 125SM – Upping the stakes in the dash to the chippy". Motorbikes Today. MotorbikesToday. Archived from the original on 2005-11-26. Retrieved 2011-11-08.
Notes
- ^ a b c "Werbeprospekt der MZ GmbH, Reihen SM - SX - RT 125" (PDF) (in German). www.mz-heinz.de. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
- ^ "Motorrad Neuzulassungen in Deutschland". MotorradTest.de (in German). Quelle: IVM Industrie-Verband Motorrad Deutschland e. V. (IVM). Retrieved 2026-03-06.
- ^ "2005 MZ 125 FunX". motorcycle.com. Retrieved 2026-03-06.
- ^ "Französische Armee bestellt Geländemotorräder von MZ" (in German). motorrad.de. Retrieved 2026-03-06.