The MZ RT 125 was built by MZ Motorrad- und Zweiradwerk in Zschopau from 2000 to 2008. It was not a continuation of the old two-stroke RT series but a completely new four-stroke 125 designed for the A1 licence class, and its name deliberately recalled the most famous MZ of all.
MZ RT 125 at a glance
| Maker | MZ Motorrad- und Zweiradwerk GmbH, Zschopau |
|---|---|
| Production | 2000–2008 |
| Class | light motorcycle, A1 licence up to 11 kW |
| Engine | four-stroke single, 125 cc |
| Rev limit | 10,750 rpm |
| Design | Masanori Hiraide |
| 80 km/h limit | by speed sensor, not by throttling the engine |
| From 2006 | unregulated catalytic converter |
| Special model | RT 125 Striker |
| Name history | RT series of 1934–1965 by DKW, IFA and MZ |
The English and German articles cover the same model; no free photograph of this four-stroke RT 125 was found, so the page keeps the original picture of the record.
History of the MZ RT 125
The initials RT recall the popular RT series, built from 1934 to 1965 by Auto Union at the DKW main plant in Zschopau and, after the war, by IFA and MZ in the GDR and by the new Auto Union in Ingolstadt. DKW and MZ had built only two-stroke 125s until 1992, and German rules for small motorcycles allowed just 80 cc for years.
That changed in 1996, when the new A1 licence class allowed 125 cc and a maximum of 11 kW, while riders under 18 were still limited to 80 km/h. After several studies from 1996 MuZ decided in 1997 to develop a completely new motorcycle for the class, with a four-stroke engine that would use the legal framework to the full. The styling, with its striking curved tank, was the work of designer Masanori Hiraide.
The engine has a rev limit at 10,750 rpm. The 80 km/h restriction that applied to A1 licence holders up to their 18th birthday until 2013 was not achieved by throttling the engine as usual, but with a speed sensor, so the rider gets full power up to the electronic cut-off. From 2006 the model was fitted with an unregulated catalytic converter as part of a general update.
Between 2002 and 2006 the RT 125 ranked among the 15 most popular light motorcycles in Germany by new registrations, despite low and falling sales figures. Alongside the two production models MZ offered a special version called the Striker, with flat handlebars, an orange tank and front mudguard, matt black fork slider tubes and side panels and a gold front brake caliper; it reached a top speed of 174 km/h.
Design and features
- Purpose-built four-stroke: a 125 cc single designed for the A1 class rather than a derivate of an older engine.
- Speed-sensor restriction: the 80 km/h limit for young riders works electronically, so the engine keeps its full power.
- Distinctive styling: the curved tank drawn by Masanori Hiraide.
- Popular choice: among the 15 best-selling light motorcycles in Germany from 2002 to 2006.
MZ RT 125 versions
- RT 125 (2000–2008): the standard production model.
- Second production model: offered alongside the standard bike in the range.
- RT 125 from 2006: with an unregulated catalytic converter.
- Striker: a special model with flat bars, orange paint and a 174 km/h top speed.
The RT 125 took its name from the MZ 125 series of 1950–1965, and it was joined in the range by the MZ Skorpion and the MZ Baghira. More are in the MZ collection.
Sources
- MZ RT 125, English Wikipedia: history, engine limit, special model
- MZ RT 125, German Wikipedia: licence rules, catalytic converter, sales
