MZ Skorpion

MZ Skorpion
MZ Skorpion Replica
ManufacturerMZ
Production1994–2004
ClassSport bike (Sport Cup), sport touring (Traveller), standard (Tour)
Engine656 cc (40.0 cu in) 5-valve SOHC liquid-cooled 4-stroke single dry sump
Bore / stroke100 mm × 84 mm (3.9 in × 3.3 in)
Top speed116 mph (187 km/h)
Power48 bhp (36 kW)
Transmission5 speed, wet multi-plate clutch
Weight173 kg (381 lb) (dry)
189 kg (416 lb) (wet)
Fuel capacity18 L (4.0 imp gal; 4.8 US gal)

The MZ Skorpion is a motorcycle made from 1994 to 2004 by MZ (MZ Motorrad- und Zweiradwerk), in former East Germany. The Scorpion is powered by a 48 brake horsepower (36 kW) four-stroke five-valve 660 cc single-cylinder engine with liquid cooling.

Skorpions are lightweight motorcycles, noted for their precise handling and excellent braking, and they remain a popular mount for club racing. Its Yamaha-based engine can be reliably tuned to 150 percent of its original performance. At that stage, it can become competitive in Supermono as well as single- and twin-cylinder or even already historic racing classes.

In their review of the Skorpion, Motorcycle News opined: "The MZ Skorpion ... proved a refreshingly able antidote to Japanese fours in the mid-to-late 90s. Light, lithe, affordable, generally reliable and reassuringly practical."