MZs in Cuba

[Berniecal]

I'm just back from 10 days in Cuba, and was gobsmacked at all the gorgeous Trophys, TS250s and ETZ250s, in amazing condition considering they're all over 20yrs old, often used for daily transport, and lots with sidecars. The Cubans are masters at keeping stuff going, and I expect they are making lots of spares themselves, and bringing in parts from friendly countries.
The pre-1959 American cars are everywhere, often with soviet engine transplants. Also lots of Jawa 350 twins.
Happy and healthy people everywhere. In material abject poverty, but cultural and physical health.
We think of MZ as an endangered species, but it's alive and well in Cuba!

[webhead]

well my friend i sold 2 mz,s for spares here in wiltshire to a cuban about 2 years ago he said he exports them back to cuba ,so i know first hand ,they love there mz,s and jawas.

[comanche91]

MZs, especially 2-strokers of all models, are very alive and well in "Little Havana" Miami, FL USA. Pristine complete bikes and plenty of used and new parts are readily available. I have been able to find many needed parts for the Rotax models too, and complete bikes (like a new MX 500R minus wheels with 834 original miles, and a nice Silver Star minus engine) all at very reasonable prices. Unfortunately, both were w/o valid titles for reasons unknown. I have sold many parts from these bikes to buyers in the UK and Germany, and the original 500R 504E Rotax engine (now 680cc w. lots of goodies) will soon be ready for transplant into my Silver Star. Yes, the Cubanos are probably doing more keeping the marque alive and well better than anyone else.

BTW Berniecal, any problems in Canada getting the Cuban visa? It's a bear from the US because of our ongoing embargo.

[iceman]

Don,
a lot of people that don't live in Vermont register their bikes,cars here because It's so easy.

I just put a 250 two stroke on the road for a guy from Connecticut.I never met him,he sent me his paperwork and I sent him a plate.
He could have done it himself.I pointed him to forums with long threads about this but it was easier for him to have me do it.

In Vermont all you need is a bill of sale if a bike is 15 years old.The state loves the fees so everyone wins. Maine is also the same way, easy.

[droy]

Iceman - can you post those links on the VT and ME regrestration. I have a 1996 Sport frame with a "iffy title" that I'd like to see if I could get on the road.

Originally from Maine myself with a lot of family up that way so it may work out best.

Doug in NJ

[iceman]

Iceman - can you post those links on the VT and ME regrestration. I have a 1996 Sport frame with a "iffy title" that I'd like to see if I could get on the road.

Originally from Maine myself with a lot of family up that way so it may work out best.

Doug in NJ

Doug here's the VT link. http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthre ... ht=Vermont
Pay close attention to MSlizvt post 15 and a lot more she bought a bike from out of state and did everything through the mail as she was gone longer than 60 days.You have to have it inspected by someone before 60 days (the VIN) and any police station can do it anywhere and you mail it back to VT.
They reference Maine and I think there are links about Maine..Join and do a search..Like here a very helpful group and what seems like the largest world wide site...Good luck..John

Post 4 and 5...

..reeeeaaaaly?
actually, i heard they'll slap plates on a tractor in VT, no problem.


My Weber has a VT plate.

[comanche91]

Don, a lot of people that don't live in Vermont register their bikes,cars here because It's so easy.

I just put a 250 two stroke on the road for a guy from Connecticut.I never met him,he sent me his paperwork and I sent him a plate. He could have done it himself.I pointed him to forums with long threads about this but it was easier for him to have me do it.

In Vermont all you need is a bill of sale if a bike is 15 years old.The state loves the fees so everyone wins. Maine is also the same way, easy.

John, I had no idea about VT title access. Been away too long. It's too late for me now though since I have sold off most of the good stuff. Below is a pic of the 500R remains I have, and have tried to sell the frame but since I don't have papers, no joy. Will definitely keep this in mind though since I have passed on some good MZ deals because of no titles. AAARG, wish I had know this sooner.

[Berniecal]

Now a few pics in my album of Cuban Trophy/TS/ETZ

[comanche91]

Now a few pics in my album of Cuban Trophy/TS/ETZ

Very nice Bernie. I'm curious as to what rear shocks the Hard-working Cuban 250 is running. Could you hear them groaning in protest when you snapped that pic? Good Lord.......

[DAVID THOMPSON]

pasted a link to make his pictures easer to find
gallery/menu.php?gallery=members&album_id=76
dave

man that fellow on the back in the right hand picture is making that bike earn its keep
big boy

[comanche91]

Yes, that's the one. Thats probably a 500lbs of sidecar and at least 500lbs of humans all propelled by 250cc. But I've commonly seen twice that weight-to-power ratio on 125cc-150cc machines in the Philippines too. Hate to get behind them going uphill on a twisty mountain road.

[Berniecal]

Yes, whatever about their public transport, they certainly don't have a food shortage! I didn't get to check the springs but I expect they're reinforced with soviet tank parts or something
As they say, necessity is the mother of invention, and I saw all kinds of mixed-up vehicles. There was a guy fixing bicycles in a back street, welding without a mask: aim, squint, weld, check, aim etc.
Thanks for the link Dave.

[iceman]

they certainly don't have a food shortage!

An island full of sugar cane and rice and beans are cheap.

Where's the picture of snow taken ?

[Berniecal]

Not Cuba! Southern Alberta in May 2009. I did a trip to Oregon on the Skorp. 3 weeks later arrived back in Alberta to torrential rain and sleet. Otherwise it was a most enjoyable trip, the back roads in northeastern Oregon are pure heaven. No traffic, good visibility, curve after curve of man-machine connectedness.

[iceman]

Not Cuba! Southern Alberta in May 2009. I did a trip to Oregon on the Skorp. 3 weeks later arrived back in Alberta to torrential rain and sleet. Otherwise it was a most enjoyable trip, the back roads in northeastern Oregon are pure heaven. No traffic, good visibility, curve after curve of man-machine connectedness.

I've never been to that area of the country.Someday I will check it out Crater Lake and MT Saint Hellens that whole PNW coast.

Thanks for the pictures and no of course I didn't think Cuba.

But then again I was surprised flying over Mexico to see snow and have seen it up close in Hawaii a couple of places people wouldn't think had snow.