New member with TS150 project

[ianc]

Hi, I just thought I’d say hello and introduce my project to the MZ community.

My name is Ian and I live in Cheshire (UK) and have just become the proud (??) owner of a 1980 TS150 (fitted with 125cc barrel and head).

The bike is in very poor condition having been sat under a sheet for over 20 years. I’m sure that it is not worth trying to restore the bike to as new but hopefully it can be rebuilt into a tidy reliable runabout.

Why an MZ? My dad is 77 next month and been a motorcyclist all his life (British bikes) and needs something to keep him busy over winter which he can then hopefully ride next summer as his days of riding bigger heavy bikes are now over. This bike had been sat in a friend’s garden and I couldn’t see it go for scrap when dad needs a project.

We’ve stripped the bike down and overall things don’t appear too bad. The engine components have all cleaned up OK but unfortunately the big end has seized and the crank seems shot. (If anyone has a good 2nd hand one for sale please get in touch ) Hopefully we can rebuild the engine gearbox with all new bearings and seals etc. but would like to solve the crank problem first. The clutch and gearbox seem ok so will be rebuilt with new springs etc.

The frame seems Ok so we’ll strip the forks, rear dampers etc. along with the wheels which are quite solid so again will be rebuilt with new bearings, seals brake shoes etc.

The electrics, carb. etc. haven’t yet been checked but a new headlight is needed at least as is a new silencer as the old one is like a sieve. (again if anyone can help with good 2nd hand parts please get in touch)

I’m sure there are lots of challenges ahead and if folk are interested I’ll post updates as we go along.

All the best for now
Ian

[arry_b]

Hi Ian, I've put several small TSs back on the road from the condition yours are in.

Some observations:
Cranks can be rebuilt - try a rod from German ebay. I've had a few done and they seem to be good quality for not much money. Or a complete crank if one turns up.

The headlight unit from any TS or pre 1990 ETZ will fit.

The exhaust from an ETZ 125 will fit of you can't find a TS one (you need to turn the bottom mount the other way up as it sweeps a little higher than the TS one). Beware non-genuine exhausts, they're usually of poor quality so don't last long and reduce the power output.

Seat covers / rubbers / cables etc - try ost2rad.com

The biggest niggle I've found once I've recommissioned an MZ, is the inevitable rust in the tank clogs the tap once the bike starts being used again. I *really* advise petsealing the tank before putting it into service.

Keep us up to date with progress, they're sweet little bikes to ride.

[therealche]

Welcome to the fold! Looks like am uphill task but I'm sure you will have fun doing it! Unfortunately I don't have any 125 spares but hang around and With any luck someone may be able to help

[ianc]

Hiya,
Just thought I’d offer an update on the TS project.

We’ve completely stripped the bike down and have set about cleaning up all the parts to see what’s reusable and what need replacing.
The frame and swinging arm were OK so have been repainted and new sealed steering head bearings fitted.
When we stripped the forks there was no wear and the stantions were in excellent condition so the bottom legs and yoke were stripped and repainted and the forks rebuilt with new seals etc.
The rear dampers were stripped and checked, they seem fine so we repainted the springs and reassembled.

Plenty more work to do but I’ve attached a photo of where we are upto.

Cheers
Ian

PS Still looking for a crank assembly if anyone has a spare

[therealche]

That's coming on great!

[andy288]

Very nice, keep the pics coming!

[djsbriscoe]

My first MZ was the same as yours. I bought it for £50 from someone in Chorlton-cum-Hardy (Manchester) and rebuilt it in the garage of the rented place where I lived in West Didsbury. Later moved on to ETZ's and passed my test on an ETZ125 in 1991.
Dreamed of owning a Supa 5 but sadly no garage or space for any more bikes and my traveller is crying out for some TLC.

David.

PS Lovely job on the bike so far.

[ianc]

Hiya,
Just thought I’d post another update.

The bike is now running but not with it’s original engine.
I was offered a bottom end with a good big end assembly but when it arrived it turned out to be a different type (MM2 not MM3)
However I rebuilt this bottom end with new main bearings, crank seals, gearbox bearings and seals all replaced along with gearchange and kickstart springs. New piston rings and circlips, new points etc.etc.
The only downside is this engine doesn’t have a drive for the rev counter however I still have the original engine so maybe one day I can renovate and fit that.

All the electrics have been cleaned, checked and replaced where needed and she seems to be charging OK. Just need to pick up a new battery and horn.

Still lots to do starting with new wheel bearings, brake shoes, tyres & tubes plus probably 101+ small jobs.

I’ll post again soon but here’s a couple of pictures of how she’s coming along.

Cheers for now
Ian

[ianc]

Hiya,
No more progress since the last update in January, in fact due to a change in circumstances the machine is now being offered for sale.

I'll put an advert in the For Sale section of the forum but here's a picture of how she's looking at the moment.
Much better than last summer

The asking price is going to be just the amount i've spent so far and i think about another £150 should see her finished, if fact if she doesn't sell then i'll probable put her into storage to finish off at a later date.



Cheers
Ian

[Blurredman]

I don't see a picture

[therealche]

probably because the forums picture storage is full up. need to host pics on photobucket or similar and link across