MZ ETS 125/150
The motorcycles MZ ETS 125 and MZ ETS 150 were built at the VEB Motorradwerk Zschopau between 1969 and 1973. In the course of international development trends away from the full swingarm chassis towards models with telescopic forks, such a system was developed based on the motorcycle models MZ ES 125/150/1. Further development goals were: a co-steering headlight, variable handlebar design and a sporty look. The ETS 125 and ETS 150 were produced parallel to the ES models, from which they differed almost only in the front end.
The highly visible technical features are reflected in the abbreviation ETS which stood for Einzylinder, Teleskopgabel, Schwinge.
Technical details
To develop the ETS, most of the components of the ES models were adopted unchanged. The frame of the ES only needed to be changed slightly. The headlight mount and the steering stop were omitted. The mount for the handlebar lock had to be modified accordingly.As the dimensions of the steering head were the same, the entire front section could be adopted from the ETS 250, which had been introduced a year earlier, except for modified compression springs on the telescopic fork. The seat was new. The 9-liter fuel tank of the Simson Sperber, which had been built from 1966, was used for the small ETS models. Only the frame fastenings had to be adapted to the dimensions of the frame and the MZ lettering and knee pads were attached. The ETS was equipped with either flat or high handlebars.
Facelift
Over the course of their production life, external and technical changes were continually made.From August 1970, the models were given a tilt stand with a tension spring. The models from June 1971 received a new finish: no decorative lines on all parts, stickers on the side covers, fenders in silver, tank and headlights in red or yellow. In addition, there were dynamic decorative elements above and below the MZ lettering on the tank. In 1973, the headlight fastening was changed.
Receptions
The magazine Kraftfahrzeugtechnik extensively tested an ETS 150: The driving performance, in particular driving stability and straight-line stability and braking effect of the front brake were rated as very good. The engine power and elasticity with a favorable torque curve were highlighted. In view of the engine knocking at full load, suggestions were made for improvements with regard to the shape and number of the ports and a larger cooling fin surface was suggested.Not only for the ETS, but also for the MZ engines in this displacement class, a five-speed gearbox and an elastic engine fastening in the frame were desired for better power transmission.
After the primary chain of the test machine broke, the supplier was criticized for a known lack of quality and pointed out the associated high safety risk for the driver.
The design of the motorcycle was considered to be very successful, although improvements in the finish were desired. The appearance of the fuel tank was also highlighted positively, but a larger capacity for a longer range was suggested.
In the international press, the ETS 125/150 received very good reviews from many magazines. The powerful yet reliable engine, the braking effect and the internal brake hub, the quick release axles, the headlight, the encapsulated chain, the good ride comfort for the pillion passenger and the good handling were all praised. The English magazine Moto Cyclist Illustrated described the ETS 150 as a "motorcycle of outstanding and exceptional quality." There was some criticism of the position of the kickstarter. The Pneumant tires were unanimously and sharply criticized, and according to the French Moto Revue they even hold the record for poor grip on wet roads.