MZ RT 125
The MZ RT 125 is a motorcycle that was built by the MZ Motorrad- und Zweiradwerk GmbH, in Zschopau from 2000 to 2008.
The name RT refers to the name of the popular RT series, which was manufactured from 1934 to 1965, first by the Auto Union AG at the DKW main plant in Zschopau and after the end of the Second World War by IFA/MZ in the GDR at the old location and by the newly founded Auto Union GmbH in Ingolstadt in the Federal Republic.
History and Technical details
After DKW and MZ had produced exclusively two-stroke motorcycles in the 125 cc class until 1992, and the driving license regulations in the Federal Republic of Germany only permitted 80 cc for small motorcycles, in 1996 the new regulations for driving license class A1 permitted 125 cc and a maximum of 11 kW, while the top speed for drivers under 18 years of age remained limited to 80 km/h. After several studies conducted by MZ starting in 1996, the decision was made in 1997 to develop a completely new motorcycle for the class, whose four-stroke engine would maximize within the framework of the law. Designer Masanori Hiraide was responsible for the design, with its striking curved tank.The engine has a speed limit of 10,750 rpm. The maximum speed limit, which was in effect until 2013 for A1 license holders up to their 18th birthday, was not achieved by throttling the engine, as is usually the case, but rather by using a speed sensor. This allows the engine to develop its full power until the electronic limit is reached.
In the years 2002 to 2006, the model ranked among the 15 most popular light motorcycles in terms of new registrations in Germany, despite low and declining sales figures.