what year is my mz ts?

[hex]

Hi guys

I have just bought an mz ts 125 from ebay and am currently going through it and getting it back on the road, while trying to register it the other day the dvla told me it was an 80s bike...yet the had no record of it?

so I want to ask you all if you have any idea how to identify its age or can give me a ball park year for it.

to my knowlexdge its an early 70's bike with no instrument pods by the bars, just in the lamp body





Thanks guys

[arry_b]

Looks early-mid eighties to me. Painted tank and instrument location say mid eighties, indicator location on headlight stalks say late seventies / early eighties. Gaitered forks appeared around 1977, so it's after that.

Pop the headlight out and check for a date (month / year) on the flasher relay. There's a date stamp on the underside of the regulator too, but you'll need to take that off of the bike to see that.

If the carb has a separate tick over adjuster screw, it's definitely an eighties bike.

There's usually a data plate behind the L/H rear shock mount too. Most have a date on there.

I'm 100% sure 100% not an early seventies bike, so not tax free I'm afraid. My guess is 83-84.

[therealche]

OK I am guessing at mid 70s. 1975-1976. After the 32mm chromed forks, but before the "dog ear" instruments. But then again did the keep the speedo in headlight for a base version and use the dog ears ( and chrome tank trim) for a Luxe version?

[therealche]

Answering myself here but I have found a picture of a 125 very similar yours but with chrome tank panels which was bought new in 1976, but another one from 1984. So you need to do some digging!

[arry_b]

But then again did the keep the speedo in headlight for a base version and use the dog ears ( and chrome tank trim) for a Luxe version?

Yes they did, the last several years of 125s reverted to having the clock in the headlight and no chromed tank panels (and was sold as the 125 Alpine). I though it was one of these, but I think I'm about to change my mind because:

The switch covers are chromed steel on this bike (they're black plastic on the 80's Alpines) and the rear light body is plastic on the Alpines, rather than steel as in the picture. That carb looks like an earlier one too, although the picture could be better.

Revised guess - 77 to 78.

[hex]

Thanks guys, iv been working like crazy so havnt had chance to follow this up, but I'll try and get on this sunday. Thanks all