Motorcycle specifications MZ / MuZ1000 SF SUPER FIGHTER 2005 Insectivore

the discreet German brand MZ takes advantage of the Münich Motor Show to present a rather wild roadster. The new Street-Fighter is in fact a naked version of the 1000 S. Aesthetically, the MZ exudes a certain aggressiveness that the sports bike lacks. By changing its look, the German gains something in return. Whether by chance or stylistic inspiration, the SF seems to have copied the formula used by Yamaha with its R1 Steel Fighter. The fairing has been removed, the fork head has been slightly modified, and there are just a few styling effects that add to a machine's charm. The radiator scoops and engine cowling are still "East German" in design, and in this black and gold version, the color of the inverted fork is repeated. Not bad, not bad at all!
No surprises for the chassis and engine, which are based on the S model. The powerplant is an in-line twin delivering over 110 hp and 10 mkg. It's a pleasant engine with a strong character, serving an uneventful chassis. The S is a good bike, just penalized by a lack of reputation. Let's hope that the SF will attract a new clientele at MZ. It's already catching the eye, and this is no mean feat.

the big twin has the merit of standing out for its architecture - parallel as on the Yam 850 TRX - but it suffers from unflattering low-end behavior. Compared to the sporty Yam, the camshafts have been redesigned to optimize torque, the final drive is shorter and the exhaust is different. The factory has also revisited the injection system, but... Phew. Do you like a smooth ride at low speeds? Forget it. The SF is pounding, hiccupping, almost sick with poorly digested injection. A quick review! It's a pity, because once you've got over this rough patch, the German mill becomes much more likeable. Slightly less powerful than on the S, the twin tows with good will and even a certain pep for want of real character.

For a large-displacement roadster, the MZ is attractively priced. Is there a bone somewhere? Not on the finish, which is excellent. Suspension, perhaps? No, not at all. The Marzocchi fork settings are not easy to access, but you're still allowed to touch the hydraulics. As for the rear Sachs, it's very accessible, a point rare enough to be highlighted. The SF is very responsive to settings, which bodes well for the future, but requires careful attention.
Those who have driven the S will wonder if the SF is really derived from it, so different is its ride. Why is that? Well, on the roadster, the tubes have been moved up 15 mm in the fork tees, the rider's position has become natural and pleasant, and the weight has dropped below 200 kgs. As a result, the bike is now ready to play at will, and is easy to ride. One look, a flick of the handlebars, and the machine follows the rhythm with a smile and efficiency. It rolls and winds well, brakes well and protects well. That's more like it! The mini fork head is much more effective than it looks. You can speed along without your head being crushed behind your back, and even the rain blunts its weapons on this little piece of fairing.

the MZ 1000 SF is trying to break into a market that's booming but not necessarily easy to conquer. It's got potential, a look all its own, but lacks reputation. But how many of the 1000 cm3 twin roadsters in this segment cost less than €10,000?

M.B
(manufacturer's photos)