MZ RT 125 1959 (WWII 1944 DKW RT 125 convertion)
Converted 1959 MZ RT 125 to 1944 DKW RT 125. The RT stands for Reichstyp or National Model. Thousands were produced and used through the Wehrmacht. The RT 125 was known for being, light, reliable and durable. Throughout the'30's and'40's DKW made the best 2 stroke motors in the world.
The RT 125 was so popular that after the war DKW was forced to give up it's patent as part of Allied reparations. Harley-Davidson, BSA, Yamaha, Minsk and SLH all copied the RT 125 making it the most copied motorcycle in the world.
After the Second World War. DKW's factories in Zschopau were in the Soviet occupation zone. As such, they were under the control of the Soviet Union until they were handed over to the government of East Germany. The factory continued production of the RT 125 under the MZ (Motorradwerk Zschopau) brand into the 1950s. It comes with the original DDR Registration from 1959 and the original manual.I tried to convert it as much as possible to the original WWII model. I put on an original WWII headlight and attached the speedo to the right side of the fork like the original. I added two seat springs and all rubber grips and foot pegs. I added a rear fender baggage holder.
I re-wired the bike with modern cloth wiring except for the remaining original cloth wiring that runs to the rear light. I ran that wire on the outside of the fender like the original to the rear tail light. I changed the tail light with a WWII repro. It works but the brake light breaker is in the rear hub and blew out the brake light so that is not connected. When I connected the WWII Headlight I ran the neutral and charging light under the front fork. They work great and are hidden from plain view, but the rider can see them by looking down.I had the center stand re-welded and works perfectly. The WWII version was rigid, had the carb near the motor and the battery sat behind the carb. Those are the main differences.
I kept the telescopic front fork and plunger style rear shocks. The carb extends from the motor which is nice because the gas won't evaporate from the heat and stall.
To compensate for the extended carb MZ placed the battery inside of the tool box which I let remain. I painted the bike with SEM Bumper Coat. I will keep the canvas bag, repro Zelt and repro hand signal with the bike. I will add a few old MM tools. The gear oil leaks slowly from the drain plug and at times gas may leak from the left side of the tank where I removed the knee pads as the originals did not have them.
The leak is a pinhole size which is remedied with some Seal All. I kept all of the original MZ parts that I removed including the rear tandem seat. Of course they all come with the bike.
There is not a TITLE for it because CT does not require one for any vehicle over 20 years old. The bike runs and rides great!! I simply transported this bike in a Dodge Caravan. This bike is scarce in the US and one cannot find another like this. It is a head turner and I won an Antique Motorcycle Club of America award with it. I will post all pertinent questions with answers. The item "MZ RT 125 1959 (WWII 1944 DKW RT 125 convertion)" is in sale since Friday, September 01, 2017. This item is in the category "eBay Motors\Parts & Accessories\Motorcycle Parts\Antique, Vintage, Historic". The seller is "sarge83rd" and is located in Woodbury, Connecticut. This item can be shipped to United States.- Warranty: No Warranty
- Brand: MZ
- Placement on Vehicle: Left
- Country/Region of Manufacture: Germany
- Manufacturer Part Number: Does Not Apply