The MZ Skorpion Tour 660 (1994–2002): A Singular Character in the Naked Bike Arena

Introduction

In the mid-1990s, as motorcycling culture pivoted toward aggressive sportbikes and chrome-laden cruisers, the MZ Skorpion Tour 660 arrived as an unapologetic outlier. Built by the East German manufacturer MZ (MuZ post-1992), this motorcycle blended Teutonic engineering with a Yamaha-derived heart, creating a machine that prioritized character over conformity. Even today, the Skorpion Tour 660 stands out as a fascinating study in balancing raw single-cylinder thrills with surprising practicality. Let’s dive into what makes this bike a cult favorite—and why it still turns heads decades later.

Design & Aesthetics: Retro-Futuristic Flair

The Skorpion Tour 660’s design is a paradox. Its tubular steel trellis frame, angular fuel tank, and minimalist bodywork give it a retro-modern aesthetic that feels both industrial and purposeful. The exposed engine, finished in matte black or silver, dominates the visual profile, while the high-mounted exhaust and slim tail section hint at its touring aspirations.

With a seat height ranging between 770–790 mm (30.3–31.1 inches), it’s accessible for riders of average height, though taller riders might find the ergonomics slightly cramped on long rides. The wide, flat handlebars encourage an upright riding position, making it comfortable for city commutes or weekend backroad adventures. Compared to contemporaries like the Ducati Monster 600, the Skorpion Tour trades Italian flamboyance for Germanic utilitarianism—a design ethos that’s aged remarkably well.

Engine & Performance: Thumping Heart of a Contrarian

At its core lies a liquid-cooled, 660cc single-cylinder engine—a Yamaha-derived powerplant tuned for torque rather than outright speed. Producing 48 HP (35 kW) at 6,250 RPM and 56 Nm (41.3 lb-ft) of torque at 5,250 RPM, this engine is all about low-end grunt. Twist the throttle, and you’re greeted with a visceral thump that surges from idle, pulling strongly through the midrange before tapering off near the 7,000 RPM redline.

The 5-speed gearbox is a study in simplicity. Shifts are deliberate rather than razor-sharp, but the ratios are well-spaced for both urban crawls and highway cruising. Top speed hovers around 160–180 km/h (99–112 mph), depending on model year and gearing, but the Skorpion Tour feels most at home between 80–120 km/h (50–75 mph), where the engine’s vibrations settle into a manageable hum. Speaking of vibrations—this is a single-cylinder, after all. While modern counterbalancers might mitigate the buzz, the Skorpion’s raw mechanical feedback is part of its charm.

Handling & Ride Quality: Agile, But Keep Expectations Grounded

Weighing in at 167–189 kg (368–417 lbs) dry, the Skorpion Tour isn’t a featherweight, but its compact wheelbase (1,420 mm/55.9 inches) and 41mm Telefork front suspension (140mm travel) lend it surprising agility. The suspension setup leans toward the firmer side, absorbing bumps competently without wallowing in corners.

The 17-inch wheels—shod with 110/70 front and 150/60 rear tires—offer neutral turn-in and enough grip for spirited riding, though aggressive knee-down antics aren’t its forte. Braking is handled by single discs front and rear, adequate for the bike’s performance but requiring deliberate lever pressure compared to modern radial setups.

Where the Skorpion Tour shines is in mixed-terrain confidence. The upright riding position and suspension travel make it surprisingly capable on gravel-strewn backroads, a trait rarely found in ’90s-era nakeds.

Competition: Standing Out in a Crowded Field

In the 1990s, the middleweight naked segment was fiercely contested. Here’s how the Skorpion Tour 660 stacked up:

• Ducati Monster 600: The Italian icon offered superior brand cachet and a V-twin soundtrack but demanded higher maintenance costs and lacked the Skorpion’s low-end torque.
• Suzuki SV650: Introduced later (1999), the SV650’s V-twin engine was smoother and more powerful, but early models lacked the Skorpion’s distinctive styling.
• Honda CB600F Hornet: With an inline-four engine, the Hornet catered to speed enthusiasts but sacrificed low-RPM tractability and fuel efficiency.

The Skorpion Tour’s ace card was its uniqueness. Few bikes in its class combined a thumping single-cylinder engine, touring capability, and head-turning design. It appealed to riders seeking individuality—a trait that still resonates today.

Maintenance: Keeping the Beast Alive

Owning a Skorpion Tour 660 is a lesson in simplicity. The single-cylinder engine is straightforward to work on, and many wear parts remain available through MOTOPARTS.store. Key maintenance considerations:

• Valve Adjustments: With five valves (3 intake, 2 exhaust), clearance checks every 6,000 km are critical. Specs:
• Intake: 0.10–0.15 mm (0.004–0.006 in)

• Exhaust: 0.15–0.20 mm (0.006–0.008 in)

• Oil Changes: Use 20W-40 mineral oil. Capacity is 2.6L (2.75 quarts) with filter changes.

• Carburetor Tuning: The stock Dell’Orto carb benefits from periodic cleaning. Air screw setting: 2.5 turns out.

• Chain Care: The 110-link chain pairs with a 15/43 sprocket setup. Regular lubrication and tension checks (20–30mm play) prevent premature wear.

• Cooling System: The liquid-cooled design requires 1.2L of coolant. Inspect hoses for aging—common in older models.

For upgrades, consider modern NGK Iridium plugs (DPR9EIX-9) for smoother cold starts, or retrofit steel-braided brake lines for improved lever feel.

Conclusion: A Motorcycle That Defies Time

The MZ Skorpion Tour 660 isn’t a bike for everyone—and that’s precisely its appeal. Its single-cylinder engine delivers character in spades, while its design remains a conversation starter decades later. For riders tired of cookie-cutter nakeds, the Skorpion Tour offers a refreshing blend of simplicity, torque-rich performance, and mechanical honesty.

Whether you’re restoring a classic or daily-riding a survivor, MOTOPARTS.store has the components to keep your Skorpion Tour 660 thriving. From OEM-spec chain kits to performance-enhancing upgrades, we’re here to ensure this underdog continues to defy expectations.

Specifications sheet