MZ / MuZ Baghira 660 Enduro

MZ / MuZ Baghira 660 Enduro
Manufacturer	MZ / MuZ
Production	1998 - 09
Engine	Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 5 valves
Compression ratio	9.2:1
Ignition	Electronic CDI
Transmission	5 Speed
Frame	Steel, Single cradle frame
Suspension	Front: Paioli 45mm telescopic fork Rear: White Power gas-suspension mono-shock
Brakes	Front: Single 298mm disc 2 piston caliper Rear: Single 245mm disc 1 piston caliper
Front Tire	90/90-21
Rear Tire	120/80-18
Wheelbase	1530 mm / 60.2 in
Seat Height	930 mm / 36.6 in
Weight	161 kg / 355 lbs (dry),
Fuel Capacity	12.5 Liters / 3.3 US gal
Manuals	Service Manual

Engine

The engine was a Liquid cooled cooled Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 5 valves. The engine featured a 9.2:1 compression ratio.

Drive

Power was moderated via the Wet, multiple discs, cable operated.

Chassis

It came with a 90/90-21 front tire and a 120/80-18 rear tire. Stopping was achieved via Single 298mm disc 2 piston caliper in the front and a Single 245mm disc 1 piston caliper in the rear. The front suspension was a Paioli 45mm telescopic fork while the rear was equipped with a White Power gas-suspension mono-shock. The Baghira 660 Enduro was fitted with a 12.5 Liters / 3.3 US gal fuel tank. The bike weighed just 161 kg / 355 lbs. The wheelbase was 1530 mm / 60.2 in long.

Photos

Overview

MZ Baghira 660 Enduro

NO QUESTION, THE BUG-EYED MASTIFF IS VERY cool, but with its wide, 17-inch wheels and sticky low-profile rubber, it's best suited to terrorizing repli-racers in the canyons. Fun, in other words, but not terribly versatile.

If it's all-around ability you want, consider the dual-purpose Baghira. As MZs go, it's inexpensive, undercutting the Mastiff and the fully faired Skorpion Sport Cup by $200. Don't equate inexpensive with cheap, though: Top-shelf compo-nents-46mm Paioli fork, WP shock, Acerbis plastic and Grimeca brakes-are standard fare.

Except for more relaxed steering geometry and an inch-longer swingarm, the Baghira's steel frame mirrors the Mastiffs. Ditto the twin-piston front brake caliper, single-piston rear, one-piece seat, plastic tailpiece and goliath muffler. Tweaks include a smaller-diameter front brake rotor, motocross-style handlebar, an additional 3.5 inches of suspension travel both front and rear and narrower, larger-diameter wheels shod with dirt-capable Pirelli MT60s.

There are no surprises in the engine department. The Baghira (though spelled differently, the name comes from the black panther in Rudyard Kipling's classic, The Jungle Book) is powered by the same liquid-cooled, twin-carb, five-valve 660cc Yamaha Single that propels most MZs. The overall gear ratio is different, though, to compensate for the larger circumference of the 18-inch rear tire. Swinging a leg over the tall seat takes some coordination-passengers may need a step-stool. Once aboard, even 6-foot riders will find themselves on tip-toes at stoplights.

In all fairness, though, the view from the saddle is spectacular. Only drivers of jacked-up 4x4s have a better take on traffic. Off the pavement, the Baghira's potential is limited mostly by its mass, much of which is located high in the chassis. Full of fuel, the bike scales-in at 383 pounds, light for around-town work, but positively anchor-like if you're trying to shed speed on a whooped-out fireroad. Nonetheless, the high-fendered machine is a capable explorer, its plush suspension easily soaking up moderately sized rocks and ruts. But be forewarned, the fork has lots of underhang to snag on ruts and tree roots, and there's no skidplate, leaving the waterpump, among other things, unprotected. For most potential buyers, though, the biggest hurdle will be the skyscraper seat height. Get past that, and the Baghira is one appealing steed, indeed. -M

Year	1998 - 09
Engine Type	Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 5 valves
Displacement	660 cc / 40.2 cu-in
Bore X Stroke	100 x 84 mm
Cooling System	Liquid cooled
Compression	9.2:1
Lubrication	Wet sump
Induction	35mm Carburetor
Ignition	Electronic CDI
Starting	Electric
Max Power	50 hp / 36.4 kW @ 6500 rpm
Max Torque	57 Nm / 42.0 lb-ft @ 5250 rpm
Clutch	Wet, multiple discs, cable operated
Transmission	5 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Frame	Steel, Single cradle frame
Front Suspension	Paioli 45mm telescopic fork
Front Wheel Travel	280 mm / 10.2 in
Rear Suspension	White Power gas-suspension mono-shock
Rear Wheel Travel	280 mm / 11.0 in
Front Brakes	Single 298mm disc 2 piston caliper
Rear Brakes	Single 245mm disc 1 piston caliper
Front Tire	90/90-21
Rear Tire	120/80-18
Fork Angle	62°
Trail	130 mm / 5.1 in
Wheelbase	1530 mm / 60.2 in
Seat Height	930 mm / 36.6 in
Dry Weight	161 kg / 355 lbs
Fuel Capacity	12.5 Liters / 3.3 US gal