Wilsons Sandbox

Hey Steve, and any one else that is interested in my MuZ Mastiff (which is the precursor to the Black Panther), When you rode my bike, Steve, it had been re-jetted for a freer flowing pipe and had the airbox removed. I assure you that it is tons more powerful now with a carbon tech exhaust installed and the carburetion played with a bit. The difference was like night and day. It's making around 48 ponies now. It's much much lighter than the KLR, and the suspension is absolutely fantastic. It is one of the best handling bikes I've ever been on, and I regularly pass bikes with over twice the horsepower and price. The Black Panther is essentially the same bike, except they changed the shock and raked out the steering angle. One other thing is the Mastiff has twin headlights, a low fender, and a tach. I love my Mastiff, save dealing with Motoradd USA (moron rats USA), and comparing it to a KLR is like comparing a Porsche 911 to a Toyota 4X4 PU. BTW, the Husky motard bikes are great bikes too, and have a 6 speed box and better brakes. I'd say the MZ has better suspension and handling, though. Kev ------------------------------- Message: 10 Date: Tue, 5 Dec 2000 23:15:45 -0800 From: "Steven van Twuyver" Subject: Re: Black Panther

> >Anyone have any 1st hand experience with the Panther or related >machine? Since having the KLR I am really enjoying the light weight and >maneuverability and the panther looks very attractive. I did see a >Huskuvarna (sp?) super motard this weekend down in El Paso. Anyone want to >buy a 97XX??

Kevin Seiler who is an infrequent lister has the MZ Panther - I believe. I have ridden it and was a fun ride but not inherently more powerful than a KLR. It was geared differently and that made it get off the line quicker and easier to wheelie. I didn't get to ride it in very twisty stuff but it was quite a bit lighter than a KLR so I think it would win there. He too got a smokin deal on it. Lots of fun but not nearly as practical as the KLR. Also somewhat disapointing in its power output compared to the KLR. Should have blown my socks off but didn't. Also I don't think parts are as easy to get as one might think. -svt-

--- In DSN_klr650@y..., mpasuit@c... wrote:

> . > > YThis would be a real fun bike around > town............................... > > > > Mike P > 1987 KLR650 AYYYY-1 > 1996 Husaberg FE501 > 2001 MZ Black Panther

Mike, how bout a review on the Black Panther. Some's us thinks they be cool bikes.

> > Mike, how bout a review on the Black Panther. Some's us thinks they > be cool bikes.

The Black Panther is alot of fun. In stock form comes somewhat restricted as it is 50 state legal. Is very quiet and smooth. Comes with Pirelli MT60s stock so nearly impossible to low-side on the tarmac. Not sure if common knowledge or not but uses a Yamaha 660 single from XTZ660 sold as dual-purpose bike overseas. The motor is smooth and quick, even in stock form. I will be adding an aftermarket exhaust and rejet sometime in the future, as I have only 3000 miles on her right now. My only gripe was it came without a locking gas cap, but I bought one from Acerbis to remedy that. The seat is held on with 3 Zuess (sp?) fittings and can be a pain in the arse to put back on. With stock fuel tank range is 99-109 miles before reserve, so not a tourer by any means. I was looking at the KTM Duke II and the Husky SuperMotard before going with the MZ because it was nearly 2 grand cheaper. It was originally a replacement for my stolen KLR which found its way back after 6 months. Really couldn't be happier with the MZ, it is a blast to commute on. Mike P.

Link below to see what is up with diesel KLRs in the great white north. Riley A15 (gas) Montreal, icy and snowy....... http://www.cmgonline.com/articles/CMG01/cmgnews/011129/home.html