An exceptional CZ at the Bikers’Classics
At the Grand Prix of Czechoslovakia in 1971 we were in for a big surprise. It was obvious that the Fin Jarno Saarinen would win the 350cc category with his Yamaha but on the second step of the podium appeared the Czech rider Stasa.
He had his talent as a rider to thank for that, but also the amazing CZ he rode that day.
This motorcycle appeared in 1969 and after 4 long years of further development it turned out completely different from the other motorcycles of that time. Its four-stroke engine was a V4 driven by four camshafts, i.e. two per series of cylinders. The first version of the model produced 52 hp at 13.000 rpm and out of the engine used at the Czech G.P. the engineers got 60,5 hp in a range that was 1000 rpm higher.
But although this CZ didn’t go unnoticed in the many international races, this 2nd podium place was its only real merit. The materials used for the engine that also had to serve to render the chassis more rigid were oversized hence too heavy to be able to compete with the MV Agusta and the other Japanese machines of that time. With its 140 kg it was about 40 kg heavier than its competitors! Using magnesium wasn’t enough to make the machine competitive on the highest level.
But, this CZ 860 was very reliable. On 37 races it finished 33 times.
Thanks to the fans of the Czech brand, we’ll be able to admire this exceptional motorcycle at the 9th edition of the Bikers’Classics that’ll take place at the track of Spa-Francorchamps on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd of July. An event you just cannot miss out on.
Information: www.bikersclassics.be
Tickets with discount : www.tickets4sale.eu