The Skorpion was an example of what an international economy can achieve – a East German manufacturer brought together Japanese motors (from Yamaha) and a British design firm (called Seymourpowell) to create something that worked well on paper and on the road. It wasn’t a huge commercial success, but nowadays it’s definitely a cult classic.
The international theme continues with the Bilstein rear shock (German), Acerbis bodywork (Italian), and Grimeca brakes (also Italian). Packing 48 horsepower, the Skorpion utilizes the engine and electrical systems from a Yamaha XT660. It was available in several flavors – the Sport, the Cup, the Replica, the Tour, and the Traveller. You’d think based on the name that the Tour would have some sort of fairings but it’s basically a standard that I would hope is somewhat comfortable.
I briefly owned a cousin of this bike – the MZ Mastiff – and it was a short but enjoyable experience. I think everyone should try one and this should be a cheap way to do it, even though the odometer only shows 2 miles. There are signs on the bike that suggest the mileage is accurate but there isn’t any paperwork to back it up.
Another reason I’m featuring this bike is also because I think the seller is quite interesting – Corbin Goodwin got internet-famous a few years ago with a few of his car builds:
The Zero F**cks Given Mazda RX-7:
The Jettamino:
My personal favorite, the “Trolls Royce.” It’s a 1978 Rolls Royce Silver Shadow II that features the stock 6.75 V8 but with a twist – a turbocharger and intercooler that creates 400 horsepower and sends it through a Ford Super Duty manual-transmission:
I guess we should get back to the bike now: find this Skorpion for sale in Los Angeles with bidding up to $1,180 here on Iconic Motorbike Auctions.
Disclosure: Bike-urious is a partner in Iconic Motorbike Auctions.