The Original CZ Forum

ARCHIVES => CZF ARCHIVES II => Topic started by: Fred Flinstone on March 31, 2002, 07:40:30 PM

Title: CZ-Kaktus
Post by: Fred Flinstone on March 31, 2002, 07:40:30 PM

Ever hear about this model?
http://digilander.iol.it/cuoccimix/ENGLISH-autorusse-q(CZ).html#1
Sorry the hyper-link is completely screwed.(if not linkable go thru Google:put these words in search engine:CZ+old+motorcycle
Comments are welcomed!
---Fred---

Title: CZ-Kaktus
Post by: jeopardy4100 on March 31, 2002, 08:27:11 PM

I use to sell mopeds, which included the CZ-Jawa Babetta, so I have a little backround in this.

The CZ-Jawa was originally derived from the Batavius moped that appeared in the 20's.  The concept being a bicycle that had an assist for getting around town around 20 m.p.h.  If the motor failed or you ran out of gas you could pedal.  Encountering large hills required that you pedaled along with the motor to attain enough power to climb.

The early 30's were the early blossoming of the moped industry with several additional brands coming to market.  This included VeloSolex with the first fuel injection system, Fitchel-Sachs with a two speed auto gear box, Puch with the first really dependable motor, and CZ-Jawa Kaktus that could travel over 30 m.p.h.

Jawa over the years continued to produce really capable motors and frames.  And while they never dropped the moped, the main portion of their production was a motocross bike and a 250cc touring model followed by a 350 cc touring.

CZ-Jawa was known for a tough durable design, but they began rusting before they arrived at the dealership.  They never rusted out, but always looked like they would.  They just kept running.  They pioneered the electronic module ignition system and it worked quite well.  Their wet clutch always seemed to slip but never seemed to wear out.

The Babetta is still in production, I believe in Slovinia in a joint Puch-Babetta factory.

Title: CZ-Kaktus
Post by: Fred Flinstone on April 02, 2002, 05:39:51 PM

Just wondering if at the time you were selling motorcycles, was a trade embargo or restriction in existance at the time (such as CZ firearms)?

Title: CZ-Kaktus
Post by: jeopardy4100 on April 02, 2002, 09:21:51 PM

Never had a problem getting them, although parts sometimes took a while.

Many products from eastern bloc countrys made it into the U.S., just not weapons.  Czech glassware was another product that I saw a lot of at that time.  But you can't really defend yourself from anyone with a vase or a plate, unless your one of those martial arts star throwers.

Title: CZ-Kaktus
Post by: Fred Flinstone on April 03, 2002, 04:41:44 AM

Thanks for sharing your CZ experiences.
---Fred---