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To the Timeline of 7 time FIM World Champion CZ
moto-cross machines. The record below speaks volumes of its rich vintage history.
The purpose
of this webpage is to spotlight CZ's uniqueness in moto-cross design,
and to display some current proud owners machines! Photographs of CZ MX bikes are always welcome and encouraged
here. Please identify yourself, country and any facts you might share of the photo you are wishing to submit.
I hope you enjoy
The CZ Moto-Cross Timeline as much as I had fun building it.
Special thanks go to BERTUS
of BERTUS JAWA-CZ for his technical assistance, and all the folks who have donated photo's contributing to this website!
 
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CHAMPIONSHIP CLASS - RIDER - COUNTRY |
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250cc classification - Joel ROBERT, Belgium *************************************************** |
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250cc classification - Viktor ARBEKOV, CCCP *************************************************** |
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500cc classification - Paul FRIEDRICHS, GDR *************************************************** |
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500cc classification - Paul FRIEDRICHS, GDR *************************************************** |
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500cc classification - Paul FRIEDRICHS, GDR *************************************************** |
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250cc classification - Joel ROBERT, Belgium *************************************************** |
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250cc classification - Joel ROBERT, Belgium *************************************************** |
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250cc classification - Jaroslav FALTA, Czechoslovakia Falta
was robbed of the 1974 FIM championship due to an illegal FIM jury decision.
To all true CZ regulars FALTA is
the 1974 World 250cc MX champion!
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Share your CZ moto-cross machine:
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Red FRAME >>> june 4th, 2005
FALTA >>>>>>> june 7th
TwinPipe >>>>> june 16th
TwinPipe >>>>> august 22nd
FALTA >>>>>>> oct 6th
SidePipe >>>>> oct 9th
Red FRAME >>> oct 20th
FALTA >>>>>>> jan 31, 2006
FALTA >>>>>>> march 19th
YellowTank >>> march 24th
FALTA >>>>>>> april 5th
TwinPipe >>>>> april 11th
SidePipe >>>>> april 17th
SidePipe >>>>> aug 1st
FALTA s/n-1 >>> jan 26, 2007
FALTA 400 - NOS, april 27
FALTA 250 - NOS, april 26
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CZ Motorcycles are one of my favorite hobbies, I
restore them and ride them. What I've learned building CZ motorcycles is they are very simple in design and the
quality and craftsmanship of these 30 year old machines is refreshing. When you sit on a CZ you realize you sit in it, not
on it. These bikes become an extension of your body and you just know that when you hit the track or trail, your on a safe
and stable machine. Full of character and unmatched reliabilty, CZ moto-cross machines are very user friendly yet potent enough
to keep you up front!
There are 2 schools of thought today on how to set
up these machines for competition in the Vintage ranks of AHRMA and the local club. There are the hard core
originalists that say CZ's need to look and feel as they came off the assembly line. "Why they won 7 world championships in
stock form, they dont need to be altered". Then you have the other camp that takes the liberty of modifying
them with 21st century technology making them better than ever! Whichever camp you support, CZ's are most definately a race
day favorite.
The International Six Day Trials (ISDT) was the world theatre
in which CZ during the 50's was highly successful with top finishes in various displacement size machines. The rider
and machine shown below is a glimpse into the wonderful past of these great Czech machinery designs.
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CZ Moto-Cross machine Timeline begins here:
The CZ moto-cross effort had its infant beginnings
derived from the ISDT machines of the 1940's through 1960's. The six days competition provided a vehicle for worldwide exposure.
Below is an example of the type motorcycle the factory developed into a dedicated MX machine that dominated the world competition
for a few years during this time. Highly successful in the ISDT with grueling tests of reliability and stamina proved a worthwhile
CZ effort towards inevitable moto-cross world championship trophies!
photo courtesy of Reese Dengler, 2005
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CZ TWINPIPE
The CZ "Twinpipe", a machine that propelled the CZ motocross effort
into world dominance during the early to mid 60's. Twinpipe CZ's are the pinnacle of early CZ motocross engineering. Very
rare and highly prized by collectors today. Produced for production from 1964-67 in 250cc and 360cc displacements and derived
from the ISDT version machines with street motorcycle downpipe design as you see above. The Twinpipe is what CZ afficiandos
consider the 'creme de la crem' of the machine hiarchy. Its estimated only 1500 total 250cc and 700 total 360cc displacement
machines were produced before the Sidepipe model was released in 1968. Twinpipes are both restored and raced around the world
but in small numbers obviousley. They dont have a big punch to their powerband, but are likened to a tractor with its low
end grunt and lumbering power curve. They handle like a Porsche on the track, smooth and stable and highly predictable. A good-solid running
original Twinpipe 250 can run the collector upwards of $12,000. The 360cc version runs upwards of $15-20,000 in top original
running condition.
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CZ SIDEPIPE
Sidepipe CZ's are the beginnings of "single port" technology with
the marquee. Below we have a 1969 CZ "Sidepipe" 360. Designated "969" and mfg from 1967-69. This machine was piloted
by Paul Fredrichs to 3 world championship 500cc titles and sparked the 2-stroke revolution in motocross. The high-pipe was
utilized to keep from being damaged, but proved to be in the way of the right leg. 5-stud cylinder and straight fin head design
proved very reliable as well with its bullet-proof 4-speed transmission. The "Sidepipe" is what I consider the CZ of CZ's.
What I mean by that is, the Art Decco look and feel adds to its pure competative spirit on the track. These machines are very
powerful, stable and like to win. They were CZ's first purpose built motocross model that dominated the field in their
day time and time again. Within todays current vintage motocross ranks, the Sidepipe is still holding true to its
thoroughbred attitude. The ring of the open chamber with its fluid lines is something to behold. When one of these starts
up in the pits, everybodys eyes peer into what once was the essence of European and American motocross. Sidepipe
CZ's are fast becoming as popular to collectors and competitors today as the Twinpipe, and are a constant threat to its offshore
counterparts.
SPECIAL NOTE:
In 1971 many '69 model Sidepipers were still unsold and stocked in USA distributor warehouses. They also
had many spare parts such as engines, frames etc that were utilized at American JAWA's behest to build a "Yellow Tank Sidepiper".
American JAWA came up with the idea to re-paint these machines with the school bus yellow scheme of the new 1971 Yellowtanker.
Specifically the fuel tanks were repainted yellow over the orange paint with leaving a thin stripe of orange at the seam on
top. CZ logo was repainted black. Fenders were fully painted yellow. The fine original example below is owned by Dan Aggers.
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CZ YELLOW-TANKER
Commonly called a "Yellow-Tanker" by CZ afficianados, this machine
was introduced in 1970 in 125, 250 and 380cc displacements. Was manufactured until 1972 with its enduro looking fuel tank.
The low-pipe was favored again and a 5-stud barrel with straight fin head motor design. Yellowtanker machines were very popular
and also dominated the American moto-cross scene especially on the West coast and Southern California. With their noticable
"humped tank" and distinctive color, you knew you were going to be hunted down on the track and probably passed with ease
by those crazy CZ racers! I have a personal affinity with this model because it came out the year I graduated from high
school. ROCKET Rex Staten used to annialate the pro competition at age 17 on one of these! Great Czech engineering, purpose
built racer and unbeatable. Definately a class act and one that took to the track in a very serious way. This example machine
was restored by Bertus for the Tom White collection.
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CZ RADIAL- HEAD
1973 introduced a different look with the "Coffin-Tank" and
an extra gear for the 250cc model. Not many changes from the Yellowtankers but a very reliable and competative piece in the
MX trenches. The 380cc has 4-speeds, motor design changed to a 6-stud cylinder and Radial fin head design. This model was
mfg in 1973. I have personal experience with one of these in 380cc displacement as do most CZ owners. Parts and services
are plentiful throughout North America. The simplistic design of a CZ moto-cross machine always amazes me yet its sad that
this simple approach has been lost for all time. Take a close look at one of these compared to a same year other
brand machine of its day and you'll see what I mean with simplistic and purposeful. Everything makes sense and they are
comfortable to ride or race as long as you dont mind 4" of rear wheel travel. You cant go wrong with a '73 in 250 or 380cc.
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CZ RED-FRAME
A good example of a 1974 CZ "Red Frame", what I call the bridge
machine with nearly all the original equipment. So close to the '73 model yet the predecessor to the Falta Replica, hence
the "bridge" cliche. This one is set up with some modern updates ready to race. New frame geometry, Falta styled aluminum tank
and general layout with a new frame paint job. Front fork travel was increased 1" with side drains. Rear wheel can now
be removed via a quick change slotted swingarm. More HP, lighter and a better CG kept this CZ up front. These are sometimes
modified to look like a Falta clone in appearance, so be careful and do your homework before making a fake Falta
purchase. The '74 model was piloted by Jaroslav Falta in the the 1974 FIM GP MX series.
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CZ FALTA Replica
Designated "Falta Replica" in 1975, the pinnacle of CZ motocross
performance. Many changes occured on the CZ motocross machine as a result of meeting the competition by other manufacturers.
The Falta included an Alloy tank, more suspension, internal engine improvements, a new frame geometry, air/oil shocks and
many others. Made famous by factory team rider Jaroslav Falta, it became and still is the CZ flagship machine in todays Vintage
Motocross scene. Mfg in 125, 250 and 380cc displacements through 1976. Of the vintage era machines in CZ's line the Falta
seems to be the most desireable on the track for the serious competitor. The lighter weight and longer suspension are a great
advantage along with more HP to the ground. Lean, mean and ready to attack, Falta CZ's are pure Czech performance in
one great package! Unfortunately, after the Falta Replica machines, CZ started a downturn in meeting the competition's new
and improved models through to the 1980's and has never rebounded to this day.
photo below courtesy, Cody Tellis, 2007.
Below is the very first production
250cc Falta delivered to the US. Fully restored the author has seen the bike up close and can verify this is the "one and only" number 1 production
Falta 250!
Ever wonder what the 'CZ' logo means?
- Česká Zbrojovka -
Translated, "Čzech
Arms Factory"
Epilogue
CZ motocross machinery is set apart as having the greatest impact on riders and the advancement of
moto-cross sport in history. They ended the 500cc 4-stroke domination in the 1960’s with legendary European riders
such as Joel Robert, DeCoster, Friedrichs, Falta and Valek piloting and crediting their beginning years in motocross
to the CZ marquee. Vintage CZ motocross machines still carry that special character and reliability today that’s
second to none and are winning races every weekend around the world!
 NEWS: Now
available!
Get your copy of the CZ MOTORCYCLE History book translated by Bertus. Ask him to Autograph it. Details in Files section
under czhistory.jpg - OR,
$48.50 USA, $44.00 plus S&H Australia, $56.00 Canada. Only 1500 hard bound copies produced! Cash, M/O, Bank Draft,
Check (10 days), Credit cards accepted.
Send to: Bertus JAWA/CZ, PO Box 3303, Industry, CA. 91744-0303.
(tel - *82-626-330-2326)
(fax - 626-369-4204) (web - BERTUS CZ)
CZ-Links:
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All photographs and text are protected
under US Copyright Laws. Copying of images and text is prohibited. I do not give permission for any contents herein to be
reproduced in whole or in part on another web page or web site (whatever the nature or purpose) or to be reproduced in whole
or in part in any publication or collection of widespread circulation, whether offline or online, for whatever purpose. Translations of
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We have gone to great lengths to ensure
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Copyright © CZ
Timeline 2008, All rights reserved
site updated January
14, 2008
"In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps."
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