A trip across Central Europe on a East German MZ motorbike (252)

Cold War Conversations

MZ was an East German motorcycle manufacturer located in Zschopau, Saxony. The acronym MZ stands for Motorenwerke Zschopau GmbH (German for Zschopau engine factory).

In the 1980s MZ was regarded by the British motorcycle press as producing ugly and old-fashioned (if worthy) motorcycles however, there was a hard-core set of UK fans who loved this relatively, cheap and easy-to-repair bike.

Julian Howe was a big fan of the MZ bike. He tells of a bizarre honeymoon of fellow MZ club members which involved MZ bike fans from across the UK touring Western Europe and the Warsaw Pact Countries.

From sharing drinks with border guards to being on the receiving end of CS gas in Krakow it’s a tour through late 1980s Europe on the back of a two-stroke MZ motorbike.

0:00 Introduction and background on MZ motorcycles

1:21 Call for donations and testimonial from a supporter

5:28 The journey begins - crossing the border into East Germany

11:26 Interaction with an East German border guard and reflections on environment

15:20 Entering Poland and experiences with locals

22:19 Crossing through Czechoslovakia into Hungary and visit to a private museum

26:12 Visit to Prague and interactions with locals

29:37 Return journey through East Germany and humorous encounter at the border

33:47 Julian's most memorable experience from his trip and favorite media recommendations

38:29 Closing remarks and appreciation for financial supporters

39:02 Encouragement to join the Facebook group and continue the conversation

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I am delighted to welcome Julian Howe to our Cold War conversation…

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