Mz Baghira

MZ BAGHIRA

Head-high explorer

NO QUESTION, THE BUG-EYED MASTIFF IS VERY cool, but with its wide, 17-inch wheels and sticky low-profile rubber, it's best suited to terrorizing repli-racers in the canyons. Fun, in other words, but not terribly versatile.

If it's all-around ability you want, consider the dual-purpose Baghira. As MZs go, it's inexpensive, undercutting the Mastiff and the fully faired Skorpion Sport Cup by $200. Don't equate inexpensive with cheap, though: Top-shelf components-46mm Paioli fork, WP shock, Acerbis plastic and Grimeca brakes-are standard fare. Except for more relaxed steering geometry and an inch-longer swingarm, the Baghira's steel frame mirrors the Mastiff's. Ditto the twin-piston front brake caliper, single-piston rear, one-piece seat, plastic tailpiece and goliath muffler. Tweaks

include a smaller-diameter front brake rotor, motocross style handlebar, an additional 3.5 inches of suspension travel both front and rear and narrower, larger-diameter wheels shod with dirt-capable Pirelli MT6Os. There are no surprises in the engine department. The Baghira (though spelled differently, the name comes from the black panther in Rudyard Kipling's classic, The Jungle Book) is powered by the same liquid-cooled, twin-carb, five-valve 660cc Yamaha Single that propels most MZs. The overall gear ratio is different, though, to compensate for the larger circumference of the 18-inch rear tire.

Swinging a leg over the tall seat takes some coordi nation-passengers may need a step-stool. Once aboard, even 6-foot riders will find themselves on tip-toes at stoplights. In all fairness, though, the view from the saddle is spectacular. Only drivers of jacked-up 4x4s have a better take on traffic.

Off the pavement, the Baghira's potential is limited mostly by its mass, much of which is located high in the chassis. Full of fuel, the bike scales-in at 383 pounds, light for around-town work, but positively anchor-like if you're trying to shed speed on a whooped-out fireroad. Nonetheless, the high-fendered machine is a capable explorer, its plush suspension easily soaking up moderate ly sized rocks and ruts. But be forewarned, the fork has lots of underhang to snag on ruts and tree roots, and there's no skidplate, leaving the waterpump, among other things, unprotected.

For most potential buyers, though, the biggest hurdle will be the skyscraper seat height. Get past that, and the Baghira is one appealing steed, indeed.

Matthew Miles