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Naked Motorcycles

1997MZ Sportstar 300

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The 1997 MZ Sportstar 300 is a lightweight, air-cooled two-stroke designed for novice and budget-conscious riders seeking an affordable, easy-to-handle commuter. Its modest 23 horsepower and manageable 128.5 kg weight make it ideal for urban riding and learning riders. Known for simplicity and low running costs, this German-built single offers reliable everyday practicality over performance.

Capacity
291.0 ccm
Engine
Single, two-stroke
Gearbox
5-speed
Dry weight
128.5 kg
Seat height
820 mm
Power
23.0 HP (16.9 kW)
⇄ Compare with another bike + Add to garage All model years
Other years 1997 1998

How it rides

Editorial estimate from the spec sheet - not lab tested
Speed 39Agility 77Comfort 45Off-road 25Touring 30Road manners 65
Off-road & trail25%
Cornering68%
City riding72%
Daily riding60%
Touring30%
Two-up25%
Track35%
Best for
A lightweight naked bike best suited to short commutes, urban riding, and playful backroad rides rather than outright speed or distance.
Built for
A characterful, buzzy two-stroke single that rewards revving and offers nimble, flickable handling over raw power.
Not ideal for
Not a good fit for riders wanting sustained highway touring, two-up comfort, or serious off-road capability.

Scores are derived from the spec sheet using the same model across every bike, so they compare like for like.

Will it fit you?

Worked out in your browser - nothing is sent to us
At 820mm, a rider of 68.9" with a 31" (estimated) inseam will reach the ground with balls of both feet on the 1997 MZ Sportstar 300, with a relaxed knee angle of around 125 degrees and a forward-leaning riding position.

Assumes about 30mm of suspension sag once seated. This is an approximation from category-typical geometry, not a measurement of this bike or of you - sit on one before you buy.

More bikes at 751-820 mm — Middle Ground →

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Full specifications

Engine
Capacity
291.0 ccm
Power
23.0 HP (16.9 kW)
Torque
30.0 Nm (3.1 kgf-m) @ 5200 RPM
Engine type
Single, two-stroke
Power/weight ratio
0.1790 HP/kg (dry)
Cooling system
Air
Transmission
Gearbox
5-speed
Transmission type
Manual
Final drive
Chain
Performance
Top speed
135.0 km/h (83.9 mph)
Dimensions & weight
Seat height
820 mm
Dry weight
128.5 kg
Brakes & wheels
Front brakes
Single disc
Rear brakes
Expanding brake

Compiled from manufacturer documentation and user contributions, corrected on an ongoing basis. Spotted something wrong? Tell us.

What changed, year to year

Differences highlighted
Specification 19971998
Capacity 291 cc 291 cc
Dry weight 129 kg 129 kg
Seat height 820 mm 820 mm

Illustrative - generated automatically by diffing the year records already on file, not a manufacturer-published changelog.

Rider Reviews

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Common questions

What is the engine size of the MZ Sportstar 300?

The 1997 MZ Sportstar 300 has a Capacity of 291.0 ccm (17.76 cubic inches).

What engine power does the MZ Sportstar 300 have?

The 1997 MZ Sportstar 300 has a Power of 23.0 HP (16.9 kW).

How many gears does the MZ Sportstar 300 have?

The 1997 MZ Sportstar 300 has a Gearbox of 5-speed.

What is the torque of the MZ Sportstar 300?

The 1997 MZ Sportstar 300 has a Torque of 30.0 Nm (3.1 kgf-m or 22.1 ft.lbs) @ 5200 RPM.

How much does the MZ Sportstar 300 weigh?

The 1997 MZ Sportstar 300 has a Dry weight of 128.5 kg (283.3 pounds).

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