1969 CZ "360 Type 969 ""Sidepipe""" "1969 CZ 360 Type 969 ""Sidepipe"""

In a 1970 road test of the CZ Sidepiper Type 969/01, ""Cycle World"" magazine imparted the following words of wisdom: ""a motocross CZ is simply one of the best racing machines made. The quality of CZ construction is impeccable. That inimitable CZ quality extends to every piece of the machine."" The factory manual describes the Type 969/01 as a ""light, high-performance machine designed exclusively for cross-country racing."" There can be no doubt that the CZ excelled at that job. Its 360cc engine featured a 10:1 compression ratio and hit 34 HP at 6,400 RPM. Combine that with a dry weight of merely 235 pounds and the factory claim was verified and then some. CZ achieved such a remarkably light weight with an all-welded tube frame, magnesium hubs and minimal specifications. ""Cycle World"" continued, saying that, ""the 360 produced positively brutish torque with a very wide power band, which makes it easy to ride ... but only a very experienced hand can fully utilize what the bike offers."" If you were around in the 1970s, you know that this CZ out accelerated every other dirt bike it encountered. These are truly champion-quality dirt machines, and only the rarest of CZ bikes will not have been ridden hard and continually thrashed.