Breaking Maico News........

[Stusmoke]

If you don't take my word then how about MXA? "The greatest motocrosser of all time - the 1981 Maico MC 490".

You would think @ least some of the Maico haters on here would agree with MXA?!!

How exactly does one hate Maicos? I was sure that was a psychological impossibilty. Hating any brand is stupid, even hating Honda. They make good lawn mowers, sometimes. And their Kids bikes are good.

Maicos. Not only is the name just awesome and catchy but they're just great bikes. Specially the big bores from what I can understand

[Coop]

2012 Maico siting, well I saw them in 2012  :

[ford832]

Lol,nice spy photo Coop.
As for me,I don't hate them,I just see them as they are-many others don't.The 490 was an impressive,innovative bike in many ways but unimpressive in many others.Most of the cheerleaders won't actually tell you about the problems but only go on at length about how they're even better than modern machinery.I'm amazed you don't see them cleaning up at the local level at least. " title="Roll Eyes" class="smiley">
If you read the entire MXA article you'll get the idea.For those of you who weren't around then,this is a good article....

http://books.google.ca/books?id=uAzl8ICKMXcC&pg=PA123&lpg=PA123&dq=maico+breako&source=bl&ots=3mh-iIATBU&sig=xWmFzlmjoVAw3B4O34qgWVszEys&hl=en&sa=X&ei=L5cMUKJ1ge_SAYXWpI0E&ved=0CFMQ6AEwBg

Just hit the +magnifying glass on the upper left or it's a tough read-for old failing eyes anyway.

For modern day,I'm not impressed with someone who promises the moon and delivers sh!t.Early on I got ripped for saying that the new Maico reminded me of Cannondale.Hmmmm.
In truth,the Maico name means diddly.If you have the means to market a good bike-do it.It would be neat to resurrect an old name but everyone realizes that it's not really the same thing-any more than an old and new Triumph is the same.
People who would be interested in buying a new Maico for nostalgic reasons because they remembered them from their youth would generally be 50 + yrs old now-hardly the largest dirt bike riding segment of the population.If that demographic is their target,they'd be gone in short order anyway.The majority of youth wouldn't even recognize the name.
I'm getting older myself and fully understand the concept of looking back fondly with dark tinted rose coloured glasses,but there's point where it just gets ridiculous-and the "best bike that has ever been built" would definitely fall in that category-for me anyway.

[SachsGS]

One must not confuse the antics of Maico International with the brand/make known as Maico. The prototypes developed by MI were nice looking machines but much confusion surrounds their attempt to gain control of the marque hence the comparisons to Cannondale. Koestler is producing Maicos as we speak, I own one and it has been a very good machine. I have ridden KTMs,Huskys,Gassers and TMs and however dated the Koestler Maico may seem I prefer the handling,engine characteristics and ergonomics of the Maico to the other mounts.

One peculiar thing about my Koestler Maico is that while it is slightly notchy shifting it is also by far the most positive shifting bike I have ever ridden. You never miss a shift on this machine.

Ford I suspect you have never ridden a 1981 Maico MC490 because if you did you'd be asking yourself how the manufacturer was able to get a 60 inch wheelbase 500cc motocrosser to corner like a modern 125 yet be as stable as a Husky desert sled down the straights. I suspect it may have something to do with that triple shaft motor. I was racing a heavily modified Suzuki RMX when a friend let me try his 1981 Maico MC400 and to say I was astonished at the handling of the Maico is an understatement. That tank slapping Suzuki wasn't even remotely close to the Maico.

 One need only look at the vast after market industry built up to cater to those racing the vintage Maico to understand the value of the brand. If this demand could be converted into modern machines things would look very viable. BMW's resurrection of Husqvarna proves that a neglected historical make can be made profitable again.

 So Ford put your money where your mouth is - actually ride an 81 490 before you write the machine off as the delusions of the the over the hill gang.

[Stusmoke]

One must not confuse the antics of Maico International with the brand/make known as Maico. The prototypes developed by MI were nice looking machines but much confusion surrounds their attempt to gain control of the marque hence the comparisons to Cannondale. Koestler is producing Maicos as we speak, I own one and it has been a very good machine. I have ridden KTMs,Huskys,Gassers and TMs and however dated the Koestler Maico may seem I prefer the handling,engine characteristics and ergonomics of the Maico to the other mounts.

One peculiar thing about my Koestler Maico is that while it is slightly notchy shifting it is also by far the most positive shifting bike I have ever ridden. You never miss a shift on this machine.

Ford I suspect you have never ridden a 1981 Maico MC490 because if you did you'd be asking yourself how the manufacturer was able to get a 60 inch wheelbase 500cc motocrosser to corner like a modern 125 yet be as stable as a Husky desert sled down the straights. I suspect it may have something to do with that triple shaft motor. I was racing a heavily modified Suzuki RMX when a friend let me try his 1981 Maico MC400 and to say I was astonished at the handling of the Maico is an understatement. That tank slapping Suzuki wasn't even remotely close to the Maico.

 One need only look at the vast after market industry built up to cater to those racing the vintage Maico to understand the value of the brand. If this demand could be converted into modern machines things would look very viable. BMW's resurrection of Husqvarna proves that a neglected historical make can be made profitable again.

 So Ford put your money where your mouth is - actually ride an 81 490 before you write the machine off as the delusions of the the over the hill gang.

Do they really handle that well? I'm not making any accusations here thats a genuine question I've never even seen one let alone ridden. If they handle that well, I'd love to see one in the 450 class

[VintageBlueSmoke]

Although I agree with a lot of your rebuttle SachGS, I still respectfully disagree - and I am not just being stubborn.

Although the "laydown" shocks of the mid-'70's didn't appear in production until '75, many bikes were sporting more thn 4" of travel (actually the Penton Jackpiner had a choice of 3 shock positions, one a laydown configuration in '73) and Maico kept the upright design for a few more years even after all but Yamahahad done so - and that was REALLY laydown!

I'm not sure what you are referring when you say Maico's engine or frame geometry and how it was different from other manufacturers. Of course, I am admittedly a Huskyphile so my opinion could be biased.

Anyway, I agree with you on the importance of the '81 Maico, their historical racing successes, and their ability to take on the Big manufacturers (Husqvarna, CZ and the Japanese) with so little resources. I will also give the nod to Maico for the front disk brake. Way ahead of it's time although I can't remember how successful it was.

[nom de guerre]

Comparing Maico to Cannondale? That is like apples to oranges... I had a Mega II, amazing... If I could get one of those super trick ones out of England, I would be set...!

My '01 500 was 1 of 5 that year... Kinda cobby, but thats why I love it. These bikes can be a PITA at times, lots of set up to be done and not the type of bike for the mechanically timid. Most people have and never will see one of these, thus the plethora of mis-information.

I am not sure how important the early years are at this point? Most people think these bikes stopped being made 30 years ago...  A good chassis and geometry is everlasting however...

I have been very patient with MI and still believe... The word I got is promising and I cant wait for '13...  If that doesn't pan out and Ossa is delayed, I will get a TM as a holdover . MI has been pretty forthcoming and honest with me. I am still first in line!!!

[metal_miracle]

I doubt i will ever get a maico, the money i had when MI was gone release is gone.


But if i found a maico what year should i look for ?

and whats the diffrence from kostler and older models?

[SachsGS]

There is a 2003 Maico 320 for sale on the U.S. east coast and the guy wants a lot of money for an almost 10 year old machine but it is very low hours and 320's ARE NICE.

The 86 M Star Maicos are basically identical to the 87 through 93 Lorenze Merkle Maicos.In 94 the frame geometry was revised for slightly quicker steering and this design was used through the Dutch years up to about 1998/99. When Koestler began manufacturing the Dutch redesign of 99 the frame geometry had been revised yet again. These machines will exhibit some headshake and benefit from a steering damper. I moved the footpegs on my Koestler Maico down and forward to approximate the position of the 83 and the bike now has that magic Maico feel.

Good handling is good handling and a stinker is still a stinker, the year doesn't matter. The old Bultaco Sherpa Ts of the early 70's display a steering precision most modern bikes would be hard pressed to match.

Stu, by most regards the 1981 Maico is an old machine and the brakes and suspension are no match for a modern machine. The handling, however, is stellar and that ancient 53 hp motor will still take on any newcomer. Somewhere in these forums is a picture of a guy on an 81 Maico 490 diving underneath a horde of Honda CR500s(new) at a recent 2T meet in Scotland.He went on to win the open class overall so the machine still has it in it.

Ford is a smart one, he gets the fur flying and then sits back....

[maicoman009]

 Sachs if I wanted to buy a new Maico-320 or 500 off of Koestler in Germany how difficult as well as costly (as far as shipping) would it be? I do like the looks of MI's Maicos' but they're NOT in America yet & due to their legal battles over the name I would prefer one of the original German built Maicos...Any info you have would be greatly appreciated!!!.....

[nom de guerre]

Not sure if I should offer any input for the import info since you asked Sachs only... I imported mine from Kostler via Guus Mulders in Holland. Cost was reasonable at around $650 usd and partially absorbed in the unit cost. I had to make a couple of stops at brokers to pay nominal fees and get some sort of release before going to customs for the review and stamp of approval, then finally to the port of Newark. NJ to get my crate... I had to pay $35 to have them fork lift it down a ramp because my trailer was 't dock height... I am not sure where you are, but my cost was decent because I was east coast...  Took about 2 1/2 weeks from drop off in Rotterdam, Holland via ocean container to port Newark, NJ... INSPECT THE CRATE PRIOR TO LEAVING THE DOCK....

[SachsGS]

Hey Maicoman, contact Rick Lago at MotoCentre in Yakima (www.motocentre.biz) and he'll sell you a 320 with no hassles. I've bought my Maicos off Rick and he takes care of everything. You just pay your money and pick up your expertly prepared Maico.

P.S. If you decide to get a 320 make sure you get the Rieger shock.

[maicoman009]

Not sure if I should offer any input for the import info since you asked Sachs only... I imported mine from Kostler via Guus Mulders in Holland. Cost was reasonable at around $650 usd and partially absorbed in the unit cost. I had to make a couple of stops at brokers to pay nominal fees and get some sort of release before going to customs for the review and stamp of approval, then finally to the port of Newark. NJ to get my crate... I had to pay $35 to have them fork lift it down a ramp because my trailer was 't dock height... I am not sure where you are, but my cost was decent because I was east coast...  Took about 2 1/2 weeks from drop off in Rotterdam, Holland via ocean container to port Newark, NJ... INSPECT THE CRATE PRIOR TO LEAVING THE DOCK....

My apologies nom de guerre, I should have asked you also knowing that you're also a Maico fan like myself and thank you very much for the info.I live on the eastside of the U.S. myself in Maryland so NJ. would'nt be bad at all as far as the drive.Can one of Kostlers Maicos be ordered off of his website or would it be better to call Germany & speak to Axel himself? The last time I called his shop in Germany I got his brother on the phone & because of his broken English as well as my terrible German speaking he asked me to call back a few hrs. later when I was @ work & I really did'nt have the $ @ that time due to a recent marriage! LOL...however I'm no longer married so I'm a little bit better off financially speaking!!!........      

[nom de guerre]

no sweat... if you order direct, it should be easy shipping to Baltimore no problem. I would email and/or call direct to Herr Kostler. They ship all around... I had a lot of fun with it all, although it was weird wiring money internationally!!! I am holding out for MI on my next Maico... Do it, you will enjoy the notoriety

Sachs has a good lead however and that may prove to be "easier". 

p.s. to Sachs and the Reiger... my '97/'98 250 had one and I preferred the WP on my '01... I don't know.... MM009, Sachs knows his stuff so go with the Reiger.

[maicoman009]

Hey Maicoman, contact Rick Lago at MotoCentre in Yakima (www.motocentre.biz) and he'll sell you a 320 with no hassles. I've bought my Maicos off Rick and he takes care of everything. You just pay your money and pick up your expertly prepared Maico.

P.S. If you decide to get a 320 make sure you get the Rieger shock.

Thanks Sachs and yeah I've always heard that the Reiger shock is the best for the Maico's. I would want the Maico I decide to buy to be a German built Maico and of course I would not mind @ all if Rick @ MotoCentre expertly prepared the bike! Thanks to you as well as nom de guerre for the info!