The 125 Maico that sold was mine. The bike is really an eye catcher. The new owner already has a few big-bore Maico's and is definitely a Maico enthusiast.
The differences between this 79 125 and a 79 250/400/440 frame are the footpeg placement, about an inch rearward, the swingarm is one inch shorter, and that's it. This year motor goes right in the 250 400 frame. The rear hub ans sprocket are different, the front wheel is identical. Fenders, seat, gas tank, forks, shocks, plastics, bars and controls, are all the same.
The early 70's 125's shared much less with it's bigger brothers. I had a 72 125, other than the motor mounts, the frame was identical to the larger frames. It weighed the same, too.
As far as buying a new Maico before this one, it depends wether you plan to race or invest. I believe this will appreciate in time. I also believe had I sold it 4 years ago when the economy was better it would have sold for even more, although I am content with the price it sold for.
The 77 AW that sold a week before mine did not have the 125 rear hub, swingarm, controls, pipe, OEM tires, front wheel, was never started and it sold for $7800.
Sachs, if you'd like some photos, I have taken quite a few of this bike.
Paul