Post by: ford832 on July 17, 2012, 12:00:59 AM
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=2&ved=0CFIQjBAwAQ&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.maicointernational.com%2Fhtml%2Fmx-2011.html&ei=Ve4FUMj8L4bm0QHB8fTeCA&usg=AFQjCNHGfwD6ZsCICA5E_Lhqm4qnxH5q2Q
..the 2011's anyway.
Sorry John,couldn't help it. 
Post by: metal_miracle on July 17, 2012, 12:27:10 AM
Post by: GlennC on July 17, 2012, 12:48:12 AM
Post by: ford832 on July 17, 2012, 12:58:22 AM
Ok Ford, don't make me bust out the unicorn pic
The what now?
Post by: GlennC on July 17, 2012, 04:05:35 AM
His name is Dave, I keep him next to my 2011 Maico.
Post by: SachsGS on July 17, 2012, 04:15:46 AM
Seriously Ford,are you some kind of Maico groundhog,popping out of your hole every so often to antagonize the faithful?
Post by: Stusmoke on July 17, 2012, 09:04:55 AM
Post by: TMKIWI on July 17, 2012, 09:14:07 AM
Post by: MXLord327 on July 17, 2012, 03:12:36 PM
Post by: nom de guerre on July 17, 2012, 04:49:54 PM
Post by: citabjockey on July 17, 2012, 06:56:24 PM
the Maico groundhog should be sitting on a YZ....
Post by: ford832 on July 18, 2012, 01:17:56 AM
If I get an 012 Maico from Koestler do I get the unicorn? What do they eat?
Seriously Ford,are you some kind of Maico groundhog,popping out of your hole every so often to antagonize the faithful?
Hey Sachs,you mess with Dave,you'll get the horn
As for me,it's something like this....
You Maico types all deserve it though,for the first year or better of this site,many were insufferable.Any topic at all would eventually be turned into a Maico love thread.It used to go something like this......
Post: Hey,I just got a new CR!
Answer: Red,eh?Have you ever noticed how much nicer Maico red is?
Post: Just brought home my new KTM250SX!
Answer: Congrats but did you know the '83 Maico is a better machine in every way?
Post: Finally!I've just discovered a cure for cancer and have managed to achieve World Peace.
Answer: That's great but you do realize Herr Maico did those things first but due to a huge mysterious conspiracy at Maico inc.,he never got a chance to implement them.
And so on............you guys deserve to take the sh!t now-those that were man enough to stay here and take it anyway.
BTW,thanks for the new avatar TMKIWI
Post by: factoryX on July 18, 2012, 04:15:29 AM
Maico deleted me off their facebook ha.
Post by: SachsGS on July 18, 2012, 04:43:10 AM
P.S. The avatar is a classic!
Post by: TMKIWI on July 18, 2012, 08:27:11 AM
BTW,thanks for the new avatar TMKIWIHey I was gunna do that.
Looks more like you then me anyway.
Post by: Stusmoke on July 18, 2012, 08:41:45 AM
BTW,thanks for the new avatar TMKIWIHey I was gunna do that.
Looks more like you then me anyway.
Shut down
Post by: scotty dog on July 18, 2012, 10:26:14 AM
Post by: SachsGS on July 18, 2012, 08:49:27 PM
More Maico news?
Post by: ford832 on July 18, 2012, 09:03:23 PM
BTW,thanks for the new avatar TMKIWIHey I was gunna do that.
Looks more like you then me anyway.
Not only that,he's probably more my size
Post by: nom de guerre on July 19, 2012, 01:13:21 AM
Post by: ford832 on July 19, 2012, 01:46:18 AM
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&ved=0CFgQtwIwAg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DkrVXRCcr2M4&ei=1KYIULqiEoXn0QGjmtjLAw&usg=AFQjCNFGtJ-VbdxHmNf76IczC6OgazHFUA
It's a good thing I won't have too.
I expect the Maico faithfull must also be Toronto Maple Leaf fans-just wait 'til next year!
Post by: beaner on July 19, 2012, 05:45:15 AM
I expect the Maico faithfull must also be Toronto Maple Leaf fans-just wait 'til next year!
Now THAT wasn't called for
Post by: Stusmoke on July 19, 2012, 07:43:23 AM
Post by: VintageBlueSmoke on July 19, 2012, 11:03:11 AM
Quote
a marque that,against seemingly insurmountable obstacles,changed the face of the industry?is not at all accurate.
Maico was a very good bike and even towards the end, with limited resources, produced a great privateer bike to show your stuff and get picked up by a Works team, but they didn't do anything revolutionary. They took existing technologies and did them better than most anyone else...yes, but they didn't lead the way. They were late to the party with long travel, plastics, single shock (although their twin was as good as any!) and didn't last long enough for power valves or other "modern" inventions.
I just don't see where they
Quote
changed the face of the industry.
Post by: SachsGS on July 19, 2012, 05:06:12 PM
The 74.5 Maicos were the first production long travel offroad motorcycles.
All modern 2T offroad motorcycles 250cc + utilize Maico engine geometry.
The chassis geometry developed by the 1977/78 Maicos is basis for ALL modern offroad motorcycles.Those that break away from this formula are thoroughly roasted by the press,witness the BMW 450X. Maico was the first manufacturer to thoroughly embrace leading axle forks in their motocrossers (I know some AJS fans will disagree).
I have sold hundreds of vintage motorcycles (I still own a few dozen) and have learned that it is the vintage Maicos that feel the most modern,all the rest are quirky and odd in someway or another.
In the early 70's Maico,a small company with two engineers,trounced the mighty Japanese mega corporations in Trans AMA competition and came within one stripped spark plug hole of defeating the Japanese in world 500cc competition.
Let me go further....in the early 1980's Honda lured Roger Decoster away from Suzuki to re engineer their CR line of motocrossers (the Honda CRs at that point were effectively Husqvarna copies). These CRs came to dominate the industry and,first KTM, then the rest copied with the 97 + RMs being the last. Mr. Decoster freely admits that when he redesigned the CRs the Maico was the inspiration.
The fact that a company as small,with as limited resources as Maico,could have accomplished all this in the face of the almighty Japanese competition is the stuff of legends and why we have Maico fans the world over 30 years after the glory times of the company.It is also why we have no fewer then 4 companies presently manufacturing Maicos and a war going on as to who actually legally owns the rights to the name.
Post by: rmpilot on July 21, 2012, 02:51:00 PM
The reality is that,with due respect,what I have said is devastatingly accurate.
The 74.5 Maicos were the first production long travel offroad motorcycles.
All modern 2T offroad motorcycles 250cc + utilize Maico engine geometry.
The chassis geometry developed by the 1977/78 Maicos is basis for ALL modern offroad motorcycles.Those that break away from this formula are thoroughly roasted by the press,witness the BMW 450X. Maico was the first manufacturer to thoroughly embrace leading axle forks in their motocrossers (I know some AJS fans will disagree).
I have sold hundreds of vintage motorcycles (I still own a few dozen) and have learned that it is the vintage Maicos that feel the most modern,all the rest are quirky and odd in someway or another.
In the early 70's Maico,a small company with two engineers,trounced the mighty Japanese mega corporations in Trans AMA competition and came within one stripped spark plug hole of defeating the Japanese in world 500cc competition.
Let me go further....in the early 1980's Honda lured Roger Decoster away from Suzuki to re engineer their CR line of motocrossers (the Honda CRs at that point were effectively Husqvarna copies). These CRs came to dominate the industry and,first KTM, then the rest copied with the 97 + RMs being the last. Mr. Decoster freely admits that when he redesigned the CRs the Maico was the inspiration.
The fact that a company as small,with as limited resources as Maico,could have accomplished all this in the face of the almighty Japanese competition is the stuff of legends and why we have Maico fans the world over 30 years after the glory times of the company.It is also why we have no fewer then 4 companies presently manufacturing Maicos and a war going on as to who actually legally owns the rights to the name.
whole lot said with no information. leading axle ok ill give them that. but long travel? give me a break that was coming no matter what. see: Monoshock
Post by: SachsGS on July 21, 2012, 03:28:13 PM
Post by: Coop on July 21, 2012, 03:31:46 PM
Post by: nom de guerre on July 21, 2012, 03:41:43 PM
Post by: maicoman009 on July 21, 2012, 06:39:53 PM
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?!!
Post by: Stusmoke on July 21, 2012, 11:20:21 PM
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
Post by: Coop on July 22, 2012, 01:19:46 AM
:
Post by: ford832 on July 22, 2012, 01:38:04 AM
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.
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.
Post by: SachsGS on July 22, 2012, 04:57:41 AM
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.
Post by: Stusmoke on July 22, 2012, 10:09:08 AM
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
Post by: VintageBlueSmoke on July 22, 2012, 11:07:36 AM
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.
Post by: nom de guerre on July 22, 2012, 11:34:28 AM
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!!!
Post by: metal_miracle on July 22, 2012, 03:53:55 PM
But if i found a maico what year should i look for ?
and whats the diffrence from kostler and older models?
Post by: SachsGS on July 22, 2012, 04:50:42 PM
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....
Post by: maicoman009 on July 24, 2012, 09:15:27 PM
Post by: nom de guerre on July 24, 2012, 09:50:29 PM
Post by: SachsGS on July 24, 2012, 11:53:26 PM
P.S. If you decide to get a 320 make sure you get the Rieger shock.
Post by: maicoman009 on July 25, 2012, 12:10:45 AM
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!!!........
Post by: nom de guerre on July 25, 2012, 12:21:01 AM
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.
Post by: maicoman009 on July 25, 2012, 12:34:13 AM
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.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!
P.S. If you decide to get a 320 make sure you get the Rieger shock.
Post by: nom de guerre on July 25, 2012, 12:39:06 AM
Post by: maicoman009 on July 25, 2012, 12:45:17 AM
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 notorietyYeah nom I have a WP on my Ktm-300 although it's the pds no linkage system that Ktm used until 2012 so I would love to know how well it works on the 2012/2013 KTM-300xc's? Just waiting on a MXA test to get some input.
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.
Post by: maicoman009 on July 25, 2012, 12:56:41 AM
I was just on Ricks site... if he can do all the leg work, by all means go for it! Just get your Maico...but, be prepared for lots of questions when people see you with it. Good luck.I'm going to check his site out after I eat dinner shortly.I did @ one time own a '81' Maico 490 mega 2 but I was only 14 years old @ that time & that beast scared my then very skinny 120Ibs. soaking wet arse BIG TIME!!! I wish I would have put that beast in storage but I stupidly sold it....
Post by: SachsGS on July 25, 2012, 03:22:46 AM
Rick Lago has been prepping Maicos for at least 35 years and he is a machinist by trade so he knows his stuff.
The 90's 440 Maicos were really nice bikes, they were kind of like a "zingy" 500.
Post by: ford832 on July 26, 2012, 12:55:48 AM
Ford I suspect you have never ridden a 1981 Maico MC490
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.
Sorry sachs but you and the rest of the over the hill gang are delusional.You're right though,I've never ridden one.
My next door neighbour in Ontario had one though.I was 13 at the time so never got a ride.
He had it for a year before trading for a 490 Yamaha.I asked him about his new Yamaha and his reply was roughly" I like some things about the Maico better,but i like being able to ride back home most of all"
The general consensus is that they had very good power and excellent handling(and were ticking time bombs-this part seems to be forgotten though)-I wouldn't dispute that as all seem to agree and I've never tried one.
What continues to amaze me is how many go on like they would kick the arse of anything modern day.It's a ridiculous comment that you hear over and over.I'm still waiting for one of these studs to show up and race one against equally talented riders on modern machines.
Anyhoo,here's one for you sachs.Buddy's a bit of cheerleader("the japanese all took them apart and couldn't duplicate it-
Pretty good vid though
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CDMQtwIwAA&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DBmkDqh0fTRc&ei=4NURUP_sBMS7rQHm6YDYBw&usg=AFQjCNG9Rc6HWYc8C7qUOzbBCoN02GlDPA
Post by: Paul P on July 26, 2012, 03:02:11 PM
The dilusional are the ones that think the big four had the best bikes back in the 70's and 80's.
I know of several local 490 Yamaha owners, all are bitching that parts are no longer available, and are ticking time bombs. ( they have far more colourful statements to describe them that cannot be printed on this board) The complete opposite of your comments.
You really need to try an 81 Maico 250 or 490 before any further statements against them. If you were only 13 in 1981, then you really have no clue what you are even saying, and it shows.
Post by: SachsGS on July 26, 2012, 03:13:43 PM
Until you ride an 81 490 your opinions are without merit. Having owned an early 80's Yamaha 490 all I can say is that they are o.k..
At the the present time I own one 81 490 and three 81 250 Maicos and reliability wise they are fine. Being constructed of very high quality materials in the long run they are a pleasure to own.
In the early to mid 90's I used to practice with my friends on my 81 and 83 Maicos and would save the modern Maicos for race day. Some of these guys were the fastest on the west coast and I was never last. If my 83 250 had disk brakes I would have trophied, easily.
Ford, if you would adjust your glasses and re read these statements you just might understand.
Post by: nom de guerre on July 26, 2012, 03:41:21 PM
Post by: streaks383 on July 26, 2012, 04:02:15 PM
Post by: VintageBlueSmoke on July 26, 2012, 05:12:00 PM
Looking back to those days to compare Euro bikes - and trying not to include new bias' that I've developed since that time, I was a Huskyphile then (as now) so although I liked the Euro "feel" of the Maico CZ, and Spanish brands, the Husky was the most reliable. Handling was the Maico forte' and while CZ, Maico and Bultaco had amazing tractable power, Maico didn't develop the nickname "Maico Breako" for nothing! Spain was going though the throws of an economic upheaval and really never had good steel so the Spanish brands were plagued with broken frames and such. CZ, well what can you say for Eastern Europe during the cold war? And what was Husky's excuse? Well the takeover of Husqvarna AB by Electolux was the beginning of the end.
On the other side of the world, the Japanese economic machine that was mass producing motorcycles that looked and felt nothing like the bikes "the Pro's used" was going strong and their marketing arm pretty much OWNED the publishing industry. And the reach of the factories went right down to the dealer network supported riders. The trick back then to see what was happening in the amateur world. There, you saw a lot of brand loyalty (me on Husqvarna's) and magazine fans (the latest gimmick sled from Japan), but you saw them head to head. You knew who was leading because of the bike and who would be still leading on a Pogo Stick! And yes, you saw a lot of Japanese bikes and fewer and fewer Euro makes, but you could compare them without too much meddling from the factories.
The other thing about the Euro bikes of the '80's was the economic situation in Europe and Japan. Europe was in trouble while Japan was at an all time high. Prices and lack of availability of parts and support were rising for European brands while simultaneously falling and increasing for products from Japan. The Euros were slow to advance technology (witness the air cooled, twin shock, drum brake, conventional fork crowd) and the paychecks that wooed the top riders away to Japan and there is no wonder brand loyalty changed.
Finally, I'd like to point out one more tidbit I learned later in life and never recognised in my youth. We were quick, too quick to move up in class. We barely mastered the 125 and jumped to the 250. I was racing a 250 before I could touch the ground and a 390 before I weighted 100 lbs! That was fine in the '70's but in the '80's, the HP ratings rose significantly: 125's had the HP of the 250 and the 250's greater than earlier 500's! Just as an example, my '75 175 Husky made 17 HP while my '96 139 YZ made (claimed) 32 HP. I don't think my 250 made that in the late 70's. Young men wanted to flex their muscles and show they had balls to they bought open class Maico's, Suzuki's, and Honda's when most couldn't handle that kind of power. Speeds also increased due to better suspensions and add to that the tracks were changing to be more "supercross" like. More and more riders were getting hurt.
I'm not calling anyone out. I just wanted to point out why we believe what we do and put it into a historical perspective. Now let me remove this stupid tweed jacked and put my shorts and flpi-flops back on. It is hot as hell in here!
Post by: yota on July 26, 2012, 06:26:16 PM
Post by: ford832 on July 26, 2012, 10:18:45 PM
If you,ve never ridden one, and blindly say they were ticking time bombs, then you are writing just to build up your posting count.
The dilusional are the ones that think the big four had the best bikes back in the 70's and 80's.
I know of several local 490 Yamaha owners, all are bitching that parts are no longer available, and are ticking time bombs. ( they have far more colourful statements to describe them that cannot be printed on this board) The complete opposite of your comments.
You really need to try an 81 Maico 250 or 490 before any further statements against them. If you were only 13 in 1981, then you really have no clue what you are even saying, and it shows.
OK Paul,you have to stay after school for remedial reading class.
What I said was "The general consensus was they had very good power,excellent handling and were ticking time bombs"
I repeatedly said I had never ridden one.Oh yeah,typo,I was 16 in 81.I also never said anything about the Yamaha other than the fact Mark preferred it to his Maico and I never said the japs had the best bikes either.I've heard lots of stories about these as well.
Over the years I've found if 99% of the riding population and Mags and editorials of the time say a bike has excellent handling and good power-it probably does.By the same token,if they all say the same machine has many mechanical issues and goes on to list the same ones over and over-they probably do.
If on the other hand,someone says a particular machine is the best thing ever built-even as compared to others that are 20 yrs newer,they are likely a fanboy.
If you want to get after me for something I said,next time why not make it something I actually said.
Post by: ford832 on July 26, 2012, 10:33:38 PM
What did FogHorn LegHorn used to say ("Those gums are a flapping!")?
Until you ride an 81 490 your opinions are without merit. Having owned an early 80's Yamaha 490 all I can say is that they are o.k..
Ford, if you would adjust your glasses and re read these statements you just might understand.
Ok sachs,I readjusted my glasses(no bifocals yet though) and reread everything.In an effort to put an end to this I will from this point on agree with you and Paul.Therefore,I now have come to realize that I was wrong.The Maico's aren't at all what you read rather they are:
1. Hands down the best motorcycle ever built-both past and present.
2. A magical machine that had power and handling nothing has ever managed to duplicate to this day.
3. A motorcycle who's demise was solely the fault of various shadowy figures who conspired to bring them down.
4. A machine that only needs lend it's name to a modern version in order to make that bike the second best bike ever built.
...and finally,when Jesus comes back to earth to save us all,he'll be astride an '81 490 and all the jap bike owners will be thrown into the depths of hell.
There,are we all on the same page now?
Oh,btw VintageBluSmoke and Yota, logical thought,knowledge and honest firsthand evaluations will get you nowhere when dealing with age tainted memories.Pleas reread above.Thank you.
Post by: nom de guerre on July 26, 2012, 10:50:41 PM
Haha.
Post by: ford832 on July 26, 2012, 10:52:47 PM
Post by: SachsGS on July 26, 2012, 11:12:42 PM
Post by: ford832 on July 26, 2012, 11:30:53 PM
One last thought,here's one for you Paul.......
Post by: TMKIWI on July 27, 2012, 08:45:07 AM
Are you seriously going take the word of Stefan Merriman on that vid.
What has he ever done on a bike that warrants any kind of respect.
Post by: ford832 on July 27, 2012, 12:53:53 PM
I had to chuckle at the "I expected more from a 490 and avoid bumps like the plague" parts.
He seems like pretty laid back guy.
Post by: SachsGS on July 27, 2012, 03:29:12 PM
Post by: Paul P on July 27, 2012, 04:21:01 PM
He's riding an enduro model.
Those are the same comments I made about the 2008 YZF450 I tried back in 08. Seems like you have to rev it to 10 grand for it to go. Heavy feeling, too.
Ford needs to contact Brad Lackey, Marty Smith Chuck sun and Bob Hannah about their thoughts of the 490 Maico.
Post by: Stusmoke on July 28, 2012, 12:19:05 AM
Post by: ford832 on July 28, 2012, 02:34:39 PM
Never heard of him. Since the 4 strokes took over I haven't kept in touch with pro racing.
Oh,I see.Mired in the past eh?Who'da thunk it?
Post by: maicoman009 on July 30, 2012, 01:14:56 PM
Hmmmmm..interesting...I'm listening......Merriman just scared to open the Maico-490 wide open! I always say "If you're scared say you're scared!?" He was clearly scared.....Lol..
One last thought,here's one for you Paul.......
Post by: VintageBlueSmoke on July 30, 2012, 03:28:19 PM
I think somebody broke another Maico.
Post by: SachsGS on July 30, 2012, 03:42:38 PM
Post by: ford832 on July 30, 2012, 11:08:57 PM
Post by: SachsGS on July 31, 2012, 02:37:47 AM
Post by: ford832 on July 31, 2012, 08:32:29 PM
Gay pride, overweight people.... Ford have you examined your neck lately? You might find it turning a little red.
As my daughter would say..."Well D'uh"
http://www.google.ca/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=3&sqi=2&ved=0CDsQtwIwAg&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DYdCfnzxi0vQ&ei=o4AZUMX_L5OK8QTI-4G4CA&usg=AFQjCNHeajjZ-v6a3VDHFJYD5HumPlfN2A&sig2=BcIbedF1FquzBsZ1tHLN-Q
There's just something about that turkey hunting girl in the wedding dress.Mmmmmmmmmmm
Post by: TMKIWI on July 31, 2012, 08:37:32 PM
Post by: rmpilot on January 14, 2013, 05:22:42 AM
Post by: VintageBlueSmoke on January 14, 2013, 09:53:14 AM
Post by: Stusmoke on January 14, 2013, 11:54:32 AM
Unless you want the YZ just to have a vintage Yamaha (or you are a masocist), I'd chose something - just about anything else.
Does that last bit include Hondas first generation of CR490s or whatever they were? They were apparently... Very interesting to ride.
Maybe the ancient four stroke can ams would be a good alternative
Post by: SachsGS on January 14, 2013, 03:32:41 PM
I've heard that parts for the YZ 490 are drying up while, even now, you can buy new Maico based evolution class race bikes from companies like Maico Only and Wulfsport.