Two Stroke Motocross
Two Stroke Motocross Forum => General Two Stroke Talk => Topic started by: 2smoker on December 11, 2009, 04:34:47 PM
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Ok guys...Don't want to start a fight..but I think Maico is .....not so good.... lol!!! Sorry for my language but seriously... They belong to museum!!!! Get over it! It is dead.... The only thing that will change the sport is the racing rules period! The technology is there we all know it.. I like the major Japanese manufacturers and KTM and want them to be part of our sport! What about the dominace of the YZ 490? or KX500? hahah :)
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Maico deserves to be, and would be, one of the Big Six right now, if it weren't for the BS politics that happened within the company. In 1981, they made the best open-class bike the world had ever seen, and they managed to produce and sell more 490s alone than the Big Four made combined. The total production of all bikes by Honda, Suzuki, Yamaha, and Kawasaki (KTM wasn't a very big force at the time) combined, was LESS than the number of 490 Maicos produced. 1/3 of the guys making a serious attempt at success in the 500cc class were on Maicos. Then, in the Spring of 1983, they filed for bankruptcy and have been owned by larger parent companies ever since.
What happened? Super Hunky reveals.
http://www.superhunky.com/articles/maicopt1.php (http://www.superhunky.com/articles/maicopt1.php) <-- Part I
http://www.superhunky.com/articles/maicopt2.php (http://www.superhunky.com/articles/maicopt2.php) <-- Part II
In spite of all the crap that went on, Maico has been reborn and is now The King in terms of engine power. No one makes a 250 with the sort of power that Maico does, at least not that I know of. It's got 11 horses more than their (incredibly good) 1981 model, and 6 more than the current YZ250. Their 500 makes 67 horsepower, and the 685 makes 80, AND weighs less than a CRF-450. The only reason the YZ490 and KX500 did better than Maico, is the fact that they were made AFTER the days of Maico. Before then, they were like cheating. In fact, if you use an un-modified 1974 Maico and race it in an AHRMA vintage race in the 1974 class, you ARE cheating. The require that you restrict the suspension travel to keep things "fair."
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Really???
Two things are obvious from this post.
He is either real young and has never ridden a Maico.
He is real old and had his doors blown off by a Maico.
And he supports the "big 5" who, in collusion with the AMA jammed the 4 stoke right down our throats.
WOW!
Which also means he supports Honda, who as a corporation, has went out of its way to kill the 2 stroke, and has hated the 2 stroke since day 1.
Makes no sense does it!
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hahaah This is why I started this thread..I like to shake things up!!! It is Honda's fault? yeah right! What about them with their prototype EXP-2 valve back in 96 ish...?????? http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/honda/honda-exp2-14293.html (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/honda/honda-exp2-14293.html) :) You should blame Yamaha factory(yz400F), Doug Henry championship in 98 and the AMA clowns instead including Roger Decoster! The rest is history.....
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You should blame Yamaha factory(yz400F), Doug Henry championship in 98 and the AMA clowns instead including Roger Decoster! The rest is history.....
Don't waste your time 2smoker, I already pointed all this out.
dogger
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You should blame Yamaha factory(yz400F), Doug Henry championship in 98 and the AMA clowns instead including Roger Decoster! The rest is history.....
Don't waste your time 2smoker, I already pointed all this out.
dogger
Anybody has a picture of the Yamaha engineer holding the YZ400M engine in his hands? This fool was on every magazine covers...
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I totally agree with you. I blame the AMA first and foremost. Their four stroke rule loophole
allowed Yamaha to develop and field a true works bike with nearly twice the displacement.
Add a super talented and gutsy rider like Doug Henry to the mix and Yamaha gets its first
Nationals Championship in years and fires the opening shots of the four stroke war.
If that idiotic loophole wasn't in the AMA rulebook, there would have been no incentive for
any manufacturer to develop a four stroke MX bike (including Honda) and we (the riders)
wouldn't be stuck with the situation we find ourselves in.
If the AMA was at all interested in parity, it would have eliminated that loophole as soon as
#20 started winning races. Since two of the big four + KTM sit on the board of directors
of the AMA (not Honda), and nearly all of the manufacturers are represented on the board
of governors of the AMA, profits beats parity everytime.
dogger
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You know, I would not consider myself a Maico guy... there are those that absolutely love these machines.
I've never owned one and may never own one, but I have ridden a few and I can tell you that once you do, it will become a bit clearer why these guys love them so much.
They really work that well.
You guys are so right... the AMA has done something that I would call criminal. In fact I wrote an e-mail to Rob Dingman when he first started in office. It was a respectful letter but stated my views on the displacement disparity. As expected I didn't even get a form letter in response.
Honestly I keep going back and forth thinking that someone there will finally come to their senses and do the right thing. Then realizing that it'll never happen.
Those are the times that I feel that a competing organization need to be created. But there are hurdles to getting that done. One is ensuring that there is actually enough interest to do so and the second possibly more important aspect is how to get money to run it.
Currently the manufacturers control the purse strings, that's why the AMA acts like a little puppy around them. There's money being dangled in their faces and like a crack addict they can't quit the habit.....
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Going back a little, the EXP-2 is exactly why I don't like Honda. In almost every other respect, they're like all the others in that they've been active in replacing two-strokes with four - although they've taken it further than the others by eliminating it from its entire line (CRF-50 my ass!) and even putting in some anti-two-stroke lines in their advertising in other markets. "Honda lawn equipment doesn't require you to mix oil with gas, saving you time and money!" But anyway, up to that point they could theoretically be forgiven. The EXP-2 changes that.
What they did was create a two-stroke with such promise that it was able to threaten big, four-stroke two-cylinder bikes in rally events, sporting similar power, but more torque and something like 100lbs less weight and better emissions. This could have been made into a street bike that would have raped Ninjas, and Honda could've dominated motocross and anything else where you need a light, powerful, extremely low-emission engine. What did they do? They gave the engineer behind it a big, fat, demotion and cancelled the program. They could have changed the world, but they were SO dedicated to 4T technology that they took The Next Big Thing and handed it the axe. And when I say it had "lower emissions" than a same-power four-stroke, I'm not saying it's slightly better. Oh no. This thing had 1/5 the CO emissions, and 1/7 the NOx emissions. The fact that they cancelled this may truly be counted as a crime against humanity. Imagine what that kind of improvement would've done to SE Asia, where the two-stroke engine is the backbone of all personal transportation.
That is why I can't forgive them. It's more than unfair competition rules. This is a case of ideology and policy suppressing technological advancement. As one wishing to enter the field of engineering, I would have a very, very hard time naming something I hate more.
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I've had both a 89 320 & an 86 490. Both were wonderful bikes ( at least, with the 320, when I finally sorted out the flywheel weight to go on the Motoplat ignition after the SEM carked it ), the 490/500 much more so. Everything I've done to my current CRE500 has been to produce a bike to emulate the Maico. I Will regret selling the big Maico for the rest of my life, a stupid move, as I didn't need the money at the time.
JETZcorp : I despise Honda for the very same reasons. The anti 4t stance they had/have was inculcated into the firm by Soichiro (sp?) Honda himself. They were upfront about it, to a certain extent, anouncing their intention of stopping 2 stroke sales by the end of the 2007 model year. But they have used their strength & influence to change racing rules to their benefit so many times it disgusts me. They even tried having 2ts banned from the World Trials Championships a few years ago.
They did, however, make use of the EXP AR technology, selling many thousands of CRM250ARs over quite a few years, mainly in Japan and other Asian countries, but I could drive into Sydney today and pick up one (grey imports I think , but Honda OZ may have brought some in?) from a few dealers today - which I hope to when I've some spare cash floating around. These made the other Dual Sports of the time feel gutless by comparison, and with the factory hot up kit, made close to CR power (but smoother) at that time. I would love to see the use of AR (trapping valve) tech plus DFI in a modern 2t engine. Hopefully, other DFI 2ts finally appear and Honda's hand if forced by market demand, but I wouldn't hold my breath on that.
The pics below are of the EXP in its short course (Nevada Rally) format, the other of a CRM250AR.
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t319/bearorso/exp4t1.jpg)
(http://i163.photobucket.com/albums/t319/bearorso/WhiteHondaCRM250AR.jpg)
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Hopefully, the General will approve my latest article and it will be posted for all to read. Feel free to comment once you have read it.
BTW, it's hard to make the CR or KX resemble the Maico, but you can get really really close. I rode a 2003 KX 500 not that long ago, in stock form except for jetting, Boyesen reeds and a Stealthy (sp?) fly wheel weight.
If I didn't have the Maico (or couldn't afford/get one) I'd certainly ride the KX.
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Ok guys...Don't want to start a fight..but I think Maico is as gay as 2 guy kissing lol!!! Sorry for my language but seriously... They belong to museum!!!! Get over it! It is dead.... The only thing that will change the sport is the racing rules period! The technology is there we all know it.. I like the major Japanese manufacturers and KTM and want them to be part of our sport! What about the dominace of the YZ 490? or KX500? hahah :)
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hahaah This is why I started this thread..I like to shake things up!!! It is Honda's fault? yeah right! What about them with their prototype EXP-2 valve back in 96 ish...?????? http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/honda/honda-exp2-14293.html (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/honda/honda-exp2-14293.html) :) You should blame Yamaha factory(yz400F), Doug Henry championship in 98 and the AMA clowns instead including Roger Decoster! The rest is history.....
Hopefully I'll have an opinion article published soon. Should be in the Generals in box as we speak.
Read it and then tell me what you think.
And to dispute my assertion about Honda is rediculous. It's well published that old man Honda himself hated 2 strokes and in road racing, Honda has been successful in jamming 4T's in and taking 2T's out.
Love Honda if you want, just be hoinest about who and what they are.
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hahaah This is why I started this thread..I like to shake things up!!! It is Honda's fault? yeah right! What about them with their prototype EXP-2 valve back in 96 ish...?????? http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/honda/honda-exp2-14293.html (http://www.motorcycle.com/manufacturer/honda/honda-exp2-14293.html) :) You should blame Yamaha factory(yz400F), Doug Henry championship in 98 and the AMA clowns instead including Roger Decoster! The rest is history.....
Hopefully I'll have an opinion article published soon. Should be in the Generals in box as we speak.
Read it and then tell me what you think.
And to dispute my assertion about Honda is rediculous. It's well published that old man Honda himself hated 2 strokes and in road racing, Honda has been successful in jamming 4T's in and taking 2T's out.
Love Honda if you want, just be hoinest about who and what they are.
MAd MAd MAd...I totally agree about Honda ditching the 2 stroke but they also brought some heritage to the sport, cool stuff like the twin spare aluminum frame and their craftsmanship quality is top-notch . I never raced a CR but I still want them to be part of Motocross racing...BTW blame Yamaha with their YZ400M prototype...within a competitive market like Motocross, Honda Jumped on the bandwagon of 4 stroke..But with the recession right now we all know what will happen to the 4 stroke new era..
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Sorry I messed up the quote part. I guess it must be the Museum air I breathe or something. 2smoker there are those of us who raced this brand for many years very successfully. Therefore, we like the bikes and like to talk about the brand, and it's return to the U.S.. It's easy. Don't like Maico, don't read the Maico threads. Love Honda? Start a Honda thread. Easy huh?
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Sorry I messed up the quote part. I guess it must be the Museum air I breathe or something. 2smoker there are those of us who raced this brand for many years very successfully. Therefore, we like the bikes and like to talk about the brand, and it's return to the U.S.. It's easy. Don't like Maico, don't read the Maico threads. Love Honda? Start a Honda thread. Easy huh?
Nope never said I didn't like the Maicos.. I just want to know more about them!
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Sorry I messed up the quote part. I guess it must be the Museum air I breathe or something. 2smoker there are those of us who raced this brand for many years very successfully. Therefore, we like the bikes and like to talk about the brand, and it's return to the U.S.. It's easy. Don't like Maico, don't read the Maico threads. Love Honda? Start a Honda thread. Easy huh?
Nope never said I didn't like the Maicos.. I just want to know more about them!
Really? You said Maico's were like kissing a guy. I have never kissed a man (and I never intend to) because it's just not my thing.
That said, I have written a 3 part series on the Maico, specifically the 500. The General and I are working as fast as my aching hands will go. Part 2 should be ready soon. But part 3 will be the one to read, even though you should read parts 1 and 2 first.
To me, the proof is in the riding. I ride one, therefor I know.
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Sorry I messed up the quote part. I guess it must be the Museum air I breathe or something. 2smoker there are those of us who raced this brand for many years very successfully. Therefore, we like the bikes and like to talk about the brand, and it's return to the U.S.. It's easy. Don't like Maico, don't read the Maico threads. Love Honda? Start a Honda thread. Easy huh?
Nope never said I didn't like the Maicos.. I just want to know more about them!
Really? You said Maico's were like kissing a guy. I have never kissed a man (and I never intend to) because it's just not my thing.
That said, I have written a 3 part series on the Maico, specifically the 500. The General and I are working as fast as my aching hands will go. Part 2 should be ready soon. But part 3 will be the one to read, even though you should read parts 1 and 2 first.
To me, the proof is in the riding. I ride one, therefor I know.
Have you ever ride any Service Honda big bore?or any frame conversion 500cc bike? Which environment? Open field? Trails??? Tracks... How much did you pay for the Maico and where did you buy it? Because I have no ideas where to go in Canada to get a Maico!
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http://twostrokemotocross.com/2009/03/exclusive-maico-confirm-coming-to-canada/ (http://twostrokemotocross.com/2009/03/exclusive-maico-confirm-coming-to-canada/)
That didn't take very long to find. :)
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Hey 2smoker - when you said this;
Have you ever ride any Service Honda big bore?or any frame conversion 500cc bike? Which environment? Open field? Trails??? Tracks... How much did you pay for the Maico and where did you buy it? Because I have no ideas where to go in Canada to get a Maico!
Two things came to mind... forst have you ridden a Service Honda? Or have you ridden a Maico?
While Mad Scientist has probably not ridden a Service Honda, he has quite a few years of experience with the new style Maico. So he is certainly qualified to speak about that. He has ridden some of the older style Japanese bikes, so he's at least ridden both.... it's worth listening to someone with experience.
Just a few words about experience and magazine tests..... the truth is if you rode and compared the Service Honda vs the Maico 500 you would probably rate them differently than I would or anyone else. These tests are completely subjective.
Picture them as sign posts that give you an idea of what a bike is like. To find out for yourself, even after reading a test is to try to ride the machine that you felt was best. This is the only way to really "know" which bike is best for you.
As for the Maico, there are a few guys that have experience with them, many with the older machines, but one with modern Maico experience. No magazine has tested the new style Maico and folks have not idea how it works because few have seen them in person. We happen to be lucky to have a member of our board that owns one and is willing to share his experiences with that machine.
If you have other experience, we would love to hear yours as well.... but like I said at the very beginning... you must remain respectful.... the opening post is border line trouble making. Please let's not go there.
Now for the second thought brought up by your quote, how about if we attempt to do a shootout ourselves between the Maico and the Service Honda?? All we need is two people that own one of each and get them to the same track on the sme day. As long as there willing to have a few other racers ride their bikes, we could do it.
One additional thought about the magazines and bike tests..... remember that all magazines by their nature are financially driven by ad revenue (ias well as quite a few webs sites) Some of the biggest advertisers are the major manufacturers, if not spending hundreds of thousands of dollars, at least spending many multiple thousands.
Hypothetically say that the magazine gets a chance to test a bike, one that is not a part of the Big 4 that advertises with them. Not only is the bike better than the Big 4 machines, but head and shoulders better. Unfortunately the bikes are built by a small company that doesn't have the budget to spend on major magazine advertising.
What do you think the magazine would write about this bike?
I'll tell you one thing, what would be in it for them if they recommended this better machine from someone that can't afford to advertise in their magazine. Nothing! They would not tell the absolute complete truth, because it would hurt their revenue.
So keep in mind, there just may be machines out there that are head and shoulders better then the manufacturers with the deep pockets, you just don't hear about them.
Think about it.
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http://twostrokemotocross.com/2009/03/exclusive-maico-confirm-coming-to-canada/ (http://twostrokemotocross.com/2009/03/exclusive-maico-confirm-coming-to-canada/)
That didn't take very long to find. :)
I'll leave my thoughts on aluminum framed dirt bikes until part 2 of my report comes out. That said, it was not done with the best interest of the consumer in mind.
I have ridden lots of AF dirt bikes. What's the big deal? You sound young. Listen to those of us who do more than sit around and play on the computer. I cover some of that in part 2 as well.
I have ridden lots of Japanese bikes of all kinds. And virtually every brand of euro 2 and 4t. The includes Husaberg (not the new gimmick "lay down engine" model, but I did see one that was not too impressive at a WORCS race this year), Husky, I even owned a Gas Gas, ridden a TM (notice the "K" is missing?)..........want me to continue?
I will say this right now: THE MAICO IS NOT FOR EVERYONE. It's probably not for 95% of the market. But for those of us who love true European handling (not that twitchy junk that japan loves and KTM is working to duplicate), know the beauty of Maico's butter smooooooooth, easy to ride power and and understand how to USE that power to go faster with LESS rider fatigue, than I would suggest you consider the Maico.
BTW, does that Service Honda come with a hydraulic clutch?? Read my article, slowly, more than once.
You are in B.C. correct?
Here you go. I get some parts from John. He's a great and knowledgeable guy.
maicomotorcycles.com
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Listen to those of us who do more than sit around and play on the computer.
I guess you didn't read John's post to 2smoker about remaining respectful.
have ridden lots of Japanese bikes of all kinds. And virtually every brand of euro 2 and 4t...want me to continue?
Not really. Many of us have ridden and raced all kinds and all brands of bikes over many years.
That doesn't make our "opinion" about them any more relevent than the next guy.
The very cool thing about an open forum is, among other things, you get to talk up your favorite
brand of bike. What's not cool is when you feel compelled to p*ss on somebody else's favorite
brand(s) in the process.
I'll leave my thoughts on aluminum framed dirt bikes until part 2 of my report comes out
I do look forward to reading your "thoughts" in your report.
dogger
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Listen to those of us who do more than sit around and play on the computer.
I guess you didn't read John's post to 2smoker about remaining respectful.
have ridden lots of Japanese bikes of all kinds. And virtually every brand of euro 2 and 4t...want me to continue?
Not really. Many of us have ridden and raced all kinds and all brands of bikes over many years.
That doesn't make our "opinion" about them any more relevent than the next guy.
The very cool thing about an open forum is, among other things, you get to talk up your favorite
brand of bike. What's not cool is when you feel compelled to p*ss on somebody else's favorite
brand(s) in the process.
I'll leave my thoughts on aluminum framed dirt bikes until part 2 of my report comes out
I do look forward to reading your "thoughts" in your report.
dogger
I didn't say anything about brands. In fact, I said if I didn't have the Maico, I'd ride a KX 500. I'm not brand loyal like some seem to be. I read the rules. When I'm out of line I expect John to put me in my place. I still stand by my posts.
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What is amazing to me is that some people claim I'm too harsh. Did anyone read the OP? It's always ok to hammer a euro brand bike (like the Maico) but if you say anything contrary everyone loses their mind. I have ridden a Maico. I own it. So I can say what it's like, and compare it to many other bikes that are comparable to it. Not many have even seen these bikes. I'm trying to show options the general public may not know of.
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What is amazing to me is that some people claim I'm too harsh. Did anyone read the OP? It's always ok to hammer a euro brand bike (like the Maico) but if you say anything contrary everyone loses their mind. I have ridden a Maico. I own it. So I can say what it's like, and compare it to many other bikes that are comparable to it. Not many have even seen these bikes. I'm trying to show options the general public may not know of.
Scientist don't get MAD! I know that a chromoly steel frame flex way more but a Twin spare looks 10x better! Hydraulic clutch? I can get one from Magura or Brembo for dirt cheap! Not everyone like them also... BTW I am 31 year sold.. and raced dirt bikes for 12 years straight intermediate and pro level. I quit because of the 4 stroke movement...I started this thread to know more about the Maico frenzy.. You are probably older than me and got exposed and rode dirt bikes that I am calling vintage...We are just from a different generation.. I am in the Military since 8 years and went to Afghanistan in 06 and going back probably in 2011.. Yep a I am a bit more than a guy sit on my A** in front of a computer...I like to shake things up to make threads a bit more interesting...This is it.. Do you really think I will say no for a ride with your Maico? :)
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Listen to those of us who do more than sit around and play on the computer.
I guess you didn't read John's post to 2smoker about remaining respectful.
have ridden lots of Japanese bikes of all kinds. And virtually every brand of euro 2 and 4t...want me to continue?
Not really. Many of us have ridden and raced all kinds and all brands of bikes over many years.
That doesn't make our "opinion" about them any more relevent than the next guy.
The very cool thing about an open forum is, among other things, you get to talk up your favorite
brand of bike. What's not cool is when you feel compelled to p*ss on somebody else's favorite
brand(s) in the process.
Hey Dogger....
Hopefully the first quote from Mad Scientist doesn't bother anyone... at least on this board.
The way I read it is that he's tired of folks talking about things that they don't know anything about. In this case talking crap about the Maico... without any experience or knowledge about them. He started by defending the brand that he owns and knows....
Along the lines of your comment about not p*ssing on somebody else's favorite....
The tough part of any forum is that for the most part we are all competitors and have our own opinions about a lot of things. This creates a situation which could spiral quickly out of control. Which is why I ask that one simple rule be used, respect.
In addition the written word is not so forgiving, especially when we write when we are upset... sometimes to get a point across we use the wrong wording or wrong tone... not meaning to create problems, but we do.
We got to give each other a little slack at times....
The fact is if we keep an open mind and listen to the others on the forum, we'll learn a great deal more about our beloved sport. What could be better than that??
Thank you for being a part of the forum.
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Hi guys,cool site.I had to register when I saw this thread.My problem with Maico has always been that every year for probably the last ten I've heard "Maico's back!" and each year it seems nothing happens-until the same headline next year.Are they actually producing bikes presently with whoever owns them now or are they just throwing out a few one-offs for the new year.
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What is amazing to me is that some people claim I'm too harsh. Did anyone read the OP? It's always ok to hammer a euro brand bike (like the Maico) but if you say anything contrary everyone loses their mind. I have ridden a Maico. I own it. So I can say what it's like, and compare it to many other bikes that are comparable to it. Not many have even seen these bikes. I'm trying to show options the general public may not know of.
Scientist don't get MAD! I know that a chromoly steel frame flex way more but a Twin spare looks 10x better! Hydraulic clutch? I can get one from Magura or Brembo for dirt cheap! Not everyone like them also... BTW I am 31 year sold.. and raced dirt bikes for 12 years straight intermediate and pro level. I quit because of the 4 stroke movement...I started this thread to know more about the Maico frenzy.. You are probably older than me and got exposed and rode dirt bikes that I am calling vintage...We are just from a different generation.. I am in the Military since 8 years and went to Afghanistan in 06 and going back probably in 2011.. Yep a I am a bit more than a guy sit on my A** in front of a computer...I like to shake things up to make threads a bit more interesting...This is it.. Do you really think I will say no for a ride with your Maico? :)
Wasn't MAD. So let me address what you have brought up because they are LEGITIMATE questions. Frame flex is dictated by DESIGN, not materiel. If you buy an aftermarket hydraulic clutch, it won't have a SLAVE CYLINDER to operate the clutch, per se. It just pulls the clutch arm with the slave cylinder. So I'm clear here, the aftermarket kits do not operate the clutch by actuating the clutch pushrod directly. So it's not the same, not even close. Every single euro manufacturer has hydraulic clutches standard. Not a single Asian manufacturer does. For me, it's a big deal. When you get to 40 plus...you may change your mind. Trust me when I tell you a late model Maico is NOT vintage. I cover more on AF bikes in part 2. You can read it when it's posted. BTW...I thought you said you were in BC. Yes or no? If you are, there is a Maico guy there and I thought I put his address in this thread. He used to have pics of one of his customers riding an 06 500 in the 40 plus class, which he won. Much to the squealing of all the guys who didn't like getting beat by a "vintage" Maico.
I have a link to a story about a guy who got off his late model AF 4T dirt bike for a 1981 490 Maico, because the Maico was better. If everyone keeps their cool in this thread I'll post it. John has hung his butt on the line for TSM and this forum. I personally will try and not do anything to make him regret his actions. It's John's sand box AND sand. I will respect his rules.
Here you go maicomotorcycles.com
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I need to check with Caldwell on my facts. I just looked at the site (maicomotorcycles.com) and the guy was using a 1983 490 against modern bikes and winning. But I'm pretty sure he did the same thing with his modern bike, of which there is a pic of him racing it.
Just trying to be factually accurate.
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Hi guys,cool site.I had to register when I saw this thread.My problem with Maico has always been that every year for probably the last ten I've heard "Maico's back!" and each year it seems nothing happens-until the same headline next year.Are they actually producing bikes presently with whoever owns them now or are they just throwing out a few one-offs for the new year.
Hey Ford832 welcome to the forum!
I certainly can relate to your frustration. But in this case I may be able to help you. I know that in the past there has been lot's of promises, with not much follow through.
There is a very, very high probability that Maico will be distributed here in the USA in 2010. How do I know, well I know the guy that is negotiating to set up distribution. He has the ability to get the job done and is very passionate about Maico.
Unfortunately that is all that can be said for now....
Well except that one of his ideas to promote the bikes is to set up test rides for potential new customers. Should be fun!
Besides if you're really determined you can get anything you want. All it takes is money and desire. ;D
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In this case talking crap about the Maico... without any experience or knowledge about them.
I completely understand how he feels, which is why I make it a point not to bag on another man's brand no matter
what I think of it. Personally, my only experience with Maicos are the two years I fielded a 1974 400 radial GP as
an amateur. Tons of useable power, excellent handling, poor reliability. It and the 440 were the bikes to beat
those years.
The fact is if we keep an open mind and listen to the others on the forum, we'll learn a great deal more about our beloved sport
John, that's good advice for everyone. By the way, I love the idea of a Maico vs CR500AF shootout. I hope it can
be pulled off.
dogger
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In this case talking crap about the Maico... without any experience or knowledge about them.
I completely understand how he feels, which is why I make it a point not to bag on another man's brand no matter
what I think of it. Personally, my only experience with Maicos are the two years I fielded a 1974 400 radial GP as
an amateur. Tons of useable power, excellent handling, poor reliability. It and the 440 were the bikes to beat
those years.
The fact is if we keep an open mind and listen to the others on the forum, we'll learn a great deal more about our beloved sport
John, that's good advice for everyone. By the way, I love the idea of a Maico vs CR500AF shootout. I hope it can
be pulled off.
dogger
I'd love to see that shootout too, with two additions. Add in the KX 500 and make sure it is done by any body not bought and sold with advertising $$$$$$$$$$$$$. I just don't know who that would be.
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Maybe it could be us as a collective. There could be a sort of drive where we draw out a plan to create such a test, make up a budget and start taking down names. People volunteer to donate however much money they want to contribute to the test. When one signs up, he/she is committed to donate the amount of money they say to, if and only if the target amount gets promised.
Let's say we need $2000 to make it work (I have no idea) and I'm going to promise $50. I could say I'm going to do that now, and not pay a cent. Then, once the "promise balance" or whatever reaches $2000, we know that the drive was a success and everyone pays. If $2000 isn't reached, there's no wasted money. We could also go around, talk to dudes at races, make posts on other forums and such to help spread the word for the idea of an unbiased shootout with independent, unaffiliated test riders. What do you guys think?
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Jetzcorp that idea has some real potential. I love it.
I will respond to this in more detail in another post.....
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Hey Twostroker I take you've never got the opprutunity to ride one of the badas# Maicos? I'm sure if you ever get a chance to take one for a ride
You would definetly change your tune and have alot more respect for the Maico! It would definetely straighten you up & take any of your GAYNESS out of you!!!!LOL.
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I don't think personal insults are going to help anything. Perhaps it's best to keep our eyes on the ball gentleman.
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Hey Twostroker I take you've never got the opprutunity to ride one of the badas# Maicos? I'm sure if you ever get a chance to take one for a ride
You would definetly change your tune and have alot more respect for the Maico! It would definetely straighten you up & take any of your GAYNESS out of you!!!!LOL.
See....do you have anything to support your claims? What Maico did you ride? What year? Have you ride other Big-Bore Bikes before? Did you ride in you backyard or the racetrack???? What is you experience with dirt bikes???? You guys all talk about the power of the Maicos..what about the rest?
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In this case talking crap about the Maico... without any experience or knowledge about them.
I completely understand how he feels, which is why I make it a point not to bag on another man's brand no matter
what I think of it. Personally, my only experience with Maicos are the two years I fielded a 1974 400 radial GP as
an amateur. Tons of useable power, excellent handling, poor reliability. It and the 440 were the bikes to beat
those years.
The fact is if we keep an open mind and listen to the others on the forum, we'll learn a great deal more about our beloved sport
John, that's good advice for everyone. By the way, I love the idea of a Maico vs CR500AF shootout. I hope it can
be pulled off.
dogger
I'd love to see that shootout too, with two additions. Add in the KX 500 and make sure it is done by any body not bought and sold with advertising $$$$$$$$$$$$$. I just don't know who that would be.
Mad, John , Jet anyone! Can you guys can post the specifications of each bikes...Like the 500AFX both Kawi and Honda from Service or others Cies... and the Maico with pictures... so we elaborate a bit more about the subject..Maybe silly but it is a start in the right direction???? Also! Would like to see a WR500 engine tucked in a 2010 yz250F frame with the yellow scheme!
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Thanks John.I'll keep an eye out.Do you know if there will be a Canadian importer?I'm a sucker for something different-probably why previous to the YZ I had a Husaberg.On the other hand,If I had the $$ right now I'd likely have a new TM sitting in the basement.Maybe next year.....
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In this case talking crap about the Maico... without any experience or knowledge about them.
I completely understand how he feels, which is why I make it a point not to bag on another man's brand no matter
what I think of it. Personally, my only experience with Maicos are the two years I fielded a 1974 400 radial GP as
an amateur. Tons of useable power, excellent handling, poor reliability. It and the 440 were the bikes to beat
those years.
The fact is if we keep an open mind and listen to the others on the forum, we'll learn a great deal more about our beloved sport
John, that's good advice for everyone. By the way, I love the idea of a Maico vs CR500AF shootout. I hope it can
be pulled off.
dogger
I'd love to see that shootout too, with two additions. Add in the KX 500 and make sure it is done by any body not bought and sold with advertising $$$$$$$$$$$$$. I just don't know who that would be.
Mad, John , Jet anyone! Can you guys can post the specifications of each bikes...Like the 500AFX both Kawi and Honda from Service or others Cies... and the Maico with pictures... so we elaborate a bit more about the subject..Maybe silly but it is a start in the right direction???? Also! Would like to see a WR500 engine tucked in a 2010 yz250F frame with the yellow scheme!
If that's what your interested in, go find the spec's and post them. We would love to see them.
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Mad, John , Jet anyone! Can you guys can post the specifications of each bikes...Like the 500AFX both Kawi and Honda from Service or others Cies... and the Maico with pictures... so we elaborate a bit more about the subject..Maybe silly but it is a start in the right direction???? Also! Would like to see a WR500 engine tucked in a 2010 yz250F frame with the yellow scheme!
Hey 2smoker, do you realize how much work your asking us to do, because you asked?? Yikes dude!! :o :o
On the main site is a listing of all the 2009 Maico's, these will remain the same until sometime before the beginning of the year. Also on this site are test reports on the Service bikes as well (with another one coming soon)
If you want to see this stuff, just gather it up.
I know it's just words in cyberspace, but the way it is coming across (at least to me) is that you don't really believe the info about the Maico these guys have written, so you want to have us post the specs so that you can do a comparision.... Is this right????
The problem with comparing specs is that it only tells you one part of the equation....
While I don't have the same big bike experience these guys have, I have ridden a few CR500's, KX500's and big bore Maicos.... The Maico has a different feel to it, while not for everyone, it is a really nice bike.
I don't believe that anyone is under the impression that Maico will become the biggest selling machine, replacing the other factories, it just nice to know that someone builds current two strokes, Which means they get this sites support.
Honda does not build a current two stroke, although there bikes were some of the best. Same with Suzuki and Kawasaki. Yamaha still builds two-strokes, but for 2010 changed the graphics and raised the price. KTM continues to make updates and changes on their two-stroke bikes.
Husqvarna, Maico, TM Racing, Gas Gas and others make current two-strokes. Again no illusions that they will replace the Big 4, but the Big 4 is determined to sell four-strokes... for those that want a choice we are just showing that there is a choice.
Of course if you so desire you can buy a later model used Big 4 two-stroke.
But without new two-strokes, the chances of changing the rules in the pro classes becomes very, very hard. If not completely impossible.
The idea here is that we are sending a message to the Big 4... we will buy bikes from those that build waht we want. f that means buying machines from smaller manufacturers so be it.
Just so you can put all the pieces together, here is a little interesting piece of information. As you probably already know, the FIM has a 125cc European Championship being held at select MX GP's in 2010. Of course every small manufacturer will be fielding a team. The funny thing is that the Big 4 don't want to be left out and will be building race bikes for this series.
Hmmmm...
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Every small manufactuer? Maico doesn't make a 125, not since the 1979 model year
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You're funny!!
Every small manufacturer that currently builds a 125cc Motocross bike!!
;D ;D
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I know, I'm just messing with you. :P
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I want to own a maico 500 one day but its allmost impossible to find one second hand one.
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I want to own a maico 500 one day but its allmost impossible to find one second hand one.
Sadly, that is a fact.
Check craigslist, around Seattle Washington, or Tacoma, or as far south as Olympia. There was a 2004 500 purchased from a small shop in Vanita Oregon. I know it went up near the Olympia area. My brother said it was on craigslist a few weeks back.
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When I go to Craigslist and search "Maico," I either get nothing, or some guy trying to attract attention to a junky YZ80. When I search "Lamborghini," I get dozens of hits. Now that's exclusive!