I have a 74 GP 250 Maico that I have compared the Montesa's to. The VR handles very similar to the Maico; great in the turns and stable as a rock on the fast whoops. The seating position, peg postion on the VR is easier to get used to for someone jumping off a modern bike. And the VR is a hands down faster motor, from low end, mid-range, and top end power.
Older Maico brakes can be set up to work properly without spending money on a new wheel. The rear brakes are as good as any other brand, but the front brake needs to be bolted right when you tighten the axle. I know the way to do it, and it makes a big difference. Also, the Maico's have a lot of flywheel inertia, which makes the stopping feel different than a bike with no flywheel inertia, like all the Japanes bikes of that era. Maico used the same rear brakes on the 81 83 models as it did the 70 71 models. I have to be careful not to lock the rear brake on my 81 490.
