Watched an interesting video on the history and fall of Maico motorcycles. Figured some old folks like Bill might have been around when it happened I have to admit, its a really sexy looking bike!
Re: MAICO motorcycles
Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2023 11:47 am
by Firebolter
Indeed, they were BADASS monsters up till 81, about then, that's when they fizzled due to bad blood between the brothers. They were well ahead of their time and I did get to ride a few. If you look close, Yamaha DAMN near copied their suspension specs (Laydown shocks) and alot of modern bikes today still use the "Maico" geometries.
Re: MAICO motorcycles
Posted: Thu Jul 13, 2023 7:11 pm
by Firebolter
Came across this since you made me relive Maico! The 490 Mega 2-DAMN I lusted after these but alas, I was a poor sailor with a wife and kid! so I had a used 81 CR250!
Re: MAICO motorcycles
Posted: Fri Jul 14, 2023 1:23 pm
by smdub
Yeah, the 1981 490 Mega 2 was the focus of that video I posted. I never knew the history before or how/why it fell apart. Its pretty neat to see how close they got it to today's geometry. Power and weight were pretty darn close to today too.
I have to admit, its a really sexy looking bike!