Flaunting one of the best dirtbike names ever, the Maico 490 Mega 2 was considered by many to be one of the best open class motorcross bikes ever built. Back in the 80s, there was a lot of prestige associated with riding a Maico, but even this was the cream of the crop. The Mega 2 is still an absolute legend – Maico sold more of this exact model than Honda sold across their entire MX lineup in 1981.
Jody Weisel, one of the nation’s best test riders, once said that the 1981 Maico 490 Mega 2 had the best handling and best powerband in this history of motocross. And that’s coming from someone who’s pretty much ridden everything out there. The 490 put out an absurd 53 horsepower, which was controlled by a wet multi-disc clutch and was transmitted through a five-speed gearbox. This whole incredible package weighed just 244 pounds. If you want to hear more gushing praise for it, read a piece on off-road.com simply entitled, “How Good Was the Maico 490?”
This example is VIN: 2510062, Engine #: GT2520064. The seller acquired it from a private collector roughly eight years ago.
The seller rode it once and then put it away on display in his collection. There is no odometer, true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Plastic
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok (Age Unknown)
2T Oil Level: Premix
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Dirty
Headlight High Beam: N/A
Headlight Low Beam: N/A
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: N/A
Tail Light: N/A
Brake Light (Front Switch): N/A
Brake Light (Rear Switch): N/A
Plate Light: N/A
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Unknown
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 90% Drum
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 90% Drum
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Leaking
Tire Date Code Front: 42/09
Tire Date Code Rear: 34/08
Tire % Remaining Front: 90% Dry Rotting
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90% Dry Rotting
Tire Press. Front: 30 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 30 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: N/A
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: N/A
Running Condition: Kick, No Start
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Vape Ignition
-Chain is dirty
-Front and Rear Tires are Dry Rotted
Recommendations:
-No Start Diagnostic
-Chain Service
-Rear Shock Rebuild
-Front and Rear Tires and Tubes
-Carburetor Rebuild
-Spark Plug
Modifications:
Clarke fuel tank and petcock.
Lighting kit with enduro fender and lights.
Aftermarket expansion chamber.
Vape ignition.
Acerbis handguards.
Sun Rims.
Works shocks.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Michelin Cross Competition tires with date codes of 3408 and 4209.
The sale includes “two kick start levers. One is original, the other updated aftermarket.”
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Maico is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any Mega 2 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
