1982 Maico 490

Description

Maico was a German manufacturer that gained notoriety in the 1960s for building two stroke rocket ships designed to carry you through any terrain you might encounter on your way to the finish line. A few years later in the early 1970s, Maico, Husqvarna, and Bultaco formed the triumvirate which dominated the motocross world. This dominance was short lived and by 1973, Japanese manufacturers had made significant strides, becoming competitive enough to challenge European supremacy.

Soon, the Japanese manufacturers were getting better at producing competitive big bike. In response Maico released new 250 and 490 engines in 1981. The new 490 was a home run with consumers. With a fantastic spread of power and excellent handling, riders bought the bike in droves (despite the sub-par shocks). Its performance was so impressive that Japanese manufacturers purchased multiple bikes to tear apart and study. It took another three years before they managed to replicate the 490’s distinctive powerband, and even then, their efforts resulted in mere imitations.

This example is VIN: 3541765. Engine: RT3541764. The seller purchased the bike two years ago from a private party out of Phelan, California, and states, “I like to collect and ride bikes. For dirt bikes always Maico I have had a few to enjoy.”

There is no odometer, true mileage unknown. The seller notes, “I didn’t put any any hours on the bike. Just few rides around the block to keep it running.”