Maico MC125 Motocross / 1968

How could one of the lightest, best handling and most powerful 125’s on the market not be a sales success? They say timing is everything and possibly the problem was introducing the potent 125 in early 1967, before 125’s became a major force in motocross. The 6-speed transmission was a similar design to that made by Sachs and if abused could easily develop 12 neutrals, though if adjusted properly, the trans was as sweet as any available. At nearly one thousand dollars, the little Maico was also almost double the price of its competitors.

The few riders that did step up to this marvelous machine experienced awesome handling as the chassis was the same as the 250cc and open class Maicos. If the road racing pipe, cylinder, and carb were installed, power was up to 25HP, more than many 250’s being sold at the time. Unfortunately in the late 1960’s and early 70’s there was no 125 World Championships to showcase the little Maico.

This rare Maico has been restored to Concours show condition. Please enjoy!

Maico 360cc Oval Barrell / 1967

The Maico 360 Oval Barrel was one of the first European open-class two-stroke machines to be imported into America. Imported by Frank Cooper, the early Maico’s seemed rather crude and didn’t generate much excitement in the US. Keep in mind, America was just starting to buy-in to the new European motocross bug and most riders were attracted to 250cc machines from Husqvarna and CZ.

In fact, the early open-class Maico was way ahead of its time. Leading axle forks and frame geometry that would allow the Maico’s to carve under other European brands was well matched with “torquey” power that easily transferred to the ground. On the negative side, Maico’s would gain a reputation for poor reliability that would stay with the marque for years to come.

This machine is begging for the correct handlebars. If you can help, please contact the Early Years of Motocross Museum.

Maico 400cc Motocross / 1973

By 1973, the Maico 400 and 440 models were the top choice of open class riders in America. Riders like German Champion, Adolph Weil showcased the big Maico’s well. Razor sharp handling, very linear and torquey power, and excellent suspension made the Maico’s hard to beat, especially on hard-packed track like Carlsbad and Saddleback.

Unfortunately, Maico’s also earned a reputation for poor reliability. “Maico Breako” and “Maico, Maico, made of tin, ride em out and push em in’ were often used to describe the German motorcycles. Fortunately, performance shops like Wheelsmith Engineering in Santa Ana were able to respoke the wheels, reline the brakes, fix the clutches, and make other modifications to improve the big Maico’s reliability. The 125cc and 250cc Maico’s were never popular, though both were also good handling motorcycles. The price was probably the biggest problem, though not much a barrier for the Open Class riders, who generally were older.

This example was purchased from a friend, Steve Donovan who did the restoration.

Maico GS400 / 1974

INFO COMING SOON.