My 78 Maico project.

[Roostin440]

After going to a vintage race a couple of months ago I became hooked. I bought a really beat 79 Maico 440 with a busted frame. The guy gave me a good 78 frame to use. So my project started. It is coming along very well. I am just waiting on some parts and waiting for the wheels to be spoked. Here is a before pic and one where I am fitting the tank, seat and side panels. All of the nuts and bolts are going to be stainless except the motor mount bolts are grade 12.

It looks like there is a bracket missing that holds the rear of the gas tank down. Is this a bracket or a strap? The seat does not hold it down well. So far I have everything ordered to finish the bike except the shocks. Last weekend I watched a vintage race at the Glen Helen national track. That was something to see the vintage bikes on that track. I noticed the Maico that went through the woops the cleanest had YSS shocks. So now I am torn between YSS and Ohlins. I do like the fact that the YSS have adjustable comp and rebound for the same price.

[odd1]

I have yss on my 79 gs Maico put the pd valves in the forks as well fantastic. Your bike will be to good to ride

[JohnnyO]

What are the triple clamps you are using?

[firko]

Nice bike, my favourite model Maico.  If you can find one try an '81 model swingarm, the extra length helps make the best handling twin shock Maico even better. The YSS top of the line shocks with all of the gizmos work well as do the Ohlins. They both leave Works behind. I'm curious about the triple clamps as well.

[paul]

you bike is  comeing along nicely    i love that model  i have 2 

[vmx42]

I'm more curious why all of a sudden we seem to have been inundated with Euro Enduro bikes with 16" of travel. First the KTM125 and now the forks on this Maico.

Is it just my ever aging eyes, or are these forks way too long?

Back to the Maico experts…
VMX42

[paul]

81 forks and tripple clamps  and 81 alloy swing arm ohlins  490 engine
81 wheels as well 

[Roostin440]

The triple clamps on mine are from Maico Only. My stock clamps had big gouges in them. The forks are rebuilt 79 forks with new springs and Race-Tech cartridge emulators. The length is stock.

[vmx42]

…the length is stock.

Must get my eyes checked. 

[JohnnyO]

…the length is stock.

Must get my eyes checked. 

I think you guys are commenting on 2 different Maico's.

[Scott Wilson]

The Ohlins are a vastly better shock . The YSS are fundamentaly flawed due to increase in the shaft diameter after the original design  . The extra volume displaced by the shaft cannot be acccomodated by the reservoir which leads to seal and hydraulic lock problems . I have 5 Maicos withs Ohlins and wouldn't run anything else .  A lack of adjusters shouldn't put you off .   Regards Scott

[Mick D]

                              CLICK ON PICTURE


                              CLICK ON PICTURE

[paul]

how do you do that thing with the picture mick

[Mick D]

how do you do that thing with the picture mick

Aarrhhh, that be magic mate:D

[Mick D]

CLICK ON PIC

Geez, didn't take you long to figure that one out