Maico engine and frame no's

[Maicojames]

Paul 1st is an early GP frame, 2nd is a later GP( or 1975) frame -three variants of factory GP frames are known now. Early GP-no hole in gusset-perhpas some w/o gusset, then also early GP=two hole, then the somewhat more common four hole 74.5 GP and 1975 frame. ...then we have the wheelsmith LTR conversions, and other LTR conversions.
Fun, isn't it. You sent me the eng and frame #s-I think both frames are legit ofr 74 GP, while 400 eng is late 72/early 73-like was said -it could have been dropped in at factory, or replaced at dealer-or cases replaced at some point.
Personally, I don't think it should affect value of bikes as racers. BTW I got my # reference from the registry on Yahoo Maico discussion-more a documentation of what actually exists more than what series eng should have been with what frame. Bottom line, they are not Jap bikes-no definite production runs, no clear cutoffs-think of all the possibilites when a model changeover was happening, and there were parts to be used, or #s not used etc.

Hell, at one time no one thought a 427Ci COPO Chevelle existed, but it was built and exists.
James

[paul]

james  in fact these are different frame  than the numbers isent you yesterday  i grab these pics to see who could tell by sight   firko   was the only one so far to  have a stap at the first one  so  im interested to see what happens  / funny thing is when there covered in mud who gives a flying fuk  but when there top dollar  and the mud comes off to reveal  what you have spent your hard earned on well  then you start to think
AS THE YEARS GO ON THESE BIKE WILL ONLY BECOME MORE RARE  AND HARDER TO GET

[nipplesX2]

Firstly the steering head look to be a single cup pressed into the stem and if removed will have FAG and no's . This means a cage of ballbearings sit on top and mate to the cup in the frame is pressed into to the top fork yoke. if this is so and by the look of air box mounts and tank mount late 1974  But why is it painted black?? ( 1975 models have different bearings)

[nipplesX2]

the photo with ( and this looks to be 1975 )  swing arm has the brake torque anr bracket three holes =75 check the steering head bearings looks like 75 also tank mounts look 75

[firko]

My 1970 Square barrel Maico is three engine numbers older than Mick Hockleys yet his is a 69 model with alloy guards and mine came with fibreglass in 1970. My other 350 Maico has a number 10 newer than mine but was sold as an engine unit only by the factory in 1969. So, why was my Maico imported by Blair Harley in May 1970 when Micks came in via Brisk sales in Brisbane a year earlier yet the engine number is newer than mine and the engine sold to England 10 months earlier even though the engine number is ten newer.  If you can work that out you've solved the mystery.
My contact in Germany,Ulrich who used to work at the factory says that engines were stamped when built and shelved in no particular order. When an engine was needed, the first one on the shelf was grabbed, despite the number.

[bingil 6]

Sorry Lads just got a bit carried away when I read all the talk of numbers & authentisity must be my sensitive side comming out Cheers

[Wombat]

"When an engine was needed, the first one on the shelf was grabbed, despite the number".
Perhaps in this quote lies the answer to the whole thread?
They are motorcycles, hand built and put together by Mechanics on a wage and a hurry up.
Space Shuttles and 747's they're not.
No need for anal accountability of every nut, screw, bolt and matching serial numbers.
That's for Collectors to agonise over.

[bingil 6]

Here Here

[dkupf]

Paul I'd say that the second photo is of a 75 model because it has the lug behind the steering head that  the front of the fuel tank goes under to hold it downand . Darcy

[Husky500evo]

I am no expert on this, but I thought that because the '75 models have a 5 speed gearbox they have a wider swingarm & wider rear hub to suit . So it would be easy to tell a '75 frame by measuring across where the swing arm pivot bolt goes through . I think that the '75 front downtubes also wrap around the steering head tube a bit  to give extra strength . So the second frame pictured looks like a '75 frame to me .  Apparently a '75 frame is legal in AHRMA (USA) pre '75 class , so long as you use a 4 speed motor. I presume that they allow this because there is no advantage with the geometry , but the extra strength would add to safety. There would be issues with wheel or swingarm spacers , to allow the sprockets to line up.

[Maicojames]

hello hello hello  whats happening here  ;Dtoday 

Ok folks, nothing to see here, just move along. move along

What is the verdict of the Maico Police on this?

[Maicojames]

I am no expert on this, but I thought that because the '75 models have a 5 speed gearbox they have a wider swingarm & wider rear hub to suit . So it would be easy to tell a '75 frame by measuring across where the swing arm pivot bolt goes through . I think that the '75 front downtubes also wrap around the steering head tube a bit  to give extra strength . So the second frame pictured looks like a '75 frame to me .  Apparently a '75 frame is legal in AHRMA (USA) pre '75 class , so long as you use a 4 speed motor. I presume that they allow this because there is no advantage with the geometry , but the extra strength would add to safety. There would be issues with wheel or swingarm spacers , to allow the sprockets to line up.

You are correct-and not sure why these frames are painted black, but that makes more subtle details tougher to find-the last frame is obviously a later year GP, or 1975-if you can tell from that picture which particular one, then you have great eyes........

Just look out for the Maico Police, they came to my house last night , I said.....................no, no Maico parts here , just a few Bul bits I am polishing

[paul]

ok this is the add for the first frame
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Maico-74-5-GP-Frame_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ10065QQihZ011QQitemZ320206923528QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW
and the second
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1975-Maico-440-frame-vintage-motocross-mx-AHRMA-GP-75_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ35608QQihZ013QQitemZ230213468760QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

[Maicojames]

Ok, see the lug on the 75, what is this Paul? ...some kind of quiz...?

I don't think the Maico Police would like that-too much info into the wrong hands ....... Lookout Paul the Maico Police will "cane" people for these things

[Maicojames]

These are two separate e-bay auctions here in US. First is Ralph in California, second is Kevin in Phoenix. Both would be reputable to buy from. Likely these frames were painted black when stored, something to cover the surface rust-or it could be that some like to run a Sq barrel, but want the GP frame-just paint it black and at least frame color is correct. I have seen about 5 or 6 Sq Barrels with either GP frame or LTR conversion.
............or it could be a trick by the Maico Police again..
What three model years came with silver frames? 1974,1975, and 1976( though I 've heard of some 73s with a silver frame).