78/79 250 MC

[Slakewell]

Are these a good thing? Can you fit a 490 engine to them?

[Davey Crocket]

I'm sure Brad090 has a 490 engine in a 79 frame....don't know if the 250 frame is the same as a 400/440 though.

[JohnnyO]

Yes the 490 motor goes straight in. 250,400,490 cases are basically the same

[Slakewell]

Hmmm how much are 490 engines I wonder

[JohnnyO]

Hmmm how much are 490 engines I wonder

Lots!

[paul]

ive got one as well

[firko]

The 490 into 78/79 Magnum frame "Frankenbike" is a great hot rod. Some Maico punters, Geoff Ballard and myself included reckon the Magnum is the best handling Maico ever. I helped build one for a mate a few years ago and we used IT 465 Yamaha 43mm forks & front wheel with 2ls brake and the longer 81 model swingarm and an '84 model rear wheel. The bike was sold after my friend had a mad period of disinterest before he could sort it properly. With a couple of weekends of suspension tweaking and jetting it would have been a truly great bike. They look good with an RM250/370 alloy tank painted up in Maico graphics too.

If I was twenty years younger and wanting to build a competitive Evo open classer, a Frankenbike would be my choice.

[Slakewell]

Is there much difference between 78/79?

[firko]

Is there much difference between 78/79?

Only minor trim differences Mick.

[paul]

also  the 79 has a rear frame loop  .different foot pegs /and mounts

[paul]

got a 81 longer swing arm if you want 1 to suit/ 100 bucks

[Slakewell]

got a 81 longer swing arm if you want 1 to suit/ 100 bucks

Do you have a spare 490 engine Paul?
Can you still buy new ones from the UK?

[firko]

also  the 79 has a rear frame loop  .different foot pegs /and mounts

I forgot about the loop thing....it's been a few years . You'd be lucky to find a 490 motor for a sensible price Mick. If you were keen you could make one from a 440 by fitting a 490 sleeve (or complete cylinder) but is it worth the effort? Up to you.
 

[paul]

got a 81 longer swing arm if you want 1 to suit/ 100 bucks

Do you have a spare 490 engine Paul?
Can you still buy new ones from the UK?

no sorry sold the last one I had that was in  in bits
maico only uk has engines for sale ,they are pretty pricey though
http://www.maicoonly.co.uk/maico-1981-2-490-reed-valve-race-engine.html
as firko says you can convert a 440 to a 490

resleeve barrel/fly cut cases/machine head  etc

[Slakewell]

Those new engines are dam pricey 4k and then you need a ignition. Oh well it's getting beyond my current budget and I haven't finished my current project that will satisfy my big bore lust.