Author Topic: Maico 490 spider  (Read 10661 times)

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Offline jerry

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Maico 490 spider
« on: July 18, 2014, 02:33:03 pm »
Ran into a girl yesterday who has a rolling chassis for a 490 I think 1983 model. Through another mate I may have tracked down the motor and am thinking of reuniting them. Should I do it? Help. Jerry

Offline hoppy

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Re: Maico 490 spider
« Reply #1 on: July 18, 2014, 03:06:54 pm »
Of course....

Offline Nathan S

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Re: Maico 490 spider
« Reply #2 on: July 18, 2014, 03:50:24 pm »
That question is like asking a bunch of raging alcoholics whether you need another drink...
The good thing about telling the truth is that you don't have to remember what you said.

Re: Maico 490 spider
« Reply #3 on: July 18, 2014, 04:02:45 pm »
Or Linda Lovelace coming to a party consisting of you and your teenage mates - mutual benefit.

Offline jerry

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Re: Maico 490 spider
« Reply #4 on: July 18, 2014, 04:20:46 pm »
Just the response I expected from you lot. Seriously now though we're they a good bike back then are they desirable now. Are they competitive in the hands of a capable rider(not me!) can you get parts and know how. So many questions its doing my head in! J

Offline jerry

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Re: Maico 490 spider
« Reply #5 on: July 18, 2014, 04:22:39 pm »
Into necrophilia Twist man? :) J

Re: Maico 490 spider
« Reply #6 on: July 18, 2014, 04:42:53 pm »
jes live in tha pas....just live in de pas.  :o  :o  :o

Offline Hoony

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Re: Maico 490 spider
« Reply #7 on: July 18, 2014, 05:39:59 pm »
Ran into a girl yesterday who has a rolling chassis for a 490 I think 1983 model....................
see a few girls in my time but never seen one described with a rolling chassis J Man? very sexist of you to refer to her as an 83' model i am deeply offended. :)
Long time Honda Fan, but all bike nut in general, Big Bore 2 stroke fan.    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XJoKP6MawYI
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Offline 80-85 husky

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Re: Maico 490 spider
« Reply #8 on: July 18, 2014, 06:23:09 pm »
did you offer her a "good time" for it ???

Offline jerry

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Re: Maico 490 spider
« Reply #9 on: July 18, 2014, 07:11:53 pm »
I figure sooner or later one of you morons will give me a half sensible answer. J

Offline KTM47

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Re: Maico 490 spider
« Reply #10 on: July 18, 2014, 08:22:44 pm »
Ok  The 1983 Spyder 490 was a pretty good bike but by then Maico  was in financial trouble.  The 1984 model is probably a better bike also.

However we should establish whether it is an 1983 motor.  Has it got chain primary drive or gear primary drive.

1981/2 is chain primary drive.  Check a website like SoCal Maico they have engine numbers so you can confirm the year.

As for parts.  Are you kidding Maico is the one brand you can almost get anything.  Apart from SoCal try Maico Only UK, VMX Unlimited in Australia.  Just Google Maico parts or even eBay.

Kevin
MAICOS RULE DESPITE THE FOOLS

1999 KTM 200, 1976/77 KTM 400,1981 Maico 490

Offline 80-85 husky

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Re: Maico 490 spider
« Reply #11 on: July 18, 2014, 08:25:40 pm »
the 490 maico is the standard of big bore vmx. the single shockers were off the pace a bit on handling compared to the last twins but the motor was a winner in all respects

Offline mustanggrahame

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Re: Maico 490 spider
« Reply #12 on: July 18, 2014, 08:50:41 pm »
Why do so many people say that a 490 Maico is the best dirt bike made. I raced mx from 79-84 and hardly saw one compete let alone win? Enlighten me.
Wouldn't knock back a ride of one to see for myself.
Cheers, Grahame
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Offline GMC

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Re: Maico 490 spider
« Reply #13 on: July 18, 2014, 09:45:19 pm »
Ran into a girl yesterday who has a rolling chassis for a 490 I think 1983 model....................
see a few girls in my time but never seen one described with a rolling chassis J Man? very sexist of you to refer to her as an 83' model i am deeply offended. :)

Spidergirl maybe?

Seriously though Jerry, why are you asking us?
Shouldn't you be asking your missus?
Have you asked her if you can come out to play next week yet?
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Offline 80-85 husky

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Re: Maico 490 spider
« Reply #14 on: July 18, 2014, 10:01:39 pm »
owners trying to keep them going was the reason you never saw any! they were always broke down ??? :( when they were running and with a good rider on board they were a good combination.

lack of sponsors for a brand on the way down meant a lack of name riders on them in mx.

They were big in enduros but reliability and euro quirks (weak brakes and hard clutchs) turned most people off.

I rode a couple here and there and loved the strong engines and the amazing steering. the suspension was always good until the first single shock which everyone said was vague. the rushed introduction of the single shock before it was ready was the start of the downfall of the company.

I rode a 500 water cooled in 85 which was a barnstormer of a machine but they were r**ted as a company by then.

in VMX terms I think they are a serious contender, mainly on steering and power delivery. In finish and ease of ownership the Japanese had them on the ropes by the late 70's

that's what I rekon  anyway :D I wouldn't knock one back if a lady rolled up with one ;D ;D