Marc, perhaps we could agree that even though it is an outstanding bikes-and that it's iconic status is deserved, that it is possibly now the status quo, or even a status symbol in its class. Given the YZ465, RM400, KTM420, Husky 430, and 500-it may well be the top of it's class...but it seems at least here in the US that the typical bucks up Maico owner has a74.5 GP and then an 81 490. The square barrels , and AWs are few-as are the IMO superor for linkage class 83-84 Maicos.
Also, I am a Maico rider-and enthusiast so, perhaps to those who are not-it is much like the 73-74 CR250M Elsinore to us -belly buttons-everybody's got one.