Comments on: 1981 Maico 490 – George Marshall

By: Caldwell

Caldwell — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:09:19 +0000

George, I’m impressed with your racing successes on that Maico. I’m considering returning to the dirk bike scene after 30 plus years on street bikes. I was a Maico rider in the 70’s and would like to find a 490. Do you have connections to anyone with one that may want to part with it?

By: Tjorski

Tjorski — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 02:02:30 +0000

George, its great to see your doing well. I haven’t seen you at any races this year. I’m sure your still going fast. I was looking at the NM race they added in the AVDRA series. Hope to see you. Trey

By: VintageBlueSmoke

VintageBlueSmoke — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 12:26:43 +0000

Thanks George. Your comments are very helpful. I hope your dream comes true and we get to read about it here!

On that thought, it would be interesting to see a comparision on how those changes effect the machine. We know the ‘81 was an excellent bike. We now see how it compares to a modern Open Classer. Just how much better would modern brakes be? Then add the suspension pieces…would it end up that much better than a modern bike? Would it be as good as the Service Honda?

Anyway, thanks again. Now if I can just find an affordable ‘81 Maico!

Kurt.

By: 81Maicomeister

81Maicomeister — Sun, 15 Mar 2009 16:41:55 +0000

Kurt,
Sorry I took so long to write back I just checked this site and discovered the comments. The 81 has a lower center of gravity than the 82-83 and is about 10 lbs lighter than the 82. It corners like no other bike I’ve riden, well except for the 78-79 Magnum. It completely opens up every corner and gives you a choice on how you want to attack it. Rail the berm, square it off, dirt track the inside… and you can change up mid corner and change lines. It allows me to set up the next corner way before I get there. The modern bikes I’ve had and riden tend to want to lift under acceleration and run wide. It is also very forgiving. I have a dream of building up an 81 with modern forks, wheels and brakes and sponsoring a pro and I’d bet it could run up front if not win against 450s.

George

By: VintageBlueSmoke

VintageBlueSmoke — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 17:36:50 +0000

George,

It would be great to get your opinion of that particular vintage Maico. You say you like the ‘81 best, but what makes it better than the other years? Especially in competition with modern machinery. Can you compare it to similar vintage machines from other manufaturers?

I bring this up because with limited availability for 2-strokes, folks are going to want to turn to vintage bikes and, as your are doing, compete against modern technology.

You opinions would be greatly appreciated.

Kurt.

By: Maico

Maico — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 09:23:04 +0000

Hi George,
Good to hear your story and see your pix keep up the good work Top Man,

Vince
Maico U.K.

By: tod

tod — Mon, 05 Jan 2009 00:03:39 +0000

George is as fast as his bike. I had the pleasure of looking at his rear fender all weekend in Monticello, UT at an ADVRA national.
His bike is very trick. He machined the REED VALVE himself. I like the new disc brake front end. I have one hanging from the wall waiting to be installed–any advice?

BTW-I understand George will be giving a riding clinic at Speedworld in Phoenix the last Friday in January.

By: 87cr500rider

87cr500rider — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 11:40:37 +0000

I’m with you brother. Nothing like beating up on a state of the art 450 with an “antiquated” dinosaur.

By: landonlandonlandon

landonlandonlandon — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 18:32:02 +0000

sweet