1970 Maico MC400, Frame no. 382235 Engine no. S400489

1970 Maico MC400
Frame no. 382235
Engine no. S400489
Founded in 1920, Maico built two-stroke lightweights at first but soon was forced to change direction to support Germany's war effort. The firm did not resume motorcycle production until 1947. But whereas before the war proprietary engines had been used, Maico now built complete machines using its own power units. Although its roadsters made little impact in markets beyond central Europe, Maico became one of the major players on the international moto-cross scene in both Europe and North America. While nowhere near as well financed as the Japanese factories, Maico mounted a serious challenge to them from the late 1960s throughout the 1970s thanks to stellar performances by the likes of Adolf Weil, Åke Jonsson, Willy Bauer, and Graham Noyce. Although the German firm did win the Manufacturers' World Championship in the premier 500cc class, it was never able to claim the individual title.

To quote Dirt Bike editor Rick Sieman, 'The 1970 400cc version proved to be a devastating bike. While the 250 was mellow, the 400 was a proverbial rocket. I bought a 1971 version of this very same bike and went from a middle-of-the-pack racer to actually winning a few races. The bike turned like a demon, had tons of horsepower and tracked straight and true.'

The 'square barrel' 400 on offer was rebuilt to original specification still with its wide-ration transmission and Magura levers by 'Maicomeister' Ron King in 2015 except for the Sun rims and Circle F pipe.