1974 Maico 450cc Moto-Cross

1974 Maico 450cc Moto-Cross
Registration no. not registered
Frame no. 392293
Engine no. K440829
Founded by the Maisch brothers, Wilhelm and Otto, in the mid-1930s, Maisch & Co (Maico) built two-stroke lightweights at first but soon was forced to change direction to support Germany's war effort. Having supplied aircraft components to the Luftwaffe during WW2, Maico turned to the manufacture of children's toys after the conflict ended and 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. Maico was one of the first manufacturers to adopt inclined shock absorbers on its moto-crossers, a move that greatly increased suspension travel at the rear. While nowhere near as well financed as the Japanese factories, Maico mounted a serious challenge to them thanks to stellar performances by the likes of Adolf Weil, Åke Jonsson, and Willy Bauer. The German firm won the Manufacturers' World Championship in the 500cc class but was never able to claim the individual title. Today Maico's class-leading machines of this era are among the most sought after of post-war moto-cross machines.

This twin-shock Maico was purchased from a US auction in 2014. The machine is offered with shipping paperwork, NOVA declaration, and State of California Certificate of Title.