Maico Enduro 250

Maico will have two new models: a 250 and a 500, and both will be offered in both enduro and motocross versions.

Work has been going on feverishly at the new Maico factory during the past few months on the dirt bikes. Although the new machines are basically broadly similar to the previous Maicos, in fact every part has been developed new and from scratch. Maico's engineers are trying hard to build the best motocross bike from a position of maximum power, while retaining light weight and good handling.

If the numbers are to be believed, the new two-stroke 500 cc engine is the most powerful water cooled two-stroke in its class and puts out 67 horsepower at 6,500 rpm. The torque is also claimed to be higher and is also spread more evenly over a wider range. To achieve this, nearly every engine component has been updated. Thanks to the enlarged inlet manifold, the refined inlet flow conditions and the electronic ignition, the new Maico motorcycle is now among the most powerful and efficient 500 cc machines available, according to the development engineers.

The frame has been designed by Maico's engineers - themselves all motorcycle racing enthusiasts - using advanced computer programs and based on years of competitive experience. The result is a very rigid frame, they say, enabling the Maicos to remain controllable even under very arduous conditions. The front fork and swinging arm are also new and more robust. The spring preload and two-way damping can be accurately adjusted both front and rear.

The swinging arm is completely new and has exceptionally high rigidity: in fact the (torsion) rigidity is now four times as strong as the old design. In spite of all this extra rigidity, Maico has also succeeded in reducing the weight of the machine. The combination of a very rigid frame, suspension, re-engineered swinging arm and steering head bearing should give excellent handling traits.

Details include ground and nickel-plated brake discs in the rear wheel, very wear-resistant and silent running gears, and all aluminum parts are ceramic-coated. Many parts have been cut in house via modern CNC machining, which should assure consistency in quality that previous Maicos never had.

Appearance-wise, the new Maicos are a striking red, black and white design. As you can see from the photos, they look great! Slim and trim is the goal; the new plastic tank and the lengthened saddle are now narrower and are positioned somewhat lower for a better ergonomic riding position. From 1999 onward, Maico's red, white and black will also adorn their professional 500 cc factory motocross team. Preparations for taking part in national and international competitions are well under way. In both the 250 cc and 500 cc classes Maico is in discussion with a number of riders. Maico wants to use the factory team not only to secure greater awareness of the Maico, make but also to test out new developments and ideas in practice. Enduro versions of the 250 and 500 cc machines are not simply motocross bikes with a few parts tacked on. The gear box, the gearing ratios, the frame, the ignition, carb, tires and suspension have all been designed for enduro work. The enduro model will cost slightly more than the MX version.