Did Maico make a trike?? Picture added

[RoscoW]

What's the story on Maico trikes, or conversions. Didn't find a lot in a search. I've got a picture of one that was in all the info I picked up this weekend with the trikes. I'm going to call the original owner and see if was his.

I'll scan the picture and post it tonight.

Ross..

[Vealmonkey]

I pretty sure there was a conversion kit made by a company called "tricky dicks".

[team-red-rider]

yes they also made the cagiva trike!

[Maico]

Maico engines were used in a few conversions. Maico never made a factory version. I'd like to get my hands on another 440 or 500cc L/C Maico motor for a swap.

[Bigbore]

Tricky Dick's didn't make a conversion using a Maico. There was a write up in Dirt Wheels or 3 Wheeling on Maico 490 in a Frank's '82 ATC 250R styled frame. Never raced, I don't think.

[RoscoW]

Here's a scan of the picture I found, I was able to talk to the owner this afternoon about it.
He had it made in Califonia from a Maico Sand Spider MC bike, it was a 490cc that had extensive port work done to it and was good for about 118mph (according to him ?) . He is from the Chicago area and used to ride in the dunes in Indiana back in the mid 80's. He said there was nothing that could even come close to running with it and that included a 500cc Honda ATC (the reason he had it built).
Over the years he owned it , 2 people ended up with broken legs while riding it , and he said it was almost impossible to ride on dirt, it just hooked up way to hard to control , On sand it would at least spin the tires free, said he use third or forth gear to start in for racing.
Ended up selling to somone about 13 yrs ago he thought was from somewhere in Georgia but couldn't remember.
Sure would be nice to have seen that

Ross..

[SYKO]

somewhere in GEORGIA!?! WTF?! that thing is BAD ASS!! find out where in georiga!!!

[team-red-rider]

i just researched on google according to what i read Maico is still in business making mx bikes...if so couldnt we replicate that????

[SYKO]

it would be just like a conversion such as speedbumps CR conversion as miaco's bikes are jsut as updated as any other modern motorcrosser is now, what would be the trik is to get an old miaco and do it up like it is in the photo, but im sure many of the parts are lost to time.

[Maico]

Oh yeah...The mighty German Marque is still in business. Kostlers in Germany is building them. Wulf Sport is building new vintage Maicos from left over parts.

[team-red-rider]

oh ok so thats y i see 2006/07 maicos just like the old ones lol (hey are any of u guys german?)

[Maico]

You'll notice that the bottom ends of the new motors are very close in relation to the old '78-'83 bottom ends. That's because they're made from the same casting dies.

[RoscoW]

He thought it was Georgia but wasn't 100% sure, I asked if he had any info on who it was but he didn't have any contact info, He wasn't even sure what year he sold it.
I read on a couple Maico sites that the 490 from the early 80's is considered one of the best open class two strokes ever made??? (might be biased )

Sorry no more info than that (just a picture in an envelope of decals)

Ross..

[team-red-rider]

hmm anyone try a maico motor in a honda kawasaki or yami frame???

[Maico]

The only problem with swapping a Maico motor into a T3,Z or R is that the chain is on the right side. Everything would have 2 B swapped over

[team-red-rider]

81-84 250R!!! right side drive

[Maico]

Yeah but not the best chassis to use. The '85/'86's were much better.

[tyman]

trust me.. i've seen some crazy things on this site.. things i didn't think would ever work... take the 2 different gen 250r frames, the maico engine.. and mix em up...

[Maico]

Somebody find me a 440 or 500 L/C Maico motor and I'll stuff 'em into an '87 T3 chassis!!

[BigGreenMachine]

Yup, just flip the carrier and your in business.

That is one cool trike, looks bad just sitting there let alone flying around a bowl.

[Maico]

Check this out. This is a 700cc Zabel engine. It's based on the old/new school Maico engine. Notice the cases are very similiar to the Maico cases?? 700cc of balls! These engines are used primarily in side hack racing. Now...find a sweet '81-'84 R chassis,swap in a Zabel 700 and....??

[WIkid500]

Check this out. This is a 700cc Zabel engine. It's based on the old/new school Maico engine. Notice the cases are very similiar to the Maico cases?? 700cc of balls! These engines are used primarily in side hack racing. Now...find a sweet '81-'84 R chassis,swap in a Zabel 700 and....??



OMFG!!! look at their website!! http://www.zabel-racing.de/en/motors.html


Thats too cool. Have fun kicking that thing over.

[SYKO]

thats a F'N GINORMOUS MOTOR!!! can any one translate that site?? how much are those beasts?? only 4 gears? like it matters!!! LOL!!!

[BigGreenMachine]

Nice!!! Looks tall, might be a hard one to fit in an ATC. Can you imagine holding that open? Braaappppp!

[Bigbore]

That's a BIGBORE!!!:Bounce

I ask them to send me some info and pricing. The best I can tell a complete motor is about $5,000.

The carb is a 55mm!

[SYKO]

5000!!! damn!!! if it was around 2000 that would be almost reasonable but 5000!!! well I guess since there completlly custom built, and 700cc's who can complain!!! right!!!

[Yamahondaman]

You can Get ( SIX ) of my RAG F-150 Ford Truck's for THAT !!!! :lol: