The motors are not much changed since 1983 to 2009 motors. I can tell you from 1983 to 2010 every single change.
1983 - Maico 490 4 Speed and 5 Speed
1984 - Gear ratio changes / dropped 4 speed
1984 - Maicos used sealed output shaft bearing. Now more like japanese, unsealed output shaft bearing with an outter seal and a metal colar with O-Ring
1985 - Water Cooling
1985 - Higher primary drive, higher gear ratios
1988 - Power Valve (not on 700)
1992 - Increased Stroke, true 500cc. Same connecting rod just different crank.
Somehwere between 1986 and 1998
Different Shift Wratchet Mechanism
Shifting Cam sits in ball bearings instead of the metal castings.
1998 - Hydraulic Clutch (cases changed)
It's possible there may have been some porting changes also over the years, but overall it's based on the 1983 motor and that motor has been ridden hard as have all the Maicos.
The reason you never see trail riders really having to ride them hard is because of their wide powerbands, they have a lot of low end power so they don't need rev the bikes to 12,000RPM, similar to a new KTM 300.
Here are some old Maico Tests:
http://www.maicowerk...oBrothers/1990/
http://www.maicowerk...oBrothers/1992/
http://www.maicowerk...oBrothers/1999/
The engine design is so good it didn't need changing. Infact, several companies have based their designs on the 1983-1986 Maico engines. Another one being MX-Zabel. If you go to their website even the ratio of the primary drive is the sam as Maico. They manufactuer thier own parts, but if you look at it it's basically a maico clone. They confirmed they no longer use Maico parts (they used to just modify maico engines directly) they manufature their own parts but looks like a Maico designed engine to me.
Maico 700
Started by
maico760
, Nov 25 2010 07:54 PM
98 replies to this topic
Posted 29 November 2010 - 04:19 AM
Thanks again on the information...
It sounds like this wouldn't be a good daily rider for me then out in the desert...I'll be retired and riding alot...I've lived in the UK in the past for more than 5 years but ordering OEM parts from there and waiting for them to arrive in the U.S. would be time consuming and expensive. When you needed a part quick it would not be a very good bike to have to support if it were your main dirtbike (Unless you kept a garage full of spares...not that wealthy). Well...Sounds like a great bike and you guys in the UK and Europe are going to have an awesome machine (Not sure where you can WFO that sucker though in the UK??)...Great bike to bring down to the North of Africa too (I was in Mauritania for two years...awesome riding there)..
On the servicing...I'm OK for simple stuff but if I blow up a transmission I need help with that (I've done it two times here on my DRZ but luckily had help)...Hopefully MAICO might become a real mass produced machine again some day (You never know...Look at KTM's rise)...Thanks.
It sounds like this wouldn't be a good daily rider for me then out in the desert...I'll be retired and riding alot...I've lived in the UK in the past for more than 5 years but ordering OEM parts from there and waiting for them to arrive in the U.S. would be time consuming and expensive. When you needed a part quick it would not be a very good bike to have to support if it were your main dirtbike (Unless you kept a garage full of spares...not that wealthy). Well...Sounds like a great bike and you guys in the UK and Europe are going to have an awesome machine (Not sure where you can WFO that sucker though in the UK??)...Great bike to bring down to the North of Africa too (I was in Mauritania for two years...awesome riding there)..
On the servicing...I'm OK for simple stuff but if I blow up a transmission I need help with that (I've done it two times here on my DRZ but luckily had help)...Hopefully MAICO might become a real mass produced machine again some day (You never know...Look at KTM's rise)...Thanks.
maico760 said:
As for service, even back in the day Maico was a small company and service was do it yourself 
That's how they actually earned the "Maico-Breako" name because ppl who didn't know how to work on bikes bought Maicos and broke them Maicos were always high performance works race bikes and required a lot of tuning they weren't meant to do anything otherwise.
However that really applies more to Maicos in the 70s, since the 80s Maicos have become more like Jap bikes maintaince wise especially since 1983. I don't do much maintaince on my 83, but I can't neglect my 82 (has the primary chain still) nor can I neglect my older KTM. I have found that anything that has broken though would have been prevented had I inspected and done proper maintaince before riding. You can't just park the bike and only look at it 6 months later.
Obviously I'm talking about the older bkes, the 83 I have I can park it and never look at it and I'm sure the newer Maicos are that way. However, all bikes require the same maintaince its just if you neglect it, they usually don't break unfortunately the older Maicos did. Bolts really do come out
That's how they actually earned the "Maico-Breako" name because ppl who didn't know how to work on bikes bought Maicos and broke them Maicos were always high performance works race bikes and required a lot of tuning they weren't meant to do anything otherwise. However that really applies more to Maicos in the 70s, since the 80s Maicos have become more like Jap bikes maintaince wise especially since 1983. I don't do much maintaince on my 83, but I can't neglect my 82 (has the primary chain still) nor can I neglect my older KTM. I have found that anything that has broken though would have been prevented had I inspected and done proper maintaince before riding. You can't just park the bike and only look at it 6 months later.
Obviously I'm talking about the older bkes, the 83 I have I can park it and never look at it and I'm sure the newer Maicos are that way. However, all bikes require the same maintaince its just if you neglect it, they usually don't break unfortunately the older Maicos did. Bolts really do come out
Posted 29 November 2010 - 05:15 AM
Mr Maico760, I am a long time 2 stroke fan. Who do you think will buy the new maicos ?
There is a big market in Australia for a bike suitable for the weekend trail bike rider. Such a bike would have to be reliable, have a range of at least 100km per tank, cope with deep water crossings,steep up hills and down hills and of course be easy to ride. Electric start and oil injection would also be attractive.
There is a big market in Australia for a bike suitable for the weekend trail bike rider. Such a bike would have to be reliable, have a range of at least 100km per tank, cope with deep water crossings,steep up hills and down hills and of course be easy to ride. Electric start and oil injection would also be attractive.
Posted 29 November 2010 - 07:12 AM
2011 Enduro models do have electric start.
Edited by maico760, 30 November 2010 - 12:47 PM.
Posted 29 November 2010 - 07:22 AM
I will be glad to just see a 2011 and the new frame/engine/shock.... are you going to get a 2011 760? I kinda wonder what all this new stuff is going to do to the old designed engine? As much as I want updated stuff, it is kinda neat to be able to bolt an air-cooled cylinder to a water cooled bottom end...
Posted 29 November 2010 - 10:17 AM
Also, just to be clear on the parts availability, Maico International has yet to release information related to how this will be deployed yet. Even if you do have to order, if I go to a local shop unless it's something simple they got to order it. So for a transmission also if you're taking it to a shop they would probably have to order the parts and put you in the queue.
Also, No one can get parts in the middle of the desert that they didn't take with them
Also, No one can get parts in the middle of the desert that they didn't take with them
Posted 29 November 2010 - 03:42 PM
maico760 said:
Also, just to be clear on the parts availability, Maico International has yet to release information related to how this will be deployed yet.
All MAICO needs is an easy too use complete online ordering system. Shipping around the world is easy these days. UK to Australia is really good. Many of us could not care less for local dealer support and have no problems dealing through the internet. Australia is especially bad for local dealer rip offs.
My 2 cents, think Global not Local and price parts reasonably.
Posted 29 November 2010 - 04:03 PM
Is there a video where someone really opens up the 700 instead of just putting around on it. I want to hear it scream, I want to see it on a track and what it can do, I want to see it do some hill climbs!!!!!!
Posted 29 November 2010 - 07:54 PM
Quote
Would really love to see some videos of the old or new design Maico big bores in the real world getting hammered on(dunes,MX,motard,whatever).
That motor has to make big power. I have never seen videos of one ridden hard.
That motor has to make big power. I have never seen videos of one ridden hard.
Quote
Is there a video where someone really opens up the 700 instead of just putting around on it. I want to hear it scream, I want to see it on a track and what it can do, I want to see it do some hill climbs!!!!!!
Riding like this
Posted 30 November 2010 - 01:01 AM
True...Which is why I went with a plain old vanilla DRZ for Africa...Each time I blew up the transmission I was ble to get a replacement on Ebay for under $50 and have it within about 3 weeks...Also your comment about the parts in the middle of the desert also is VERY true and at age 50 I'm not sure how long I'd be able to trek...I'm going to get an EPIRB (Emergency Beacon) should I really get stranded (These are higher wattage than the SPOT messengers but you can't send a text message but they transmit up to the satellite at 5 watts on the Emergency distress freqs). I used to ride the Sahara in Mauritania (Before GPS) and go over 50 miles into the blazing desert with no shade whatsoever (I carried a space blanket and about half of a gallon of water always)...I always worried about a broken chain but luckily never had one...I got good with using a compass to find my way back...I loved desert riding there...During sandstorms you could only see about 50 feet infront of you and you completely lost the horizon...You rode solely by the feeling of the "seat of your pant's"...Kind of like flying in instrument weather....
maico760 said:
Also, just to be clear on the parts availability, Maico International has yet to release information related to how this will be deployed yet. Even if you do have to order, if I go to a local shop unless it's something simple they got to order it. So for a transmission also if you're taking it to a shop they would probably have to order the parts and put you in the queue.
Also, No one can get parts in the middle of the desert that they didn't take with them
Also, No one can get parts in the middle of the desert that they didn't take with them
Posted 30 November 2010 - 12:54 PM
brentn said:
Is there a video where someone really opens up the 700 instead of just putting around on it. I want to hear it scream, I want to see it on a track and what it can do, I want to see it do some hill climbs!!!!!!
No kidding, no one cares to see videos of people idling along. I want to see what this bike can do. I have always been interested in higher power bikes. Give me one of these and I will take plenty of quality video using the bikes power. I say give cause I just bought a new bike, can't really afford another. lol anyways realistically can someone that knows how to ride that has one post video of it?
If I was going to buy a high power bike rather than build my own, it would probably be a toss up between the UShighland 950 and the maico 700. Not sure what the maico costs but the ushighland is almost double what I would pay for it.
Posted 30 November 2010 - 10:34 PM
Maico International has not yet released the 2011 bikes so no one can be posting a video.
However, DEMI does have a Koestler 500 if you wanted to see the older bikes perhaps he can post some hill climb and power videos But note those are not Maico International built bikes.
Quote
.... I was crazy enough to import my own 2001 500 from Kostler, so I am a Maico freak.
However, DEMI does have a Koestler 500 if you wanted to see the older bikes perhaps he can post some hill climb and power videos
But note those are not Maico International built bikes.
Posted 01 December 2010 - 10:39 AM
SEOINAGE said:
No kidding, no one cares to see videos of people idling along. I want to see what this bike can do. I have always been interested in higher power bikes. ......
These 620 and 685 cc Maico engines are not so awesoma as everyone thinks.
They are not tuned for peak power but they have tons of torque.
According to an old Dirtbike test they are for " old farts that shift in third gear in the morning and ride all day long "
A good running 500 will be faster in most circumstances
Posted 01 December 2010 - 11:01 AM
FYI, the Highland 950 motor is a 20 year old design that has had issues over the years. Some have been corrected, some not. One of the "nots" is the EFI system which has the motor running poorly below 3500 rpm. Also, due to its inefficient intake tract, top-end HP isn't as advertised. A 950 with the "race kit" [bigger cams, exhaust, etc.] was touted at 90+ hp; when I dynoed it I saw <70, or roughly 80 at the crank.
The ones being turned out by the "new" Highland USA are being screwed together from old stock that was shipped over from Sweden. Those bits are 5+ years old.
The ones being turned out by the "new" Highland USA are being screwed together from old stock that was shipped over from Sweden. Those bits are 5+ years old.
Posted 01 December 2010 - 02:10 PM
700 Press Release:
http://www.tillamook...ndex.php?id=200
I've heard several things, some were saying that the 700 was mild and the 620 was aggressive. Well, Maico International dropped the 620 and added a 380 for 2011.
Also, while the engine should definately be capable of just putting it into 3rd and staying there rolling around on a lounge chair, I'm sure it has the ability to be ridden hard if you have the guts to do it.
I think there was a lot of speculation on what the 700 and 620 motors were like and not a lot of first hand information. We may find out shortly how the 700 motor performs.
ATK was using engines from Koestler in their supermotos before.
http://www.tillamook...ndex.php?id=200
I've heard several things, some were saying that the 700 was mild and the 620 was aggressive. Well, Maico International dropped the 620 and added a 380 for 2011.
Also, while the engine should definately be capable of just putting it into 3rd and staying there rolling around on a lounge chair, I'm sure it has the ability to be ridden hard if you have the guts to do it.
I think there was a lot of speculation on what the 700 and 620 motors were like and not a lot of first hand information. We may find out shortly how the 700 motor performs.
ATK was using engines from Koestler in their supermotos before.
Posted 01 December 2010 - 05:25 PM
stapleking said:
FYI, the Highland 950 motor is a 20 year old design that has had issues over the years. Some have been corrected, some not. One of the "nots" is the EFI system which has the motor running poorly below 3500 rpm. Also, due to its inefficient intake tract, top-end HP isn't as advertised. A 950 with the "race kit" [bigger cams, exhaust, etc.] was touted at 90+ hp; when I dynoed it I saw <70, or roughly 80 at the crank.
The ones being turned out by the "new" Highland USA are being screwed together from old stock that was shipped over from Sweden. Those bits are 5+ years old.
The ones being turned out by the "new" Highland USA are being screwed together from old stock that was shipped over from Sweden. Those bits are 5+ years old.
Sorry but Im skeptical of your opinion of Highland. I remember you posting when there was a possible connection with ATK and you were involved with it. Now it seems you had a falling out with them. I don't know for sure thats just my perception of the situation.
Posted 01 December 2010 - 05:42 PM
twinshocker said:
These 620 and 685 cc Maico engines are not so awesoma as everyone thinks.
They are not tuned for peak power but they have tons of torque.
According to an old Dirtbike test they are for " old farts that shift in third gear in the morning and ride all day long "
A good running 500 will be faster in most circumstances
They are not tuned for peak power but they have tons of torque.
According to an old Dirtbike test they are for " old farts that shift in third gear in the morning and ride all day long "
A good running 500 will be faster in most circumstances
Probably, I rode a 500 KTM over 10 years ago. I well setup YZ250 two stroke is far more dangerous.
I actually like the idea of a 700 two stoke with no power valve. But it would need to be really easy to start ! And easy to start... Hint Hint.
Posted 01 December 2010 - 06:08 PM
maico760 said:
700 Press Release:
http://www.tillamook...ndex.php?id=200
I've heard several things, some were saying that the 700 was mild and the 620 was aggressive. Well, Maico International dropped the 620 and added a 380 for 2011.
Also, while the engine should definately be capable of just putting it into 3rd and staying there rolling around on a lounge chair, I'm sure it has the ability to be ridden hard if you have the guts to do it.
I think there was a lot of speculation on what the 700 and 620 motors were like and not a lot of first hand information. We may find out shortly how the 700 motor performs.
ATK was using engines from Koestler in their supermotos before.
http://www.tillamook...ndex.php?id=200
I've heard several things, some were saying that the 700 was mild and the 620 was aggressive. Well, Maico International dropped the 620 and added a 380 for 2011.
Also, while the engine should definately be capable of just putting it into 3rd and staying there rolling around on a lounge chair, I'm sure it has the ability to be ridden hard if you have the guts to do it.
I think there was a lot of speculation on what the 700 and 620 motors were like and not a lot of first hand information. We may find out shortly how the 700 motor performs.
ATK was using engines from Koestler in their supermotos before.
Why don't you guys have any track videos?
Why are there no hill climbing videos?
Your possible customers and future customers will want to see the machine at peak performance. Every other company that is trying to sell a bike, shows a video in which it's kicking ass and taking names.
The companies best interest is to produce a video that advertises this product properly.
Posted 01 December 2010 - 08:23 PM
Nothing new about the 380...it has been out before. Very few have been made though. Unlike some who only have old models and speak of new stuff from magazines and press releases....I have had many hours on a late model 500 and like it quite a bit, current platform is long in the tooth however. I have ridden a 620 and it will scare the living day lights out of you and also a zabel/700 powered hill climber. The 700 is fast, but decievingly so. Torque beyond belief...ATK's choice of the 700 for super moto was stupid and not the right platform for that motor at all. I wonder how many people who show interest via the net will actually buck up and buy one of these MMX's? Would be nice to see more than press release after press release....a photo of the F1 engine would really be swell....
Posted 01 December 2010 - 08:47 PM
Quote
I actually like the idea of a 700 two stoke with no power valve. But it would need to be really easy to start ! And easy to start... Hint Hint.
They have compression release for starting. I know enduro models this year will also have electric start, not sure if 700 is offered in enduro or not.
Quote
Why don't you guys have any track videos?
Why are there no hill climbing videos?
Your possible customers and future customers will want to see the machine at peak performance.
Why are there no hill climbing videos?
Your possible customers and future customers will want to see the machine at peak performance.
"You guys"; you mean me? I am not Maico International. Also, how many hill climb videos does Honda or Suzuki offically release? Most ppl just go there and ride them and buy them or something. Back in the day especially, perhaps there are magazine tests but those exist for these bikes also. For word of mouth you got DEMI as far as bikes made by Koestler in the last decade. There were action photos of 2010 bikes in the video above and there were more than you get in any magazine article.
There are magazine articles here that cover 40 years worth of Maico from 1970 to 2010.
http://www.maicowerk.com/Articles/
Quote
Nothing new about the 380...it has been out before.
Yes, it was out in the mid-late 1990s, but it's back and improved. It may also be more acceptable in this era than in he 1990s IMHO. The reason being the sucess of the KTM 300. Some people want a larger machine but not a 500 to compete with 450s. I've seen posts on other boards of ppl asking for Honda or Suzuki to make a 350 2 stroke. I know at least one person who told me they were personally interested in the 380 just for that reason.
Quote
I wonder how many people who show interest via the net will actually buck up and buy one of these MMX's?
You hit it on the nose there, at least with ppl probing for videos and things usually just want to see something because they will never own one, no matter even if it shit gold
Ppl who are serious are another story, however these are hand built machines and the ppl who are serious are probably making up more demand than the number of bikes that will be made by a smaller company.
