1971 Other Makes MC501

501-140

Clear

1971 Maico MC 501All original. Best unrestored 501 in the world?You be the judge.Many of you guys already know who I am, and the number of bikes that I've owned in the past. I'm trying to be modest here but I would have to say that I've probably had in my possession well over 1500 VMX bikes over the last 40 years. I've been very fortunate over my life being able to do what I do and have wound up finding just about every vintage dirt bike ever made. From $1K bikes for racers on a budget, to works bikes priced at $50K for the hard core and well heeled collectors. Every once in a while a bike like this comes along. If you are anything like me you appreciate when something like this get's 'unearthed'. We are all on the hunt for that super rare bike, scouring craigslist and ebay daily looking for that untouched and all original gem, and then 'snapping it up' before someone else finds it. That's got to be half the fun of this VMX hobby, buying-selling, and collecting. The racing and riding (and remembering our youth while doing so) is just the bonus and the icing on the cake. THAT'S why we all love this vintage dirt bike thing so much. Let's face it: our wives and girlfriends call it an addiction, and there's no point in arguing with them because we all know they're right.Because of my website and the sheer volume of bikes on it that come and go, I get calls from all over the world from hobbyists like me looking for a certain bike, and sometimes wanting to sell what they have. This particular seller had owned this bike from brand new in Casper WY area and raced it a couple of times (luckily with a skid plate on it protecting that pipe). The forks started leaking so he dismantled them in preparation for that rebuild that never happened, and there it sat---in his storage building for 38 years collecting dust. Now he needed money for a Harley he wanted, so we made a deal on this Maico and I drove the 1000 miles each way to pick it up.What you are looking at is one of the most highly sought after dirt bikes ever made. If you don't have a Maico 501 in your collection then you probably already know that your stable is not complete. I brought this bike home, cleaned it, rebuilt the forks, replaced the front number plate (DCPlastics), grips and fork boots (Magura), and present it to you here.This is MC501 narrow frame # 501-140 and engine # S501-150. It is the wide ratio 4-speed 'S' motor. Only a limited number of these bikes were produced as they were quite expensive back in their day. Please check out the original chrome on the spokes & perfect Radaelli rims, 'bolted' chromed handlebars, all orig. fiberglass, perfect pipe with NO DINGS and uncut stinger, seat with rivets (3 tiny rips at rear), shrouded shocks, cables, trap-door throttle, straight pull levers & perches, etc. The stickers are all original Maico except for the 'Goodyear' on each side of tank and the Wyoming dealer sticker on rear fender. Even has the original Maico 'warning' sticker on back hump of tank (how many of those have you seen still in place?). Only non-stock items I can find are WheelSmith pegs and smaller rear sprocket. That's it.Reserve is high as I'm not anxious to see this one go. If you really want it then you are going to have to 'bid to own'. PLEASE REMEMBER: Ebay removes the 'BUY-IT-NOW' option once reserve has been met and at that point auction runs it's course. This is only the 2nd 501 Maico I've ever been able to own (I found 'yellow' #501-027 back in my Idaho Mike days) and this orange one here is far nicer than that yellow one was. Original Metzlers are very nice 4.50x18 & 2.75x21 (not even age cracked) and have never been off the rims. Original compression release, Magura lever covers, all bolts-nuts-washers---all original W. German Maico. Still has BOTH aluminum data tags in place on steering stem and all numbers match.I have never even tried to start this bike. Bike has excellent compression and spark, but let's face it: in my opinion only a fool would ride this bike and devalue it. This bike should go into a museum or top level private collection. But, it's your money so feel free to do with it what you will.TERMS: PLEASE READ CAREFULLYPlease look at photos and ask questions. Az-Mike 623-465-0636. Feel free to call anytime.NO TITLE: Sold with a bill of sale if buyer so desires. PAYMENT: I accept a $250 DEPOSIT only through payal. I will NOT ACCEPT full payment through paypal. Any balance of funds are due within 7 days via; cash in person, wire transfer, personal check, bank check. Bike does not leave my possession until all funds have cleared my bank. Please only bid if you intend to follow through with the purchase. I will use eBay's unpaid item dispute service to the full extent if I am pushed into doing so.DISCLAIMER: This is a USED vintage dirt racing motorcycle that comes WITHOUT any warranty or guarantee of any kind. Bike is sold in used and as-is condition. Photos tell the story so please look closely and ask questions if needed.SHIPPING: USA--I have an arrangement with a good, honest, reliable shipper using an 18 wheeler rig (enclosed) to get these bikes just about anywhere in the USA for anywhere between 200-500 bucks depending on where you live in relation to Phoenix, AZ. All shipping costs are the responsibility of buyer but I can help arrange shipping for you if needed. Pick up is preferred. SHIPPING: INTERNATIONAL--This bike has NO TITLE so getting out of USA and into yours will be relatively expensive and difficult. All shipping costs are the responsibility of buyer but I can help arrange for you if needed. Pickup is preferred.REGARDING ZERO FEEDBACK BIDDERS: I have had NOTHING BUT TROUBLE with 0-1-2-3-4-5 feedback buyers flaking out on their purchase. SO, unless you want your BID CANCELLED I suggest you CALL ME by phone first. If you don't call me to explain why you have such low feedback numbers first then don't even bother bidding because you will not own this bike. Sorry for any inconveniences, but it has become a real problem with low feedback buyers now so I simply have no choice.