1981 Other Makes

Maic4903522041

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1981 Maico 490 in a Knight flat track frame. This bike was built in the early 80's by Jerry Greer. He wanted to see if a 2 stroke could compete on a national level against the 4 stroke thumpers. After reading all the glowing magazine reports about the new Maico 490 MX'er - Jerry had to have one! Maico agreed to sponsor the bike and would supply a new crate engine and all the engine parts required to keep it on the track (hoping to sell more engines and spares with the publicity). The bike made it's debut race at Ascot - with Rod Spencer as the rider. ( 4th in heat, 1st in semi, 5th overall for the night ) In April of 1981 this bike made the cover of Cycle News - " Can a Maico make it as a Winston Pro TT bike ?" Jerry wrote the article detailing the start of the project, and it's maiden voyage. He also wrote a follow up article for the August issue of Cycle News titled " Update: Maico 490 TT bike" Between the 2 articles - Jerry gives a full account about the bikes evolution. Sponsors included Maico, Knight Racing Frames, Rocky Cycle, Wheelsmith Motorcyles, ATK A-Trak, Belray Oils, Carlisle Racing Tires, Dallas Baker Products, Buffalo Number Plates, and Cosmopolitan Motors. The bike has been kept in "as raced" condition. It was last raced in the Washington State area. Last displayed at the Ascot Reunion (May 2012).Engine: I have not started the bike - it does turn over. Plan a full-on tear down & inspection. The compression release was deleted - which did not help with starting - resulting in a stripped kick start shaft. The rear engine mount has a stress crack from allowing the swing arm bolt to run loose. The left case half will need to be repaired to save the original engine serial number. The right side frame cover is original - the left side is a replica Buffalo Plate (original was lost over the years). The bike is being sold with all of my correspondence , pictures, etc. See Pictures ... Ask Questions. Wire Transfer or Cash preferred.