Beschreibung:

Founded in 1926, Maico built two-stroke lightweights at first but soon was forced to change direction to support Germany's war effort. The firm did not resume motorcycle production until 1947. But whereas before the war proprietary engines had been used, Maico now built complete machines using its own power units. Although its roadsters made little impact in markets beyond central Europe, Maico became one of the major players on the international motocross scene in both Europe and North America. While nowhere near as well financed as the Japanese factories, Maico mounted a serious challenge to them from the late 1960s throughout the 1970s thanks to stellar performances by the likes of Adolf Weil, Åke Jonsson, Willy Bauer, and Graham Noyce. Although the German firm did win the Manufacturers' World Championship in the premier 500cc class, it was never able to claim the individual title. Cooper Motors of Burbank, California and Gray International of Detroit, Michigan shared Maico sales and marketing; in a contemporary advertisement they state, 'Most powerful and fastest 360cc, a consistent race winner' beneath a header that says, 'At last: factory "works" engines available to the American rider.' This Maico MC360 'X4 Square Barrel' was completely restored back to its original specification by 'Maicomeister' Ron King in 2014 – apart from the S&W rear shocks which, no matter, are a distinct improvement over the originals – and it has not been run since.