When one thinks of the great motocross and enduro days of the 60s to 80s, the name Maïco resonates with a particular echo in the minds of enthusiasts. Founded in Germany in 1926 by Ulrich Maisch, Maïco (a contraction of Maisch & Company) started out as a company specializing in general mechanics, before moving into motorcycle construction after the Second World War.
The early days: between innovation and pragmatism
In the immediate post-war period, Maïco began producing lightweight motorcycles powered by ILO and then Sachs engines. But in the 1950s, the company decided to develop its own two-stroke engine blocks, creating a range of economical, reliable motorcycles well suited to German reconstruction.
During this period, Maïco also manufactured scooters and even small cars, such as the Maïco 500, a three-wheeled microcar and symbol of affordable mobility in West Germany. However, it was in the off-road segment that the brand really came into its own.
The rise of motocross
By the 1960s, Maïco had become one of the major forces on the world motocross scene. With powerful, responsive and formidably efficient machines, it shone in European and world championships. The Maïco 360 and 400 GS have become veritable icons, as much for their exceptional power-to-weight ratio as for their lively, precise handling in competition.
Drivers such as Adolf Weil and Åke Jonsson carried the brand's colors high. In 1972, Jonsson came close to the world title in the 500 cm³ class, only to lose out to the dominance of the new Japanese forces.
The 70s: glory and tension
The 70s was the peak of Maïco. The red and yellow tubular-framed bikes were the talk of the paddock. They became the machines of choice for private riders, thanks to an ideal balance between performance, reliability and ease of maintenance. But difficulties began to appear. Japanese competitors, led by Yamaha, Honda and Suzuki, invested heavily in research, composite materials and electronics. The German engineers at Maïco, with their more modest means, struggled to keep up with this technological race. The models remain high-performance, but lag slightly behind in terms of finish and innovation.
Decline and bankruptcy
In the early 1980s, despite a loyal customer base and an intact reputation in specialist circles, Maïco suffered from a number of strategic errors. Finances became precarious. In 1983, the company was declared bankrupt, but things didn't stop there. Passionate members of the Maisch family decided to attempt a relaunch. Maïco Motorrad GmbH was briefly reorganized, and motorcycles continued to be produced in the traditional way well into the 90s.
Resilience and current production
Surprisingly: Maïco never completely disappeared. Several German workshops took up the torch in various forms. Their flagship model is the Maico 700, a cross-country bike powered by a monstrous 685 cm³ 2-stroke single-cylinder engine, reputed to be the most powerful cross-country bike in the world. These machines are produced on demand, in a highly artisanal configuration, by enthusiasts for enthusiasts.
Some of the models that have marked the history of Maïco
Maïco 250 GS: highly prized in enduro racing for its maneuverability/power balance
Maïco 400 & 440 MC: torque monsters in motocross, often considered benchmarks.
Maïco 501: extreme, brutal and uncompromising, famous for its almost uncontrollable power - a bike for experienced riders only.
Competition
Maïco lines up bikes in the most prestigious championships
250cc & 500cc Motocross World Championships: numerous podium finishes in the 70s, thanks in particular to riders like Adolf Weil, Åke Jonsson and Willy Bauer.
International Six Days Trial (ISDT): Maïco motorcycles won several gold medals, demonstrating their mechanical endurance.
Trans-AMA Series (USA): Maïco became a cult in North America in the 70s, where its models were prized for their agility and power on sandy circuits.