Maico MD 50
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Make Model | Maico MD 50 |
Year | 1971 - 76 |
Engine | Single cylinder, two stroke, rotary valve inlet |
Capacity | 49 cc / 3.0 cub in. |
Bore x Stroke | 38 x 44 mm |
Cooling System | Air cooling |
Compression Ratio | 11.2:1 |
Fuel/Oil Mixture | 25:1 |
Exhaust | Single, chrome |
Ignition | Flywheel magneto, Bosch |
Fuel System | Bing 20 mm carburetor |
Starting | Kick |
Max Power | 4.6 kW / 6.3 hp @ 8200 rpm |
Clutch | Wet, cable operated |
Transmission | 6-Speed |
Final Drive | Chain |
Front Suspension | Hydraulic front fork |
Rear Suspension | Swing arm with spring legs |
Front Brakes | Drum, aluminium full hub, 136 mm |
Rear Brakes | Drum, aluminium full hub, 160 mm |
Wheels | Aluminium alloy, laced wire spokes |
Front Tyre | 2.50 x 16 in. |
Rear Tyre | 3.00 x 16 in. |
Wet Weight | 91.5 kg / 202 kg |
Fuel Capacity | 13.5 L / 3.6 US gal |
Colours | Red, Blue, Orange |
Top Speed | 95 km/h / 59 mph |
Still more impressive for young German customers was the 50cc MD Maico (pictured above). Because this small motorcycle could be legally ridden at age 16, it was on every youngster's mind as a serious contender in a comprehensive fleet of German brands providing similar products. The advertisement spoke of 6.3hp in 1971, which was a pinch more than even Kreidler's 50cc Florett could offer at 6.25hp. What seems to be an academic difference today could be THE deciding factor for young purchasers at that time, not to mention the technical appeal of a six-speed gearbox and rotary disc valve!
Regrettably, with all that "bred of the racetrack" feeling, there was also a reputation of “for experts only.” Occasionally seizing pistons, even if not totally unknown by riders of Hercules, Zündapp or Kreidler 50cc motorcycles, were said to be caused by "overtuning" the engine. So market share remained low despite the bike's outstanding performance, demonstrated by Maico riders who painstakingly did their jetting homework and kept the carburetor's rubber seal tight.