Maico Mobil
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Make Model | Maico Mobil |
Year | 1950 - 58 |
Engine | Single cylinder, two stroke |
Capacity | 149 cc / 9.1 cub in. 174 cc / 10.6 cub in. 197 cc / 12.0cub in. |
Cooling System | Air cooling |
Oil/Fuel Mixture | 1:24 |
Exhaust | Single |
Fuel System | Bing carburetor |
Starting | Kick start |
Max Power | 200 cc: 8.1 kW / 11 hp @ 5000 rpm |
Clutch | Wet, cable operated |
Transmission | 4-Speed |
Final Drive | Chain |
Frame | Tubular space frame with bolted steel and aluminium body panels |
Front Suspension | Telescopic fork, steering damper |
Rear Suspension | Swingarm with coil springs and dampers |
Front Brakes | Drum, 6.5 in |
Rear Brakes | Drum, 5 or 6 in. |
Wheels | Steel |
Front Tyre | 3.00 x 14 in. |
Rear Tyre | 3.00 x 14 in. |
Fuel Capacity | 9.5 L / 2.5 US gal |
Colours | Pale green |
Source | Wikipedia |
'With its latest product, the Maico-Mobil, Maico have introduced a completely novel type of machine which lies mid-way between the conventional motorcycle and scooter; it may be that this will prove to be the true touring machine of the future.' – Maico.
One has only to look at the admirable capabilities of today's increasingly popular 'super scooters' to realise that Maico were right, if more than just a little ahead of their time. Maico's 'car on two wheels' was premiered in June 1950, its all-enveloping steel bodywork disguising the fact the beneath it lay a conventional motorcycle-style duplex loop frame complete with top tube and 14" diameter wheels. Power, what little of it there was, came from a 150cc single-cylinder two-stroke engine that struggled to endow the 250lbs-plus machine with any kind of performance, a shortcoming not addressed until 1954 when 175 and 200cc versions were introduced. Nicknamed the 'Dustbin', the Maico Mobil succeeded in providing motorcycle handling combined with scooter convenience and weather protection for discerning enthusiasts up to 1958 when it was withdrawn, although the more conventional Maicoletta continued in production until 1966. Today there are few scooters more eagerly sought after by collectors than the outrageous Maico Mobil. As Peter McManus observes: 'This would draw a crowd anywhere!'
The Maico Mobil is an early touring motorcycle made by Maico between 1950 and 1958. Conceived and marketed as a “car on two wheels”, the Mobil had body panels that enclosed the drivetrain, protected its riders from the elements and included an integral pair of panniers and a mount for a spare tyre.
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