Jul 21, 2018 · A fully restored 1981 Maico 490 Mega 2 can run into five figures at an auction. At the Mecum Auctions’ Las Vegas Motorcycle 2018 event in January, a perfect example went for $16,500.

Jun 25, 2024 · The Macio 490 engine was magic on Saddleback’s hard-pack dirt. In 1983, Maico released three models of the 490–motocross, desert and Enduro versions.

Feb 27, 2023 · This 490 Alpha 1 is now offered at no reserve in Illinois for off-road use only with the removed steel swingarm and a bill of sale. The bike is finished in red, and the frame was reportedly powder-coated red under current ownership.

Dec 30, 2019 · The Mega 2 is still an absolute legend – Maico sold more of this exact model than Honda sold across their entire MX lineup in 1981. Jody Weisel, one of the nation’s best test riders, once said that the 1981 Maico 490 Mega 2 had the best handling and best powerband in this history of motocross.

Jun 1, 1981 · The 490 Maico is the tallest dirt bike we’ve tested to date. Throwing a leg over a bike with a 38.4 in. seat height is quite a thrill, especially so if you’re short.

Oct 24, 2024 · This 1981 Maico 490 Mega 2 was acquired by the seller in 2020, reportedly from its second owner, and it is powered by a 488cc two-stroke single paired with a five-speed transmission.

View the 1982 Maico 490 for sale at Las Vegas Motorcycles 2022 in Las Vegas, NV as F186.

The 490 Alpha 1 produced less horsepower all through the rev range than last year's 490, and the Yamaha and Husky each hold a strong advantage over the new Maico.

Sep 30, 2010 · The legendary 81 Maico Mega 2 490 is still considered by many the best open-class motocross bike ever made. The 490 has superior handling, suspension, balance, and of course power!

Aug 17, 2020 · Sadly, despite critical acclaim, the 490 Mega 2 was arguably the last great Maico. The 1981 490 Mega 2 featured twin-shocks, but from 1982, Maico switched to single-shocks, a Japanese innovation that had become the preferred set-up for competitive motocross.