Post-Listing Update: Despite being relisted and getting 11 bids on eBay, this Maico 490 Mega II did not meet reserve at $5,555.55.
Flaunting one of the best dirtbike names ever, the Maico 490 Mega II was considered by many to be one of the best open class motorcross bikes ever built. Back in the 80s, there was a lot of prestige associated with riding a Maico, but even this was the cream of the crop. The Mega II 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 II had the best handling and best powerband in his history of motocross. And that’s coming from someone who’s pretty much ridden everything out there. If you have a few minutes, I highly recommend reading one of my favorite of Weisel’s articles for Motocross Action Magazine, “The Worst Bikes I Ever Raced” But more about this bike: the 490 put out an absurd 53 horsepower, which was controlled by a wet multi-disc clutch and was transmitted through a five-speed gearbox. This whole incredible package weighed just 244 pounds. We can’t stress enough how good this bike is. If you want to hear more gushing praise for it, read a piece on off-road.com simply entitled, “How Good Was the Maico 490?”
This specific Maico 490 Mega II (VIN: 3510721) is a “breathtaking and flawless example”, though the seller doesn’t give much information beyond that. Apparently it’s been sitting in the seller’s office for some time, but it has Ohlins and a brand new top end with no use on it. An extra set of bodywork is included if you want to race this beauty.
Find this Maico 490 Mega II for sale in Ponder, Texas with bidding up to $2,025 and the reserve not yet met