1973 Maico 400 Motocross

Maico 400’s dominated the Open Classes in the early 1970’s. Adolf Weil was a World Class contender and Tim Hart was an American National contender on these smooth handling machines. The large radial fin head provided superior cooling for the long motos.

This particular Maico has special meaning to me. In 1973, Burkhart Roofing offered 2 Maico 400’s to a young, professional motocross racer, Kelly Owen. For several weeks, the two bikes were ridden locally at Lions, Ascot and Irwindale night races. No wins were recorded, but a couple of third places were satisfying. The bikes were returned when I rejoined the 125 CC Class which was more suited to my racing style.

Twenty years later, I ran into Mr. Humphry, the owner of Burkhart Roofing, as we reminisced about the wonderful times we had back in those early days of motocross, I commented how nice it would be to have the old Maico’s back. His next comment floored me, ‘You can have them back, I have them stored on a farm in Chino; and they still have your numbers on them.’ To say that I rushed over to the farm is an understatement.

This Maico is one of my original race bikes which was restored using all of the good parts from both bikes. It has many of the “Wheelsmith” accessories of the period. It is a part of my motorcycle history and I am thrilled to have it back.

MAKE / MODEL: MAICO 400 MOTOCROSS

YEAR: 1973 ENGINE DISPLACEMENT: 400 CC

COUNTRY OF MANUFACTURE: WEST GERMANY

ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE NEW: $1,475.00

THIS BIKE IS:

_  NEW, NEVER BEEN STARTED

_  ORIGINAL UNRESTORED

_  PARTIALLY RESTORED

X  FULLY RESTORED

RESTORATION WORK PERFORMED BY: KELLY OWEN

OWNER: KELLY OWEN