Maico MD50

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Maico-md50-01.jpg
Maico MD50
Manufacturer
Production 1971 - 76
Engine
Single cylinder, two stroke, rotary valve inlet
Compression ratio 11.2:1
Top Speed 95 km/h / 59 mph
Fuel System Bing 20 mm carburetor
Ignition Flywheel magneto, Bosch
Transmission 6-Speed
Suspension Front: Hydraulic front fork
Rear: Swing arm with spring legs
Brakes Front: Drum, aluminum full hub, 136 mm
Rear: Drum, aluminum full hub, 160 mm
Front Tire 2.50 x 16 in.
Rear Tire 3.00 x 16 in.
Weight 91.5 kg / 202 kg (wet)
Fuel Capacity 13.5 L / 3.6 US gal
Manuals Service Manual


It could reach a top speed of 95 km/h / 59 mph.

Engine[edit | edit source]

The engine was a Air cooling cooled Single cylinder, two stroke, rotary valve inlet. The engine featured a 11.2:1 compression ratio.

Drive[edit | edit source]

Power was moderated via the Wet, cable operated.

Chassis[edit | edit source]

It came with a 2.50 x 16 in. front tire and a 3.00 x 16 in. rear tire. Stopping was achieved via Drum, aluminum full hub, 136 mm in the front and a Drum, aluminum full hub, 160 mm in the rear. The front suspension was a Hydraulic front fork while the rear was equipped with a Swing arm with spring legs. The MD50 was fitted with a 13.5 L / 3.6 US gal fuel tank.

Photos[edit | edit source]

Maico MD50 Maico MD50 Maico MD50

Overview[edit | edit source]

Maico MD 50





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.


Make Model Maico MD 50
Year 1971 - 76
Engine Type Single cylinder, two stroke, rotary valve inlet
Displacement 49 cc / 3.0 cub in.
Bore X Stroke 38 x 44 mm
Cooling System Air cooling
Compression 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, aluminum full hub, 136 mm
Rear Brakes Drum, aluminum full hub, 160 mm
Wheels Aluminum alloy, laced wire spokes
Front Tire 2.50 x 16 in.
Rear Tire 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