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Maico MD 50

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

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.