Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1980's

knob on the bottom of the shoc k and variable nitrogen loads produc es infinite adjust ment settings. The shock is linked to the frame and chromemoly box swingarm by Heim joints, which have grease fitti ngs for easy maintenance. The shock can be removed easi ly, as it is not unde r tension when uncompressed as with some other single shock systems. Along with the single shock suspen· sion came new leverage and stress points. The Alpha I uses the swingarm and engine as the major supporting areas and has reinforced the frame's backbone, steering head and bottom loop. The engine mount has also been redesigned to take additional stress. The Alpha 1 picks up nine pounds (now at a claimed 227 pounds) over Maico's '8 1 model 250. weight Maico deemed necessary in order for the bike to stay together under rough conditions. Front suspension remains the same as in '81, Maico's own 42 millimeter lork asscm blv which offers 1 ~ .2 inches or travel . . Ma ico's powerplant is again aircooled with no apologies from Germany.. Maisch re ported that his company was not satisfied with the Japanese water-coolers in Europe , so there has been no experimentation as of yet towards waterpumpers at port Maico. Reshaped transfer dividers, a different flow system and lighter piston create an engine which will give more snap on low end. hold a surge through mid-range and rev out further on top end. Claimed figures indicate there is an approximate 12 percent increase in low and midrange, and 40 horsepower at 8 ,000 rpm at the crank. A 38 millimeter Bing carbo the same as last year, is used . It comes stock with a 195 main jet, 60 pilot jet, 278 -2 needle jet and 6D2 needle. A five speed close ratio gearbox with primary kickstarting lets the rider transfer power to the ground . The airbox has once again been enlarged to increase air flow and is double split moulded . then pressed together . It has a recessed section inside to keep dirt and water away from the filter. The filter used in '82 is 40 percent larger than the '81 version . ' A full floating rear brake has been added to increase braking power and efficiency. After a series of tests Maico came u p with a brake ro d /arm arrangement whic h gives a better feel when going for the binders. New decals and a bold yellow Alpha 1 insignia on the seat complement the package. The same plastic tank, side panels and fenders used on the '81 model remain in '82. Im~ression: 1982 Maico 250 AI~ha 1 MX The solo shock syndrome hits Maisch's machine By Tom M ueller Dealers who a tte nded the 1982 Maico show had the privilege of meeting Otto Maisch , the founder of Maico in West Germany. The elderly gentleman emitted a sense of pride while giving his short speech at I howi th e sowIng. Wh en h e sal.d ' " " am pr.oud of my mo~orcycles , we beheved he meant It. Buying a Maico, in ' this case a 250 Alpha I , is somewhat of a package deal. Not only do you get the latest in suspension and useable power coupled with a workable geometry that handles, but you also own something which seems a bit more personalized than the latest in Japanese technolozv. •• • • •••••• & •• .a 't ~.~ Not all riders can put aside a Japanese bike and ride a Maico, but those who can are usually highly successful. A study done for Maico over 1981 through a representative sam pling showed that 26 percent of those who pu rchased Maicos bought 250's. A relatively low portion of the total , something folks at the factory considered when fabricating the '82 model. They were intent on doing something about it. • '82 changes •. • • • • • • • • • • • • • ,., •••• , 1 Prepping our tester Maico has a reputation of building no compromise race bikes. and '82 proved no exception. The biggest change is the single shock rear suspension, prompted by the company's marketing position in relationship to other manufacturers who, offer similar suspension. After testing several systems. Maico decided to go with a sim plistic progressive rocker arm which pivots un dern eat h the swingarm. An improved center of gravity a nd easy maintenance. along with 12.8 inches of progressive travel, was the result. A Corte Cosso shock with remote reservoir is used. as that company pro· vided full testing facilities and engineers through '81 in order to provide a workable unit. Three spring weights are available, which coupled with the 60 position rebound damping 1; Ii I I We went to Maico's facil ity in Suffolk, Virginia . the day after the dealer show , and used the same bike dealers had been allowed to experi ment with. Maico's National Service Manager Selva raj Narayana. Parts Manager Gary Herro and H &H Maico's Ba rry Higgins grabbed some tools and went over the bike. Metzeler rwo-plys, a 3.00 x 21 front and a 4.50 x 18 rear, came stock on the Alpha , and tire pressure was set at 12 pounds front and rear for our conditions - an all day steady rain with mud. Higgins noted that on northern terrain with more rocks 14 pounds of air is preferable. Gearbox oil was drained and repla ced , spokes were adj usted a nd the ai r filter was cleaned, oiled a nd rep laced. All nuts were checked a nd tighte ned , and levers and brakes were adjusted . Twelve pounds of air was put in each for k tube a long with 535cc of ten weight oil in each leg . The shock's nitrogen press ure has a range of 250 to 285 p.s.i .. and ours was set at 270 . Higgins set the shock up with a fast I .r, fJ ·: \ f , 'J .,J 1 J ) .r. , l r

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