Best 1978 open class bike for post vintage racing?

Joko
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Joko
Edited Date/Time 6/30/2014 5:14am
Looking to get back to 1978 vintage racing, but instead of riding the 125 class as I did back in the day on an RM125C, I'd like to run the open class. Any recommendations as to which bike was the better all round
performer that didn't have too many maintenance issues, but had good suspension & handling?
Thanks!
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mx317
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mx317 6/29/2014 2:14pm
6/29/2014 2:14pm
Maico and then YZ400
plowboy
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plowboy 6/29/2014 2:18pm
6/29/2014 2:18pm
mx317 wrote:
Maico and then YZ400
X2
Joko
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Joko 6/29/2014 2:23pm
6/29/2014 2:23pm
Amici 400 or 440?
KennyT
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KennyT 6/29/2014 2:23pm
6/29/2014 2:23pm
mx317 wrote:
Maico and then YZ400
plowboy wrote:
X2
Exactly. The maico may be more $$$ to not only buy but to maintain. The YZ is going to be very competitive and reliable. If money were no object I would go with a Maico just for the cool factor and they have very smooth power delivery.

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Joko
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Joko 6/29/2014 2:24pm
6/29/2014 2:24pm
Joko wrote:
Amici 400 or 440?
Maico 400 or 440?
Lonestar_399
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Lonestar_399 6/29/2014 2:33pm
6/29/2014 2:33pm Edited Date/Time 6/29/2014 2:40pm
A couple of questions and a statement or two.

Why a 1978 model? Just asking as the typical PV class structure is Historic Class (generally 1975-77 models, a few "like model" exceptions) and Grand Prix (1978-80/81 models for the most part) and Ultima (1981/82-84'ish , uni-trak models with no disc brakes, and water cooled). A 1978 model is competitive but if you want the best bike for the class you should target the cut-off year bikes.

To answer your question though the YZ400 would be the most economical choice and the Maico the more expensive as well as more troublesome. I agree the YZ or the Maico would be my top two choices.The 1978 models are competitive and if that's the year you are sentimental too then do it. Welcome to vintage racing. It's more of a get together for old bike enthusiast while the racing came be very competitive and very laid back at the same time.
Joko
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Joko 6/29/2014 2:46pm
6/29/2014 2:46pm
Yea, 1975-1978 were sentimental value years for me. I was out of the sport from 1979-1983 due to college, so not any racing happened then for me. May consider the 1977 models though...
Joko
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Joko 6/29/2014 2:49pm
6/29/2014 2:49pm
Yea, 1975-1978 were sentimental value years for me. I was out of the sport from 1979-1983 due to college, so not any racing happened then for me. May consider the 1977 models though...
Lonestar_399
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Lonestar_399 6/29/2014 2:55pm
6/29/2014 2:55pm Edited Date/Time 6/29/2014 2:58pm
1977 I would still go with the YZ400 however the RM370, Husky's, and Maico I think are more closely competitive for that year. You might like the Historic class better initially. That's my favorite class. You'll find most people gravitate to the era they raced in or as in my case was a big fan of from the sidelines.

There are plenty of people that can rebuild the old monoshocks and/or buy a more modern upgrade shock if that's a concern.
neverwas 6/29/2014 3:07pm
6/29/2014 3:07pm
I raced both bikes (YZ400 and a Maico) back then, the Maico would turn circles around the Yamaha but the Yamaha was WAY more reliable.Both are the best choices to answer to your question.
Joko
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Joko 6/29/2014 3:34pm
6/29/2014 3:34pm
Checking out the 78YZ400 steering head angle at 30.5 degrees, I can understand
how the Maico would out- handle them.
Is there any good videos out on recent vintage races to see how these older bikes run on today's tracks?
Bigfoot
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Bigfoot 6/29/2014 3:51pm
6/29/2014 3:51pm Edited Date/Time 6/29/2014 3:53pm
Don't leave the Zook out of your choices. You can actually still get many parts for the 370 from you friendly neighborhood Suzuki dealer.
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Bigfoot 6/29/2014 3:53pm
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Bret
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Bret 6/29/2014 4:08pm
6/29/2014 4:08pm
Maico
Sir Roostsalot 6/29/2014 4:14pm
6/29/2014 4:14pm
Can Am MX4 370, you'll probably holeshot.
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Wahtash 6/29/2014 4:43pm
6/29/2014 4:43pm
This is a '79...yeah they were fast but didn't stop too well
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plowboy 6/29/2014 4:52pm
6/29/2014 4:52pm
Heard a rumor that the Maico could be a little rough on the legs...maybe someone could confirm/deny.Woohoo Whistling Dizzy
MaicoJC1
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MaicoJC1 6/29/2014 6:09pm
6/29/2014 6:09pm Edited Date/Time 6/29/2014 6:11pm
mx317 wrote:
Maico and then YZ400
plowboy wrote:
X2
Yep -- X3. I've owned and raced numerous Maico 400s, 440s, and 450. I prefer the Maico 400 to 440/450.

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The Rock
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The Rock 6/30/2014 12:14am
6/30/2014 12:14am Edited Date/Time 6/30/2014 12:15am
plowboy wrote:
Heard a rumor that the Maico could be a little rough on the legs...maybe someone could confirm/deny.Woohoo Whistling Dizzy
That wasn't even remotely funny..

Best first and second choices for Vintage racing is Maico and Maico. Smile The 81 490 is considered the all time king but I never rode one.
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CR500Rider 6/30/2014 1:08am
6/30/2014 1:08am
plowboy wrote:
Heard a rumor that the Maico could be a little rough on the legs...maybe someone could confirm/deny.Woohoo Whistling Dizzy
The Rock wrote:
That wasn't even remotely funny.. Best first and second choices for Vintage racing is Maico and Maico. :) The 81 490 is considered the all time...
That wasn't even remotely funny..

Best first and second choices for Vintage racing is Maico and Maico. Smile The 81 490 is considered the all time king but I never rode one.
A buddy has an 81' 490. The only complaint I have is the side panels bulge out where the shocks go and that digs in to my legs. It's bad enough I wouldn't own one.
plowboy
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plowboy 6/30/2014 5:14am
6/30/2014 5:14am
plowboy wrote:
Heard a rumor that the Maico could be a little rough on the legs...maybe someone could confirm/deny.Woohoo Whistling Dizzy
The Rock wrote:
That wasn't even remotely funny.. Best first and second choices for Vintage racing is Maico and Maico. :) The 81 490 is considered the all time...
That wasn't even remotely funny..

Best first and second choices for Vintage racing is Maico and Maico. Smile The 81 490 is considered the all time king but I never rode one.
Sorry. I was just trying to draw Bob out. I know he's an avid Maico dude.

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