1981 MAICO 490 MEGA 2 – THE HOLY GRAIL OF VINTAGE MOTOCROSS! – 122-HOUR FRAME-OFF RESTORATION – OVER $24,700 INVESTED!

KAPLAN CYCLES / NEW ENGLAND MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM

SOLD – CONGRATULATIONS TO THE NEW OWNER!

ONE OF THE FINEST RESTORED 1981 MAICO 490 MEGA 2 MOTOCROSS BIKES YOU WILL EVER SEE!

Feast your eyes on an absolutely spectacular, fully restored 1981 Maico 490 Mega 2, widely regarded as one of the greatest air-cooled, twin-shock motocross motorcycles ever produced!

This is the stuff vintage motocross dreams are made of. The legendary German-built Maico 490 has achieved almost mythical status among collectors, racers, and enthusiasts worldwide. With its massive two-stroke power, exceptional handling, remarkable chassis geometry, and incredible suspension performance, the 1981 Mega 2 represents what many enthusiasts consider the pinnacle of twin-shock motocross development.

Legendary motorcycle journalist Rick "Super Hunky" Sieman and other period motorcycle testers praised the 1981 Maico for its extraordinary performance. Decades later, the Mega 2 remains one of the most desirable production motocross machines of its era.

And after riding this particular example, we understand exactly why!

THE POWER! THE TORQUE! THE HANDLING! THE SOUND!

This machine absolutely RIPS!

The legendary 490cc two-stroke engine delivers an incredible combination of low-end torque, explosive midrange power, and a seemingly endless pull through the upper RPM range. Vintage enthusiasts frequently compare its breathtaking performance to the mighty Honda CR500.

But unlike some vintage open-class motocross machines that were brutally powerful and difficult to control, the Maico 490 combined tremendous horsepower with a remarkably well-balanced chassis.

Its steering geometry, weight distribution, suspension characteristics, and overall handling were years ahead of their time.

This is the motorcycle that helped establish the benchmark for modern motocross chassis design.

And this particular example takes that legendary platform to an entirely different level!

OVER $24,700 INVESTED IN A PROFESSIONAL FRAME-OFF RESTORATION!

This is not a cosmetic restoration, a spray-can rebuild, or an old racer dressed up with new plastic.

This is a complete, painstaking, no-expense-spared restoration performed by the professional restoration team at Kaplan Cycles and the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Our highly skilled A-level technician Lee Mac personally spearheaded the restoration from beginning to end, performing the majority of the work himself, with additional assistance from our experienced restoration staff.

Every stage of the build was carefully supervised, with tremendous attention devoted to mechanical performance, historical appearance, fit, finish, and overall quality.

RESTORATION INVESTMENT: $24,768

• 122 hours of professional shop labor

• $18,300 in labor at our previous $150 hourly rate

• Approximately $6,468 in premium parts, materials, and restoration services

• More than six months from start to completion

• Completely rebuilt engine and transmission inspection

• Professional chassis restoration

• Rebuilt and upgraded suspension

• Restored wheels with premium Excel rims

• Extensive billet aluminum performance upgrades

• Brand-new premium plastics, fuel tank, and airbox

• Professionally restored factory components

• Premium racing exhaust system

• Brand-new electronic ignition

• Complete cosmetic and mechanical refurbishment

At our current $195-per-hour shop labor rate, this same restoration would represent approximately $30,258 in labor and parts alone, before the cost of purchasing the original motorcycle!

That's what it takes to build a 490 Mega 2 to this caliber.

And the results speak for themselves.

COMPLETELY REBUILT 490CC TWO-STROKE ENGINE

The heart of this beast is its legendary big-bore Maico two-stroke engine, and we spared no expense making it perform as impressively as it looks.

The engine was completely disassembled, including splitting the crankcases, and professionally rebuilt.

Engine restoration and upgrades include:

• Complete engine teardown and rebuild

• Engine cases split, inspected, and refinished

• Professionally rebuilt crankshaft

• New crankshaft main bearings

• New crankshaft seals

• New engine gasket set

• New engine oil seals throughout

• New shift shaft seal

• New kickstarter shaft seal

• New shift shaft

• New kickstarter gear

• New kickstarter return spring

• New clutch assembly

• New clutch washers and locking hardware

• New primary gear locking washer

• Transmission inspected and serviced

• Cylinder professionally bored

• Cylinder ports cleaned and inspected

• New premium Wiseco piston

• New piston rings

• New cylinder base gasket

• New cylinder head gasket

• New drain plug

• New billet aluminum oil fill cap

• New ignition cover

• New Maico's Only billet countershaft sprocket cover

• New front countershaft sprocket

The engine cases were professionally vapor honed to achieve a spectacular, clean, factory-fresh appearance.

The cylinder and head are exceptionally well preserved, with beautiful cooling fins and no damaged or broken fins.

Every detail of the engine reflects the amount of time, craftsmanship, and attention invested in this restoration.

The finished engine is absolutely stunning.

And it runs even better than it looks!

This is quite simply one of the strongest, smoothest-running Maico 490 engines we have ever ridden.

The throttle response is crisp, the torque is enormous, and the acceleration is absolutely exhilarating.

This is the type of machine that reminds you why big-bore two-stroke motocross bikes became legendary!

BRAND-NEW 38MM MIKUNI CARBURETOR AND INDUCTION SYSTEM

The original Bing carburetor has been replaced with a brand-new 38mm Mikuni carburetor, providing improved tuning flexibility, throttle response, and overall rideability.

The induction system includes:

• Brand-new 38mm Mikuni carburetor

• New intake manifold rubber

• New intake boot

• New carburetor connections

• Brand-new BMX airbox

• Brand-new airbox connecting rubbers

• New high-performance air filter

• Brand-new fuel petcock

• New throttle cable

• New Motion Pro throttle assembly

• New fuel tank sealing components

The pristine new airbox is a particularly impressive part of this restoration.

Having a fresh, clean airbox with proper seals and induction components is essential for a performance-oriented vintage motocross machine.

It's another example of doing the job correctly rather than cutting corners.

HANDCRAFTED MAICO'S ONLY RACING EXHAUST

One of the visual and mechanical highlights of this bike is its beautiful handmade Maico's Only Racing expansion chamber.

This is no ordinary exhaust pipe.

The pipe was carefully refinished using an extensive Scotch-Brite polishing process, followed by special detailing of the welds to bring out the striking blue coloration.

The resulting finish showcases the handcrafted construction and individual welded sections of the expansion chamber.

The exhaust system features:

• Handmade Maico's Only Racing expansion chamber

• Custom detailed and blued weld finish

• Brand-new aluminum racing silencer

• New billet aluminum silencer mount

• New rear exhaust mounting hardware

• New front exhaust rubber mounts

• New exhaust springs

• New silicone exhaust coupling

• New exhaust seals and rubber dampeners

This exhaust system looks like a work of art.

And the sound coming out of this 490cc two-stroke is absolutely incredible!

Deep, crisp, aggressive, and unmistakably Maico.

LEGENDARY MAICO FRAME – COMPLETELY RESTORED

The 1981 Mega 2 chassis is legendary for good reason.

Its geometry, steering characteristics, and overall balance helped make it one of the most highly regarded motocross machines of the twin-shock era.

The original factory frame was completely stripped, inspected, professionally prepared, and powder-coated in the correct original-style Maico red.

The frame rails are exceptionally clean and beautiful.

The swingarm is equally impressive.

This was an excellent foundation for a professional restoration, and the quality of the original components is immediately apparent.

Chassis restoration includes:

• Original factory frame professionally restored

• Correct original-style red powder coating

• Original swingarm restored

• New swingarm bearings

• New swingarm hardware as required

• New footpeg mounting hardware

• New oversized racing footpegs

• New axle-adjusting components

• New rear axle

• Restored factory chassis components

• Extensive stainless steel replacement hardware

• Refinished and protected metal components

The underside of the frame, swingarm, and engine cases presents beautifully.

These are precisely the areas that reveal the true quality of a vintage motorcycle restoration.

REBUILT WORKS PERFORMANCE REAR SHOCKS

The bike is equipped with a premium set of Works Performance twin rear shocks, a highly desirable upgrade for serious vintage motocross enthusiasts.

These shocks were professionally rebuilt as part of the restoration.

Work includes:

• Complete rear shock servicing and rebuilding

• New shock seals

• New shock bearings

• New shock bushings

• Springs professionally powder-coated

• Shock bodies professionally vapor honed

• Refinished mounting components

• Properly restored suspension hardware

The Works Performance shocks are an excellent match for the legendary Maico chassis and provide a substantial advantage for riders looking to compete in vintage twin-shock motocross events.

PROFESSIONALLY RESTORED FRONT FORKS WITH RACE TECH UPGRADES

The front suspension received the same attention to detail.

The original Maico fork assembly was professionally restored, with upgraded internal suspension components.

Front fork restoration includes:

• Upgraded Race Tech fork internals

• Professionally restored fork lowers

• Fork lowers refinished and painted

• Exceptionally clean original chrome fork tubes

• New fork dust caps

• New fork sealing components

• New fork clamp sealing rings

• New fork rubbers

• Restored triple clamps

• Vapor-honed and clear-coated triple clamps

• New stainless steel triple clamp hardware

• Air-adjustable fork caps

The original chrome fork tubes are in outstanding condition and present virtually like new.

The triple clamps are absolutely beautiful.

This front end is a perfect combination of vintage factory styling and carefully selected modern suspension improvements.

PREMIUM EXCEL RIMS, BUCHANAN SPOKES AND RESTORED FACTORY HUBS

The original wheels were completely rebuilt using some of the finest components available.

Both original factory hubs were professionally restored and fitted with brand-new Takasago Excel aluminum rims, laced with premium Buchanan spokes.

Wheel restoration includes:

• Brand-new front Takasago Excel rim

• Brand-new rear Takasago Excel rim

• Premium Buchanan spokes front and rear

• Original factory front hub professionally restored

• Original factory rear hub professionally restored

• Rear hub refinished in original-style semi-gloss black

• New front wheel bearings

• New rear wheel bearings

• Brand-new Dunlop motocross tires

• New rim locks

• New rear axle

• New axle-adjusting hardware

• New wheel and brake mounting hardware

This wheelset is absolutely gorgeous.

The quality of the Excel rims, Buchanan spokes, and carefully restored original hubs gives the bike an unmistakable factory-racing appearance.

COMPLETE BILLET ALUMINUM BRAKING SYSTEM UPGRADES

Both the front and rear braking systems have been professionally refurbished and upgraded with beautiful CNC-machined billet components.

Features include:

• New Maico's Only billet front brake backing plate

• Matching billet rear brake backing plate

• New front brake arm

• New rear brake arm

• New rear brake return spring

• New brake shoes and associated hardware

• New Venhill front brake cable

• New Magura front brake lever and perch

• Restored original brake hubs

• New brake mounting hardware

• Refinished and adjusted braking components

The billet backing plates are particularly striking and complement the other Maico's Only performance components throughout the motorcycle.

COMPLETE PREMIUM HANDLEBAR AND CONTROL PACKAGE

Every detail of the cockpit has been restored or replaced with premium components.

Features include:

• Brand-new Renthal 722 CR High handlebars

• New Renthal crossbar pad

• Maico-branded crossbar pad cover

• New OEM-style handlebar mounts

• New handlebar mounting rubbers

• New Magura clutch perch

• New Magura clutch lever

• New Magura front brake perch

• New Magura front brake lever

• New Motion Pro throttle assembly

• New ODI Ruffian grips

• Brand-new throttle cable

• Brand-new clutch cable

• Brand-new Venhill brake cable

• New compression-release lever and cable

• New lever covers

• New handlebar hardware

The controls are fresh, clean, and exceptionally well presented.

The proper Magura components, premium Renthal bars, and ODI grips give this bike a functional, competition-ready cockpit while maintaining the classic Maico appearance.

BRAND-NEW HPI ELECTRONIC IGNITION

The electrical and ignition systems have been thoroughly updated.

This Mega 2 features a brand-new HPI electronic ignition system, an excellent performance and reliability upgrade.

Additional components include:

• New HPI electronic ignition

• New ignition components and wiring

• New ignition coil

• New spark plug wire

• New NGK B9ES spark plug

• New associated electrical hardware

These upgrades help provide dependable ignition performance for this high-output two-stroke engine.

COMPLETE NEW BMX BODYWORK – PROFESSIONALLY FINISHED

The bodywork on this Maico is absolutely spectacular.

The motorcycle received an extensive package of premium reproduction components from BMX, one of the leading suppliers supporting the vintage Maico community.

New components include:

• Brand-new BMX front fender

• Brand-new BMX rear fender

• Brand-new BMX side number plates

• Brand-new BMX front number plate

• Brand-new BMX fuel tank

• Brand-new BMX airbox

• New fuel petcock

• New fuel cap seal

• Beautiful reproduction Maico graphics by Steiger Designs

The new fuel tank received particularly extensive attention.

Although brand-new, the reproduction tank required additional finishing to achieve the same outstanding gloss as the rest of the bodywork.

Our restoration team spent approximately six to eight hours carefully polishing and refining the tank to produce the spectacular finish you see today.

This is the type of attention to detail that separates a truly exceptional restoration from an ordinary rebuild.

The completed bodywork looks absolutely magnificent against the bright red Maico frame and premium aluminum components.

RESTORED SEAT WITH NEW FOAM AND MXA COVER

The seat has been completely refurbished with:

• New seat foam

• Premium MXA-style ribbed seat cover

• Professionally fitted and finished upholstery

• Restored original seat components and mounting hardware

We were so committed to achieving the correct final appearance that the seat cover was actually removed and installed a second time to refine its fit and presentation.

The result is a beautifully finished seat that complements the rest of the motorcycle.

COMPLETE PREMIUM DRIVETRAIN AND CHAIN GUIDE PACKAGE

The final-drive system has been thoroughly upgraded with premium components.

Features include:

• Brand-new Renthal gold drive chain

• New front countershaft sprocket

• New 52-tooth rear sprocket

• New rear sprocket mounting hardware

• New swingarm chain sliders

• New billet aluminum rear chain guide

• New Maico's Only countershaft sprocket cover

• New black billet aluminum shifter from South Cal Maico

• New shift shaft

• New premium oversized footpegs

• New footpeg mounting hardware

No bargain-basement components or low-quality substitutions were used to complete this restoration.

The objective was to build one of the finest examples of the legendary 1981 Maico 490 Mega 2 possible.

BUILT FOR THE SERIOUS COLLECTOR OR VINTAGE MOTOCROSS RACER

This is the type of motorcycle that would look right at home in a world-class vintage motocross collection, but it's far more than just a beautiful display piece.

It is a fully restored, running, riding big-bore two-stroke monster.

With its Works Performance shocks, upgraded Race Tech front suspension, Mikuni carburetor, premium wheels, billet braking components, and racing exhaust, it has been built with both performance and presentation in mind.

Imagine rolling this machine up to the starting line at Unadilla MX Rewind or another premier vintage motocross event.

The sound of that 490cc two-stroke firing to life.

The beautiful red chassis.

The polished aluminum components.

The iconic Maico bodywork.

There is simply nothing like it!

This is one of those motorcycles that can stop an entire paddock in its tracks.

A TRUE SIX-MONTH LABOR OF LOVE

A restoration of this magnitude simply cannot be rushed.

Although the work order reflects 122 hours of professional labor, the project extended over six months due to the complexity of the work, specialized restoration processes, and the lead times required to obtain premium components.

Parts had to be sourced from specialty suppliers.

Components had to be powder-coated, vapor honed, polished, rebuilt, and carefully fitted.

The handmade racing exhaust had to be obtained and individually finished.

The wheels were completely rebuilt.

The engine was reconstructed from the cases up.

The suspension received extensive attention.

The chassis and bodywork were carefully prepared.

And every component had to come together properly.

The final work order totaled $24,768, not including the purchase price of the original motorcycle.

A good, unrestored running Maico 490 can already represent a substantial investment, and building one to this standard requires significant additional time, money, specialized knowledge, and access to hard-to-find parts.

For the collector seeking an exceptional example, purchasing a professionally restored motorcycle of this caliber can represent tremendous value compared with commissioning a comparable build from scratch.

SPECIAL THANKS TO THE PEOPLE WHO MADE THIS RESTORATION POSSIBLE

A motorcycle this special doesn't happen without extraordinary people and companies supporting the vintage motocross community.

We want to extend our appreciation to:

• Lee Mac and the Kaplan Cycles restoration team for the exceptional craftsmanship

• Maico's Only for its outstanding racing exhaust and premium Maico components

• South Cal Maico for specialty restoration and performance parts

• BMX for reproducing the beautiful Maico fuel tank, airbox, and bodywork

• Christy at Steiger Designs for the gorgeous reproduction graphics

• Works Performance for the premium rear suspension

• Race Tech for the front suspension components

• Takasago Excel for the beautiful aluminum rims

• Buchanan's Spoke & Rim for the premium wheel spokes

• Dunlop for the motocross tires

• Renthal, Magura, Motion Pro, ODI, Mikuni, HPI, and our other suppliers for the premium parts that helped complete this build

Supporting these companies helps ensure that legendary vintage motorcycles like this Maico can continue to be restored, ridden, raced, and enjoyed by future generations.

THE HOLY GRAIL OF TWIN-SHOCK MOTOCROSS

Here at Kaplan Cycles and the New England Motorcycle Museum, we've restored and ridden countless vintage motocross motorcycles.

From the mighty Honda CR500 to legendary Kawasaki KX500s, Yamaha YZ490s, Suzuki RM500s, and countless other open-class two-strokes, we've experienced some of the most powerful machines ever built for off-road competition.

But there is something incredibly special about the 1981 Maico 490 Mega 2.

The styling.

The German engineering.

The tremendous torque.

The exceptional frame geometry.

The twin-shock suspension.

The racing heritage.

The unmistakable presence.

Few production motocross machines from any era can rival its combination of historical significance, performance, and visual appeal.

For many enthusiasts, the 1981 Maico 490 represents the ultimate expression of the air-cooled, twin-shock motocross motorcycle.

And we believe this particular example ranks among the finest restorations we've ever completed.

122 HOURS OF PROFESSIONAL RESTORATION LABOR.

OVER $24,700 INVESTED.

SIX MONTHS IN THE MAKING.

ONE ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR 1981 MAICO 490 MEGA 2.

SOLD – $24,500!

This incredible motorcycle has been sold to one of our valued repeat customers for $24,500, actually less than the documented cost of the restoration work alone!

We are thrilled that this extraordinary machine is going to someone who will appreciate the craftsmanship, historical significance, and exceptional performance of one of the greatest vintage motocross motorcycles ever produced.

Congratulations to the new owner!

It's been an honor and a privilege to bring this legendary German racing machine back to its former glory.

From all of us at Kaplan Cycles and the New England Motorcycle Museum, thank you for supporting our mission to preserve the history of motorcycling, one motorcycle at a time.

GOD BLESS AMERICA!

KAPLAN CYCLES

NEW ENGLAND MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM

Preserving Motorcycle History, One Bike at a Time.

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WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”

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AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192

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We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.

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Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.