1990 Maico 500, rare OEM blue

Description

Maico filed for bankruptcy in the 80s and sold to Lorenz Merkle. Engine was changed making it a true 500cc with direct drive primary, water-cooled, upside-down forks, all the modern updates of that time. The bikes went from red to blue to signify the new design. They were only blue a few years. The company was sold again, going to the Netherlands before back to Germany. This 2-owner bike is owned by a longtime friend who had it maybe 20 years, a highly original and very collectable example. It was last run when he got it. He raced it once, put the tires on, and eventually drained at the fluids and stored it inside his house. Owner reported that it was a bear to start but once warm it ran well.  I recently bled the brakes, I think I rebuilt the caliper, refilled the fluids and started it. I was able to start it, but it is very cold blooded. It ran for a bit and stalled, twice, It could probably use some better tuning. I got tired of kicking, after all its 500cc. I have a video of that. Owner says move it on. So, its priced at 5K out the door which is at least 1/2 the price of a Honda 500 smoker but this is twice the bike. PM for more pix or video