The starting point: a crusty old 501 Maico.

It all started out like so many stories do, an email from a reader about a project bike. But this particular bike was a rare bird, indeed: a 501 Maico!

Here’s that email:

Hey, Superhunky,

I'm not trying to make you jealous or anything and you probably have several, but I finally located and purchased my first ........ 501 1973 MAICO for restoration.  I'm in my late 40's and still have the original DB mag with the test report... Very cool stuff. 

 

You also tested the El Camino in that issue!!!   I've got several bikes I've restored and have never sold one of them.  Just thought I'd drop you a line.  Oh yea, the 501 has a Hooker up pipe on it, which I've never seen.  Photos available upon request.

Long time fan, 30+++years
Mr. Vintage MX

Rick Hoover
Pittsburgh (STEELER AND DIRTBIKE COUNTRY)

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I responded as only a 501 fan might:

Wow, I just might be over your place with a cooler full of beer. Congrats and send me some photos.

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Superhunky,

A very rare Hooker up pipe.

Great to hear from you!! Here she is, a real diamond in the rough. Have you ever seen one with a Hooker up pipe? I have not.  I just finished a 70 MH 400 Husky and 72 CZ 400 and they both  came out really sweet.  I'll send some additional photos of my finished bikes later this week.  I have several in my personal collection.  There are a ton of used dirt bikes here in the Pittsburgh area.  I had a few photos of my 73 350 Bultaco Pursang here at work.     

Thanks for responding back !! 

Rick   

One of the Bulltaco Pursangs Rick restored.	A CZ and a Bul got the once over.

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I had not heard of anyone running any sort of an up pipe on a 501. The Hooker looks a great deal like one on the open class Yamahas. Probably a one-off.

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Hunk

Here's the MAICO 501, and a few of the bikes in my collection I've completed over the years.  I am currently working on  an  80 SWM 440 6days , 73 Elsinore 250  and the 501 Earthquake machine. The Husky 400 cross was finished last week.

R.H.

A Husky MH was also one of Rick's projects.

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Subject: Hoovers 501 restoration

 

SH

The frame was sandblasted, primed and painted, no stinkin powder coat for this baby. Seat recovered, original set of new Metzeler uni-cross tires confiscated from the 400 husky, I previously restored 13 years ago. Put the Pirelli MT-16's on that one. The original set of fiberglass fenders arrived today, very sweet!!

 

I really think you should do a vintage test or story to keep the young bucks aware of their heritage. It may also help them appreciate just how far things have come in 30+ years. I friend of mine asked me to mention your 700cc Maico you had on the East coast???

Carry on!!

RH

First to get detailed was the chassis.	Saddle was recovered and installed.

Fenders were next.	Real Metzelers were located.

Gas tank, wheels and tires were next.	The engine got the nod, with new piston and rings upstairs.

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The bike I had was a 760 Maico that raced in the Blackwater 100. I believe that Barry Higgins has the bike now.

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SH

I'm in the first stages of reassembly with the majority of parts already blasted, polished or painted. The original Italian wheels, handlebars, front forks and shifter are at the chrome guys. I located some original fiberglass fenders on E-bay, but have not yet received them. Once the fenders arrive, I will sand and paint the air-box, tank and both fenders with PPG omni series basecoat-clear coat in the original Maico yellow. I included one picture of my 70 Husky, MH-400 which I just finished. Good to finally hear back from you!

Best regards,
R.Hoover

Bottom end was completely gone through.	Completed task.

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Superhunky,

I haven't forgot about you. I just finished the Maico yesterday. It took my Chrome guy 11 weeks to turn around my wheels, forks, shifter and handlebars. Totally unacceptable, as I can normally finish these in 7-8 weeks. Let me know what you think! I'm pretty stoked with her.

Later

Rick H

The restored 501.

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Rick, your project came out great! You’ve got me thinking now about the projects that are half done, just sitting in the garage, gathering dust. This means only one thing: I’m gonna have to get my butt into gear. Your projects are an inspiration.