Maicoletta

The Maicoletta had a tubular steel frame with pressed steel body panels.[2][3] Front suspension was with a telescopic fork with coil springs, hydraulic damping, and a steering damper.[3] Rear suspension was with a swingarm with dual coil springs and twin hydraulic dampers.[2][3][4] The wheels were 14 inches in diameter[2][3][4] and had a width between 3.25 inches[3] and 3.5 inches.[2] Drum brakes were used front and rear. The front drums were 6.5 inches in diameter,[2][3][4] while the rear brake was either six inches[2] or five inches[3] in diameter.

The Maicoletta had a fan-cooled single-cylinder piston port two-stroke engine,[2][3][4] originally of either 174 cc or 247 cc. A 277 cc engine became available in 1957.[5] The transmission had four ratios and was controlled by a heel-and-toe pedal.[3] The engine and transmission were mounted on the frame[3] and drove the rear wheel through an enclosed drive chain.[2][3]

The Maicoletta used a Bosch six volt 'pendulum' electric starter system. When activated, instead of rotating the crankshaft, the starter used the generator coils on the shaft to rock it back and forth under the control of cams on the crankshaft. These cams closed contacts in the starter to trigger a reversing switch in the control box that changed the crankshaft direction at the end of each swing. This gives the impression of the crankshaft continually bouncing back and forwards against compression, when operated.[3] A separate set of ignition points fired the spark plug in the forward direction only, and when this fires the mixture in the cylinder the engine starts to rotate normally, the starter is released and the normal ignition system takes over. This system was possible due to the piston port induction system of the two-stroke engine.

The advantage of this system is that the starter does not have to force the crankshaft to turn over against compression, so less power is required from the 6 volt system. Its disadvantage is the unusually large number of contacts, which can be difficult to adjust. The reversing switch contacts tend to wear out with extended use and can be very difficult to service or to have serviced, hence the scooter's reputation for requiring roll starts later in life. The Maicoletta did not have a kick starter.[4]

The Maicoletta was noted for being large and comfortable,[2][3][4] with an exceptionally large and commodious dual seat[3] and room for the rider and passenger to move around and avoid fatigue.[3][4]

Maicoletta Dash

The Maicoletta had a dashboard with a speedometer and an eight-day clock.[2][3][4] A gear ratio indicator was incorporated in the speedometer.[3][4]

The drivetrain was covered by the rear bodywork, which could be removed as a unit by loosening one bolt and unplugging the lead to the taillight.[2] Access to the fuel cap and the spark plug was also available by unlocking and lifting the hinged seat,[2][3] and an access panel on the left side allowed access to the carburettor.[3]

One ergonomic concern was the considerable effort required to mount the Maicoletta on its centre stand. This made it difficult for small riders or riders of slight build to park the scooter.[2][3] Another concern was the cold-start lever, which was positioned below the glove box and was not readily visible.[2]