Maxi Attack
AUSTRIA; HOME TO THE WORLD’S oldest restaurant, plus a vehicle manufacturer, known as Puch. The marque’s bicycle production goes way back to 1889 and ceased in 1987, but not before the magnificent Maxi hazed over our streets in blue.
Those of a certain vintage will reminisce the virtues of the Maxi at a time when the FS1E ruled and the Fantic Chopper was just a pipe dream. The little Puch was considered the housewife’s choice... but often became the perfect steed for teenagers to tear up local wasteland. History has shown for longevity and reliability the Austrian not only became a ‘top-tenner’, but for those current ‘Ped Preservers’ it’s an obvious choice.
According to my Haynes manual, Puch in the UK became official in 1968 before introducing the Maxi in February 69. In the first six months its moped sales share went from 4% to 20%; but by 1973 Puch ruled the UK market, supplying 52% of all mopeds registered. From then the faster/ cooler sports moped took control. But with plenty still about 40 years later, a second mortgage is not required to purchase and with ample parts availability at great value, it’s surely the way to go.
THE HUNT
Finding a Maxi is not difficult, but finding one at the right price with the potential to shine is a bit more of a challenge.
An overpriced example
