Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 21st July from 1pm
Auction: Wed 22th July from 10am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
Registration No: Un-registered
Frame No: B152
MOT: None
Rickmans ‘Petite Metisse’ frame
Period Bultaco two stroke engine
Good authentic condition
Rickman Motorcycles was an independent motorcycle chassis constructor established by brothers Derek and Don Rickman in the late 1950s. Both successful off-road riders, they initially made frames for their own use, but before long their competitors realised how much better the brothers’ bikes handled and limited production was set up to build more for sale. Initially, the frame designs were for off-road scrambles and track racing, but by 1966 frame kits for road bikes were being offered. The kits were built to take many engines including Triumph, BSA and Matchless and by the 1970s they began selling chassis kits for Japanese bikes like the Honda CB750 and Kawasaki Z1. Because of the ‘cross breed’ approach to making complete bikes the Rickman brothers decided to call their first bike the ‘Mongrol’, but quickly decided the French translation ‘Metisse’ sounded a bit classier.
Seeing the writing on the wall for the heavyweight British off road bikes in the mid 1960s, the Rickman brothers created a tie-up with Bultaco in Spain to supply their more powerful two stroke engines. Developing a smaller, lighter-weight ‘Petite’ frame to take the new motors, the bike revoltionised 250 class racing with Bultaco ultimately designing their own copy of the bike that became the Pursang. This example, presented in excellent and original looking trim, is thought to have been raced by Jim Allan in the past. It has been part of a small private collection for a number of years, so it will need recommissioning before use. A rare and collectible model that could still be used in twin shock events or form a fascinating part of any 1960s off road collection.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Entry by catalogue and can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people)
