1970 Rickman Triumph Metisse

In Dual-Sport, England by Ted CloughLeave a Comment

Most of you know the story of brothers Don and Derek Rickman, who started out in the early 60’s building custom frames for British scrambles bikes and later road racers. Their frames were light and rigid, and they incorporated some innovations such as oil-in-frame, eccentric swingarm adjustment,and larger diameter telescopic forks. The frames were very popular with racers, enough so that they offered rolling chassis kits, and later actually complete bikes. While they offered kits for a variety of bikes, including Hodaka, Zundapp, Montesa, BSA and Matchless, probably the most popular was for Triumph twins.

This Rickman was evidently built by a well-known Baltimore Triumph shop for a racer in SC.It has a T120 (650) engine, with a Mikuni carb, and the seller says it is a one-kick starter, and runs well. There is no such thing as a completely “correct” Metisse – the name itself is French for “mongrel”, so it is not unusual to see different tire combinations or fenders. This one whas a Preston Petty front fender, but the seller says he has the original Rickman one also. This bike also appears to have an 18″ rear/21″ front tire setup, which would have been proper for the enduro-type riding it was made for. In addition is has been fitted with a light kit. Depending upon your state rules, you should be able to register it.

These bikes were also notable for the quality of the welding, and their trademark nickle-plated frames. That’s the oil filler cap, just behind the steering head.

Rickmans have been appreciating in value. I think the seller may be a bit optimistic asking $13,500, but one pristine Metisse did go for $17,800 at Bonhams in Vegas in January. It would help if he had a picture of Steve Mcqueen riding the bike! The seller does say he is open to offers. You can contact him here on Craigslist or directly at Easley Cycle Repair, a British specialty shop in Easley, South Carolina.