Established in 1960, Rickman motorcycles initially supplied frame kits built for many British bikes, as companies would not sell engines to them. At the start of the 70s, Rickman got access to engines from all around the world, and started exporting several small-displacement motocross bikes, many to the United States. Ranging from 100cc to 250cc in displacement, today we look at the 125cc version – with an engine supplied by the former German firm, Zundapp.
The Rickman Zundapp 125 continued Rickman’s reputation of beautiful fiberglass work and high quality nickel-plated frames. Despite their relatively small shop, Rickman had excellent technology (through a joint collaboration with Lockheed, they released the first road bikes to use disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels). For this bike, components were of the highest quality – you got Ceriani forks, Girling shocks, and Magura levers. Because of this, the price was steep, which didn’t help sales. Still, it was a lovely little bike with incredible reliability and excellent craftsmanship. Want to learn more? Thomas Day recounts his ownership of one of these beauties in an short but engrossing read here.
This specific Rickman Zundapp 125 has just 450 original miles, and is being offered by the second owner. Impressively, it’s always been registered and insured since purchased new back in 1972. It’s in great shape, and the seller gives you a laugh with the line, “This is British engineering at it’s finest, which I recognize, isn’t saying much.”
Find this Rickman Zundapp 125 for sale here on Craigslist in Weedsport, New York for $2,800.