Founded in England in 1959 by Derek and Don Rickman, Metisse Motorcycles quickly developed a name for off-road excellence with their custom frame designs for British engines that led to wins in the Moto Cross des Nations as well as 250cc and 500cc GP motocross championships. Their success soon expanded into road racing as well, but they were best known in the US for desert racing prowess thanks to vocal support from legends like Bud Ekins and Steve McQueen. In fact, it was McQueen himself in 1966 who called Metisse’s Mk3 off-road frame “the best handling bike I’ve ever owned!”
In 2008, Metisse partnered with Chad McQueen (Steve’s son) and Dave Ekins (Bud’s brother) to build modern replica of Steve McQueen’s machine, and the McQueen estate gave Metisse the rights to produce a limited run of 300 examples. The gorgeous nickel-plated 4130 chromoly Metisse frame surrounded a reconditioned Triumph 650cc engine with a 4-speed transmission, fed by an Amal concentric carb. 35mm Ceriani forks with BSA yokes and reproduction Girling shocks handled suspension duties. The bodywork (including a 2.1 gallon fuel tank) was adorned in the Battleship Grey color that McQueen famously adored, and an authorized autograph is present on the tank.
This example is VIN: MQN 286-1352, Engine #: T120R DU37980. The seller acquired it four years ago brand new from Metisse and immediately put it into storage. It has never been ridden.
Find this Metisse for sale in Greenwich, Connecticut with bidding up to $1,100 and the reserve not yet met here on Iconic Motorbike Auctions.
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