Beschreibung:

The Rickman brothers - Don and Derek - were already established moto-cross stars when they built the first Metisse in 1959 and within a decade their company would grow to become one of the biggest and best-known independent motorcycle frame-makers. Both commenced their scrambles careers riding BSA Gold Stars, and the brothers' first 'special' consisted of a BSA duplex-loop frame, Triumph T100 engine, BSA gearbox and Norton forks. It was given the French name 'Metisse', which is roughly translatable as 'hybrid'. For the 1960 season two (only) new Metisse Mk II machines were constructed along broadly similar lines, before being superseded by the first Rickman-factory-framed model - the Metisse Mk III - for 1961. An enormous success, the Mk III frame was produced in substantial quantities, proving a popular basis for large-capacity roadsters as well scrambles use. It was followed by the more compact Mk IV, which was intended for the unitary construction Triumph T100R and BSA B44 Victor engines, while there was also a frame for two-stroke singles (the 'Petite Metisse') and a road racing chassis. Its original customer was Rickman distributor Steen's of Alhambra, California. The Rickman Mk IV was the best-handling of the British four-strokers but came too late to stem the two-stroke invasion, but it still could dominate where power was paramount. This bike is a complete and original Mk IV with Ceriani forks, Rickman magnesium hubs, Rickman air filter system, Magura levers, serrated foot pegs and the clever Rickman exhausts with adjustable Supertrapp mufflers. This bike was mechanically restored in 2007 by Trident Motorcycles in Phoenix, Arizona and has not been run since.