Beschreibung:

This original Rickman Métisse Matchless was built in 1966 by Cambridge motorcycle dealer and moto-cross competitor, Andy Lee to his own specification. Stamped 'ANDY LEE/EXP', the engine incorporates a 79mm stroke Matchless G50 crankshaft, 90mm cylinder bore, Omega piston, Nucleus valves and Andy's own 'straight port' cylinder head with modified inlet tract. Andy rode this machine throughout 1966 and 1967 before switching to a BSA-engined Métisse part way through 1968. He competed in BBC Television's 'Grandstand' scrambles, the 'Battle of Newbury' and the Inter-Centre team competition at Tilton but mainly rode on the Continent where he was very popular, winning many 'big money' events. In 1973 the Matchless-engined Métisse was sold by Andy's son Michael (the famous speedway rider) to Peter Yeats, of Aberdeen, who subsequently raced it in classic moto-cross events including the Bonanza and at Beaucaire in France. He replaced the original Dewall fork yokes with standard Ceriani items, as the latter's reduced rake makes them more suitable for the slower British tracks. (The original Dewall yokes come with the machine). The current vendor purchased the machine in 2007 and has competed on it in classic scrambles in the UK, including the Bonanza, Nostalgia and other events, while at the Farleigh Castle Trophée des Nations in 2009 he finished 4th in the Pre-'65 class. One of the most original machines competing in Pre-'65 events, it finished 2nd in the Bonanza round of the Rickman British Bike Championship last year, confirming just what a competitive mount it is. Its specification includes the original Matchless G85CS engine and 1966 Rickman frame (never re-plated), Rickman rear hub, AMC front hub, NJB rear shock absorbers, AMC scrambles gearbox, Norton clutch, twin foam air filters and Amal Concentric carburettor. Recent work has included fitting a new high-level exhaust pipe, new BTH electronic magneto, and new wheel rims and spokes as well as rebuilding the cylinder head with new valves, etc (see bills on file).