c.1990 M.R.D Rickman Métisse Aermacchi 350cc Racing Motorcycle

•Built by MRD in 1990
•Classic Manx Grand Prix finisher in 1991 and 1992
•Present ownership for 20 years
•Raced and paraded with the CRMC
•Last used in 2019

Rickman's first purpose-built road-racer came about following an approach from sponsor Tom Kirby, for whom the Rickmans built a frame to house the Matchless G50 engine. Kirby's star rider Bill Ivy won first time out on the new machine at Mallory Park in March 1966, defeating the cream of Britain's road-racing stars in the process. That Rickman should build a version to accommodate the horizontal Aermacchi single-cylinder engine was first suggested by rider/frame-maker Marly Drixl (of Drixton fame), who wanted to improve the handling of his stock Aermacchi racer. Accordingly, the Rickmans redesigned the frame's front down-tubes and engine cradle while leaving the rear part essentially unchanged. The result was a frame weighing in at 24lb, 4lb less than the original. The Rickman frame soon became a 'must have' for any competitor riding an Aermacchi. When the Rickmans gave up frame making, the rights to their designs passed in 1983/84 to Pat French's firm, MRD Métisse, which continued to cater for the increasing 'classic' market.

Built by MRD in 1990, the Aermacchi Métisse offered here boasts Rickman 41.5mm forks; a Rickman front disc brake and Lockheed caliper; and a Yamaha TD2 rear drum brake. The engine incorporates original Aermacchi 350cc crankcases, cylinder barrel and head, while specification highlights include a Carrillo con-rod; 11.2:1 compression-ratio Omega piston (74.5mm bore); N6 cam with Stellite followers; straight-cut timing gears; Dyna twin-plug ignition; Amal 36mm smooth-bore carburettor; and racing valves, guides, springs, caps and collets. Power is transmitted via a bespoke straight-cut primary drive to a dry clutch. Other notable features include a Krober rev counter; alloy wheel rims (Borrani front, Dunlop rear); Avon tyres; Norton Lockheed brake lever/reservoir; and a custom Gibson exhaust.

This machine raced in the 1991 Classic Manx Grand Prix, retiring from 7th place with a puncture (fastest lap 93.4mph). It also raced in the 1992 Classic Manx, finishing in 11th place. Outings in the 1993 and 1994 Classic Manx races both resulted in retirements. Thereafter the Aermacchi was raced and paraded with the Classic Racing Motorcycle Club until the 2020 season. It last ran in September 2019. Our vendor describes the machine as in generally excellent condition, benefiting from a new aluminium fuel tank, resprayed fairing and re-covered seat.

A small selection of spares including clutch plates, sprockets, spark plugs, cables/pipes, valves, etc is included in the sale. The machine is offered with a CRMC Registration Certificate for Group 1 Period 2; a photograph of it competing in the Manx Grand Prix; and some details noted down by the previous owner.