c.1966/1970 Rickman Métisse Triumph 500cc MkIII Scrambler

The Rickman brothers - Don and Derek - were already established moto-cross stars when they built the first Métisse 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 'Métisse', which is roughly translatable as 'hybrid'. For the 1960 season two new Métisse MkII machines were constructed along broadly similar lines, before being superseded by the first Rickman-framed model, the Metisse MkIII, for 1961. An enormous success, the MkIII 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 MkIV, which was intended for the unitary construction Triumph T100 and BSA Victor engines, while there were also a frame for two-stroke singles (the 'Petite Métisse'), and a road racing chassis. Unable to compete with the Japanese factories, the Rickmans gave up frame making in the early 1980s, the rights to their designs passing in 1983/84 to Pat French's firm, MRD Métisse, which continued to cater for the increasing 'classic' market.

The construction of this Triumph-powered Rickman Métisse was commissioned four years ago by the lady vendor's late husband and first registered on 1st March 2026. The engine is a Triumph Daytona T100R unit dating from 1970. The accompanying Certificate from the Rickman Métisse Historic Register reveals that frame number '919' was built to take a 500cc Triumph unitary construction engine and completed on 5th October 1966. The original customer was someone called Steens. The machine also comes with an Inspection Report Form from the Register listing a Triumph front wheel, Ceriani forks, Métisse rear wheel, and Girling dampers as features together with the aforementioned Triumph engine. Other paperwork consists of a V5C Registration Certificate and MoT to 8th January 2027. The odometer reading is 5.9 miles (at the time of cataloguing/photography), which may represent the distance to the MoT station and back again.

Sold strictly as viewed. Prospective purchasers must satisfy themselves with regard to this motorcycle's history, originality, authenticity, mechanical condition, mileage and completeness (or otherwise) prior to bidding.

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