1968 Rickman BSA B44 Weslake Metisse

Description

Please Note: The seller is unable to provide a running video.

Additional photos of this Rickman BSA are available here for your perusal.

After spending the 1950s racing motocross throughout England and Europe, brothers Don and Derek Rickman applied what they had learned and decided to engineer their own frame. What resulted was the “Metisse,” an offering that took its name from the French word for mongrel and had the unique ability to accept almost any manufacturer’s engine. Moreover, it proved a distinctive design in that it featured no brazed lugs, it was machined from of lightweight chromoly tubing, and it was coated in a sharp nickel-plated finish.

The first Rickman Metisse MkI arrived on the market in 1959, and its successor — the MkII — just a year later. Never content to settle, however, Don and Derek Rickman redoubled their efforts and released the much-improved MkIII in 1962.

By 1968, the Rickman brothers had begun offering customers complete kits for the BSA Gold Star and Victor powerplants. In many ways, it was the perfect marriage. The 490cc B44 engine — often fitted with a four-valve Weslake top end — was the lightest and most powerful four-stroke available at the time. When mounted inside of a Rickman frame, the resulting combination offered significant weight savings and far superior handling compared to that of the stock Victor.

This example is Frame #: 1269. Per the seller, it is “1 of 55 built in 1968 and 1 of 217 built in total.” The seller acquired it five years ago.

True mileage is unknown.

Modifications:
The seller reports that this Rickman is an original build, specially ordered from Fred’s Sports Center. Accordingly, it has:

Rickman forks.

BSA B44 with Weslake 500cc Kit.

Magnesium hubs.

Not pictured: Boyer ignition.

Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. The seller notes that one of the head fins is chipped; the original piece is located in his shop.

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Metzeler MC360 tires with date codes of 3118 and 2721.

Currently located in San Juan Capistrano (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Rickman is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any BSA Metisse stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!