Rickman Motorcycles was an excellent example of win on Sunday, sell on Monday. Their frame designs got the most out of big British four-stroke motors, and it translated to impressive off-road victories (including at the 1959 Motocross des Nations).
Wanting to expand the lineup to include smaller two-stroke powerplants, the Rickman brothers partnered with companies like Bultaco, Hodaka, Montesa, and Zundapp – the last of which provided 125cc engines typically found in their own enduros.
The Rickman Zundapp 125 continued Rickman’s reputation of beautiful fiberglass work and high quality nickel-plated frames. Despite their relatively small shop, Rickman had excellent technology (through a joint collaboration with Lockheed, they released the first road bikes to use disc brakes on both the front and rear wheels). For this bike, components were of the highest quality – you got Ceriani forks, Girling shocks, and Magura levers. Because of this, the price was steep, which didn’t help sales. Still, it was a lovely little bike with incredible reliability and excellent craftsmanship.
Manufactured in May of 1972, this example is VIN: 5153Z, Engine #: 4639093.
There is no odometer, true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Fail
Engine Oil Level: Low
Engine Oil Quality: Dark (Age Unknown)
2T Oil Level: Premix
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Rusty
Headlight High Beam: N/A
Headlight Low Beam: N/A
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: N/A
Tail Light: N/A
Brake Light (Front Switch): N/A
Brake Light (Rear Switch): N/A
Plate Light: N/A
Horn: N/A
Kill Switch: Unknown
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 60%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 70%
Forks: Leaking
Shock/s: Leaking
Tire Date Code Front: Pre-2000
Tire Date Code Rear: Pre-2000
Tire % Remaining Front: 50% cracking
Tire % Remaining Rear: 50% cracking
Tire Press. Front: 0 PSI Flat
Tire Press. Rear: 0 PSI Flat
Battery Standing Voltage: N/A
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: N/A
Running Condition: Kick No Start
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: None Taken
Notes:
-Throttle Cable not attached to carburetor
-Fuel tank leaks from RH Side front
-Front Sprocket Missing Teeth
Recommendation:
-No Start Diagnostic
-Carburetor Rebuild
-Fix Cabling
-Repair or Replace Fuel Tank
-Front and Rear Tire
-Oil Change
-Fork Rebuild
-Shocks
-Chain and Sprocket Replacement
-Grips Replacement
-Air Filter Replacement
-Spark Plug Replacement
Modifications:
Preston Petty front fender.
Cut rear fender.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop tires that have aged out.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Rickman is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any Metisse stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
