PLACEHOLDER: COLD START/REV VIDEO
Founded in England in 1959 by Derek and Don Rickman, Metisse Motorcycles quickly developed a name for off-road excellence with their custom frame designs for British engines that led to wins in the Moto Cross des Nations as well as 250cc and 500cc GP motocross championships. Their success soon expanded into road racing as well, but they were best known in the US for desert racing prowess thanks to vocal support from legends like Bud Ekins and Steve McQueen. In fact, it was McQueen himself in 1966 who called Metisse’s Mk3 off-road frame “the best handling bike I’ve ever owned!” In 2008, Metisse partnered with Chad McQueen (Steve’s son) and Dave Ekins (Bud’s brother) to build modern replica of Steve McQueen’s machine, and the McQueen estate gave Metisse the rights to produce a limited run of 300 examples.
The gorgeous nickel-plated 4130 chromoly Metisse frame surrounded a reconditioned Triumph 650cc engine with a 4-speed transmission, fed by an Amal concentric carb.
35mm Ceriani forks with BSA yokes and reproduction Girling shocks handled suspension duties.
The bodywork (including a 2.1 gallon fuel tank) was adorned in the Battleship Grey color that McQueen famously adored, and an authorized autograph is present on the tank.
This example is VIN: 012445689. The seller purchased it new in England in 2018.
PLACEHOLDER: PHOTO OF VIN
The seller has not ridden the bike during his ownership. There is no odometer, true mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
“It was sent for a full check up and oil change by a bike shop even though I didn’t use it.”
Modifications:
The seller states that this bike is as delivered by Rickman.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on the original Michelin tires with date codes of 1917 and 1917.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Brand new
PLACEHOLDER: PHOTOS OF SCUFFS/BLEMISHES
Currently located in Montreal, Québec, Canada, this Rickman is offered on a clean Quebec registration. Have any Desert Racer stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
