1985 Rickman Metisse MRD. Two owners from new, first owner Doug Desborough
1985 Rickman Metisse MRD. Two owners from new, first owner Doug Desborough
The Rickman Metisse Mk. III is one of the most celebrated British off-road and scrambles motorcycles to be produced. Originally developed by Don and Derek Rickman in the early 1960s, the Mk. III became renowned for its lightweight competition frame, outstanding handling and ability to accept a variety of British engines. The Metisse name—French for “mongrel”—reflected this successful combination of the best available components.
This particular Rickman Metisse was built by MRD, the company established by Rickman enthusiast Pat French, who continued the Metisse tradition during the 1980s using original Rickman parts, patterns and expertise. As such, MRD continued the legacy of the Rickman Brothers supplying both frames and finished bikes to customers to the exact specifications of earlier production.
One such customer was Doug Desborough of 1960s Scrambles fame who commissioned the build of this example in the early 1980s. Finished in British Racing Green with a satin chrome frame and fitted with a Matchless G80CS Competition single-cylinder engine. The G80CS engine was supplied as a unit from Matchless when new, hence the SU stamping in the engine number. Matchless would deliver an engine-only to racers and privateers wishing to use their proven Competition engines in a special like the Rickman Metisse.
Furthermore an AMC gearbox and Lucas Competition magneto is fitted and ensures reliability and straightforward maintenance.
On the trail, the Metisse delivers exactly the qualities that made the marque famous: responsive handling, rugged simplicity and the ability to tackle virtually any journey with confidence. A genuine “get me anywhere” motorcycle, it combines classic British engineering with the legendary Rickman Metisse pedigree.
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