1970 Rickman Hodaka, 100 Micro Metisse

Back in the late 60’s and early 70’s, the Rickman Brothers constructed motorcycles for the off road industry that were and still are unparalleled for quality. Specializing originally in frame kits to which you fit your favorite BSA or Triumph motor, the Rickmans branched out in 1970 to offer a 125 Zundapp as well as a 250 Montessa motor option in a complete ready to ride off road cycle.

The 500 and 650 British motors were still available, but the Rickmans saw a need to compete in the burgeoning small displacement classes. All of the MX Rickmans were distributed through Steens of Alhambra, California. Steens saw an additional need for the 100 CC class and in 1970 got approval from the Rickmans, to offer a 100 CC Hodaka E series motor in a smaller lighter frame which was built in England and sent to Alhambra. Once at Steens the bikes were fitted with the reliable but not so powerful 100 CC Hodaka power plant.

Only 412 were made and this is the 108th one built in that production run as evidenced by the #108 HI serial number and the large hubs which came on the earliest versions. Additionally, this one came from the factory with a 19″ rear wheel which is a rare option. This bike is one of the most beautiful bikes in the collection and to think you could entirely wreck the whole look with one “endo”. I only saw one when I was racing at Bay Mare Race Track in Simi Valley and it was an exact copy of this one including the trials universal tire on the back.

MAKE / MODEL: RICKMAN MICRO METISSE

YEAR: 1970 ENGINE DISPLACEMENT: 100 CC

COUNTRY OF MANUFACTURE: ENGLAND/ALHAMBRA, CA

ORIGINAL PURCHASE PRICE NEW $795.00

THIS BIKE IS:

_  NEW, NEVER BEEN STARTED

_  ORIGINAL UNRESTORED

_  PARTIALLY RESTORED

X  FULLY RESTORED

RESTORATION WORK PERFORMED BY: KELLY OWEN

OWNER: KELLY OWEN