Never started!
1974 Rickman Metisse Mk3 744cc Triumph T140E
Frame no. MRD92125
Engine no. T140EDX07468
The Triumph T140E motor was their over-bored 650cc built from 1973 to 1983 – still an air-cooled, 2-valve, parallel twin – but now in unit with a 5-speed gearbox and on paper pushing out very nearly 50 horsepower at 6,500rpm. Just what you might need it a lightweight desert sled like a Rickman Metisse. Sensibly the motor in this bike – converted back to right foot shifter – has but a single Amal carburetor for easier starting, reliability and "keeping it in tune." Electric start did not come to Triumph until 1980!
Rickman's quality was legendary with well laid-up fiberglass and nickel-plated frames and that quality is well reflected in this gorgeous, showroom-new machine. And what's not to like about British Racing Green? However, the frame was actually made by Pat French's MRD company (Model Replica and Design) located in Bristol. French had bought all rights to the Rickman Mk3 and Mk4 frames in 1982, and was soon in low volume production. If anything the MRD frames were even batter than the originals. This early MRD Mk3 oil-in-the-frame original – together with its Ceriani forks, Barnes period aftermarket primary cover, and Metisse hubs and rims - is polished to perfection.
The engine was built by the late Gary Hilgenberg of Speed & Sport, Ames,Iowa; he was once awarded AMA Mechanic of the Year. It also has ARD ignition for easy starting and running although the engine has never actually been started. This bike is like new but better, it is new. And the opportunity to buy a period piece such as this is likely never to arise again.
