1970 Norton Rickman Commando
1970 Norton Rickman Commando Metisse
The frame game
Don and Derek Rickman initially became famous as motocross riders. After debuting on British production bikes, these technically minded men realized that the motocross bikes on the market left much to be desired. They were heavy, difficult to maneuver, and their power curve was ill-suited to the use to which they were to be put. It was time for the brothers to build their own motorcycles.
Breaking the Mold
The 500cc category was then dominated by big singles from Matchless, BSA, Norton and FN, or the Swedish Husqvarna, Lilo and Monark. The Rickman brothers broke with the established order by using a highly-tuned Triumph twin mounted in their own frame.
Thoroughbred Mongrel
Inspired by the famous Norton Featherbed, it was a double-cradle made from Reynolds 531 nickel-steel tubes. The bike was a hybrid, so they called it “Metisse” from the French word for “mongrel.” Don finished third in the 500cc class in the 1960 World Motocross Championship with his Triumph-Metisse. He was the only non-Swede in the first six places. This performance led the Rickmans to begin selling their frames, first for motocross, then for sports and racing. They were all built on the same principle, using aircraft-quality Reynolds 531 steel tubing. These frames were later sold as a complete cycle part, with a Rickman telescopic fork and Lockheed disc brakes. The Commando Metisse was typical of the bikes that were in use at the beginning of the 1970s in British club racing.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine: 745cc (73m89mm) air-cooled 360- degree V-twin four-stroke; Lucas magneto
Power Rating: 64 hp @ 6500 rpm
Valves: overhead
Fuel System: two Amal 30 mm carburetors
Transmission: Quaife 5-speed, primary and secondary chain drive
Suspension: Rickman telescopic forks (front); swing arm (rear)
Brakes: Lockheed single disc and Rickman hub (front & rear)
Wheels: 19 inch (front & rear)
Weight: 362 lb
Maximum Speed: 130 mph
The 750 Norton Commando engine in a Rickman cycle part was a favorite mount for national races during the 1970s.
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