Cycle News - Archive Issues - 1970's

Micro- Metisse To Hit U.S. Shores By Dick Wright The new lightweight in the Rickman line arrived tram England in November 1969. It was the only one at its kind and was set up to take a 125cc Zundapp or a l00cc Hodaka engine. Called the MicroMetisse, it is a near exact copy ot the Mark IV Rickman Metisse, scaled down slightly to be in proportion to the small size engines. The wheel base Is two inches shorter than a Mark IV and the tubing ot 7/S-inch diameter is slightly smaller and, unlike the bigger bikes, does not carry oll within the trame. The Cerlani forks used are ot the C-4000 series, smaller than the C-lOOO motocross forks commonly found on the big Rickmans, yet bigger than the C-3000 as used on the Hodaka SS trom Steen's. Wheel sizes are IS-inch rear and 20inch front, contributing to the overall stabillty and handling. The tire sizes are slightly smaller than those found on bigger bikes. Conical light-alloy hubs of similar design to those used on the Mark IV are employed on the Mico-Metlsse, contributing greatly to its light weight. Our test bike weighed in at 170 pounds with gas, which is very good for a race ready machtoe - which reminds me, the one important thing to remember about a Rickman is, they are race readyl There is no need to fiddle with the brakes, replace the rear shocks, or re-work the torks; just get your engine tuned-in correctly, and go! For our test bike, we chose to use the Hodaka engine. We droppedanE.C. Birttuned engine in place. Our idea was if we are going to test a new proto-type bike, let's give it the full treatment. E.C.'s engines are set uP espectally for the rider, his experience, and the type ot race he is going to ride; low-end torque tor motocross, and high rpm for desert. After entering the bike in several desert races, we found that it handles like a big bike in the rough boondocks. It smoothed out the hoop-de-does, and you could hold it on in top gear and your back end would not come around and kick you ott. In tight corners it would handle like a mini-lightweight; you could throw it down bard into the turns and that 2 0 inch wheel would hold tight and let you power around. It is so light to the touch, you don't have to push those bars down. After a month ot riding the bike, no adjustments had to be made and nothing had broken. The Rickman tactory is now in full production on the bike and I predict it will be one of the big sellers in their line. The first shipment ot production bikes is due January 20, when Derek Rickman comes to the States, and these will be on display at" the Anaheim Trade Show. These few bikes will be bard to get your hands on, but Joe Average shouldbeable to pick one uP from his dealer by about the end ot February. To quote Jack Byers, who heads the Rickman Department at Steen's, "The bike didn't lose anything in famous Rickman handling, but we did pick uP a lot in the lightness. It is ideal for the rider who likes the cornering quallties ot an ultra-lightweight, and wants to go into the hotly competed l00cc or 125cc Man sized handline In the l00cc class. That's what this Hodaka POWIrd Rickman MllIsse offers. The Rickman factory Is now In full production on the lIehtwelcht and they will become avallllble In about one month. The bike was dlSlened for the U.S. market and uses many features to un d on lareer Rlckmans. Built to take on tbe c~untry••• and no~'s a good tilDe to start! .. 4; . ~~" .• ,f c . -, ' I ' ... ." . , class." Projected prices on the machine are $795 with the Hodaka engine, or $845for the bigger ZundapP. The idea ot being able to buy a Rickman complete with an engine is new, but in case it staggers you and you have to have one without an engine, the complete chassis should be available for around $600. Naturally, the trames are or, the . same high quality found on the other bikes; nickel plated with that exceptionally fine bronzewelded construetion. The fiberglass, saddles, and other parts are just as found on the exotic Rtckman .ractng machines valued from $1600 ,to over $2000. The Micro Metisse will be available in the same U.S. Racing Blue as is standard on their Mark IB scramblers. One of the most welcome features ot the Micro-Metisse is the comfort it affords for a larger man in seating position, making it easy to pull yourself to a standing position on the pegs and ride that way for long distances in great comfort. Motocross racers, particularly, will appreciate this feature. Whlle admittedly, the initial price tag for these machines may be higher than many others on the market, the added cost Is more thai! made uP by its outstanding appearance, superfor handling, and complete competition preparedness. You won't find any machine with greater potential for winning. " . ,.;.~ ~, • . • S UZ U KI ..... , .'.. .' ... •• - ... " , Santa Fe Springs, Calif. \ "

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