After tasting victory on the track, the Rickmans began designing and building their own motorcycle frames.
Soon their distinctive designs allowed them to expand their business, which proved to be so successful that in 1973 they received the prestigious Queen’s Award to Industry.
In 1980 the Rickman brothers ceased motorcycle manufacture. Around that time the original tooling and the remainder of the stock was sold off.
In 1982 a talented and enthusiastic engineer called Pat French purchased all of the company’s assets and set about making Mk IV framed machines. When the pre-65 classic scramble series started, the Mk IV did not qualify for these events as it was manufactured after the cut-off date. This meant that the Mk III came back into production, fitting neatly into the regulations.
Production continued until the mid-90’s when the economic recession forced a decrease in production due to lack of demand. To maintain its existence Métisse enthusiast Gerry Lisi put forward a partnership proposal to see the company through its difficult time. A new factory was constructed at Carswell, Oxfordshire and the partnership continued up to Pat’s retirement.
No comments:
Post a Comment