Its not unusual for small motorcycle manufacturers to take existing engines and slotted them into redesigned frames, offering improved performance while keeping reliability. In the last 20 years, Roehr tried this with the HD motor, Fisher tried it with the Hyosung, Bimota did this with their S/D/Y series bikes. And this practice isnt unique to this century…Norton did it back in the 1970’s with their Triton bikes (Triumph engine in a Norton frame).
Rickman Enfield 750 Interceptor for sale on eBay
The Rickman Enfield Interceptor was another “good engine into an aftermarket frame” bike, although with a slightly unusual history. Rickman was a frame builder and in the 1970s they began selling chassis kits for Japanese bikes like the Honda CB750 and Kawasaki Z1., two of the original superbikes. Rickman road bikes were the first to use disc brakes both front and rear and other innovations included the use of large diameter telescopic forks and oil carried in the frame tubes to help dissipate heat and save weight.
Apparently, after the Royal Enfield factory closed, a little over 200 Royal Enfield Series II Interceptor engines were stranded at the shipping dock in 1970. The engines were originally on their way to Floyd Clymer (of Clymer repair manuals and Enfield “Indians” fame) in the United States but unfortunately he had just died. The export agents approached the Rickman brothers for frames and as the Rickman brothers’ main problem had always been engine supply, a limited run of 137 Rickman Interceptors were built.
From the sellers listing, it appears that this is one of the 137 bikes.
All in all, a tasty bit of orange for anyone to tuck under the tree…
MG
nice to see something a bit different and also learn something I didnt know
Spoke to the shop that’s selling this. He said it will go for between $25,000-$40,000. What are your thoughts on this price?
I think the shop was mistaken by the decimal place.
Nice bike way better than others I have seen bid up over $15k,the fact its 1 owner and all the stuff books ,fairing oil cooler etc .it should bring $20K plus.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rickman-Metise-Interceptor-1971-Royal-Enfield-750cc-/131039124380?ru=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fsch%2Fi.html%3F_sacat%3D0%26_from%3DR40%26_nkw%3D131039124380%26_rdc%3D1&nma=true&si=KxozHvSgMzOCIkNVrjKfx%252FpES6E%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557#ht_253wt_1022
This is a blue-chip quality machine that you can actually ride. I’m amazed that Ducati 750 gt models bring more $$ than bikes of this ilk. A beautiful bike.
Spoke with them today and I’ve got to say, it does not get much better than this if English bikes and Rickmans are your thing. Great bike, great story, great investment you can ride. Now, this is what I call a barn find and puts the “R” in retro.
I love the grassroots reporting, thanks guys!!
dc
BTW Norton wouldn’t have ever put Triumph motors in their Featherbed frames ,Triton’s were just home brewed concoctions .Now for something completely different, take a look an Egli .
These Rickmans have one of the weirdest ways to attach their footpeg brackets to the bike I have ever seen
interesting – I read where dealers offered the Triton but I guess this was just something some dealers did as a service and wasnt an official bike from norton and/or triumph….
Most folks don’t realize how unique these Rickman Enfield’s are. This was the only Rickman assembles and sold as a complete bike by Rickman and only through Elite Motors in London. Before this all street Metisse’s were sold in kit form so quality and assembly detail varried. For a british twin this is as rare and special as it gets. The engine pulls like a freight train. The handling is nimble. Brakes are disks front and rear. Yes, a few odd design shortcomings like the foot pegs attached to the pipes and set too far forward but easily overlooked when you take in the whole package. This is a bluechip bike for the smart collector. Mark my words, this is a $30,000 but won’t get bid that high on Ebay. The ratty blue one recently sold after Ebay for $20,000. With only 138 made what else compares? A Vincent? Hardly…
Your right it is rare, our ebay auction got just over $18500 USD,have $20k offer on the table really would like $25K considering history of bike and previous sales of bikes not near this nice for as much or more. We will most likely relist soon on ebayuk and see what response we get. Its my brother inlaws call but I think he would take $23K for it but no less.We are auctioning his 1970 Norton next should be fun as its in same
condition..