2011
Metisse Desert Racer - Specifications & Review
Article Complete Info
| Articleid | 863435 |
|---|---|
| Category | Classic |
| Make | Metisse |
| Model | Desert Racer |
| Year | 2011 |
Chassis, Suspension, Brakes & Wheels
| Frametype | Mark III chrome moly, nickel plated, oil-bearing frame with oil filter included |
|---|---|
| Frontsuspension | Cerani fork |
| Fronttyre | 100/110-18 |
| Rearsuspension | BSA |
| Reartyre | 2.75-21 |
| Seat | Hand-made upholstered long seat |
| Wheels | Steel chromed rims |
Engine & Transmission
| Borexstroke | 71.0 x 82.0 mm (2.8 x 3.2 inches) |
|---|---|
| Compression | 9.0:1 |
| Displacement | 649.00 ccm (39.60 cubic inches) |
| Enginedetails | Single cylinder, four-stroke |
| Enginetype | Triumph 650cc twin cylinder engine |
| Exhaustsystem | Period chromed exhaust pipes |
| Fuelsystem | Carburettor. Amal |
| Power | 47.00 HP (34.3 kW)) @ 6700 RPM |
| Transmissiontypefinaldrive | Chain |
Other Specifications
| Coloroptions | Grey |
|---|---|
| Comments | Limited edition of 300 bikes. All parts except for the fully re-conditioned Triumph engine and rear hub are newly manufactured items. |
Physical Measures & Capacities
| Dryweight | 135.0 kg (297.6 pounds) |
|---|---|
| Powerweightratio | 0.3481 HP/kg |
About Metisse
Country of Origin:
United Kingdom
Founder:
Don & Derek Rickman (Rickman Métisse); later Metisse Motorcycles
Best Known For:
Rickman Métisse nickel-plated frames and legendary scrambler/road-racer specials
Company History
Métisse—French for “mongrel”—became synonymous with beautifully welded, nickel-plated frames that transformed ordinary engines into sublime handlers. The Rickman brothers’ chassis dominated scrambles and road racing in the 1960s, pairing light, rigid construction with high-quality fiberglass bodywork and disc-brake innovations. Riders dropped Triumph, BSA, and even Honda engines into Métisse frames to gain precision and composure on rough circuits. The brand later revived classic silhouettes with modern metallurgy and brakes, offering faithful tributes (including Steve McQueen–inspired desert sleds) that ride better than originals while preserving charm. Historically, Métisse proves how chassis craft can outshine horsepower: geometry, flex control, and component quality that make a familiar engine feel reborn. In the garage and on the grid, a Métisse is a masterclass in purposeful fabrication.