An previous saying in aviation says ‘If it seems to be proper, it flies proper,’ summarizing the concept probably the most excellent mechanical designs are sometimes probably the most visually pleasing. Whereas magnificence is decidedly within the eye of the beholder, there’s no debating the Rickman brothers’ efficiency chops, and never a single merchandise out-of-place on this distinctive 1974 Rickman Kawasaki CR900.
In viewing Lot F171 of Mecum’s upcoming Las Vegas 2025 sale, the influence of the retina-searing security yellow (or inexperienced?) paintwork is simple. It’s a daring shade that feels prefer it’s simply come again into trend, nevertheless it’s right for the bike and I’ll exit on my first limb of the brand new yr by saying I fucking find it irresistible. Boasting an impeccable restoration and all of the design savviness that made Rickman well-known, this CR900 makes our shortlist from Mecum’s large sale.
The masterminds behind the marque are Derek and Don Rickman, initially aggressive motocross racers, who acknowledged the necessity for higher chassis efficiency to deal with the pains of off-road competitors. The Rickman brothers went into enterprise in England someday within the late Nineteen Fifties, and it didn’t take them lengthy to forge a popularity for distinctive craftsmanship.
Superior light-weight design, improved geometry and Reynolds 531 tubing have been the defining traits of a Rickman chassis. This branded manganese–molybdenum, medium-carbon metal had change into a benchmark for the best fabrication of the time, utilized in automotive, aeronautical and (most notably) bicycle body purposes. Rickman’s handbuilt frames, mixed with off-the-shelf engines, revolutionized off-road racing by providing superior dealing with, rigidity and weight financial savings.
The success of their motocross frames led to the event of road-going and track-focused chassis, and by the Sixties, Rickman Bikes had change into synonymous with high-performance customized builds. Their ‘Metisse’ (French for ‘mongrel’) frames gained worldwide acclaim, notably when paired with engines from Triumph, BSA and Matchless.
By this time, Rickman had change into a official producer and expanded its choices to incorporate totally faired café racers and road bikes, usually outfitted with Japanese powerplants from manufacturers like Honda and Kawasaki in the course of the Seventies. This transition capitalized on the dealing with faults of standard high-powered Japanese fashions, and the corporate continued to refine their signature handmade frames, fiberglass bodywork and revolutionary design components like integral oil-in-frame methods.
It takes not more than a passing look at this Kawasaki Z1-based Rickman CR900 to see the design and manufacturing excellence that earned Derek and Don Rickman their place within the A.M.A. Motorbike Corridor of Fame. The hand-built Reynolds 531 body has purposeful efficiency geometry, with each tab, bracket and linkage being no heavier or extra sophisticated than want be. It’s easy and stylish, with a thick nickel-plated end to prime all of it off.
Rickman went to such lengths with the chassis to tame probably the most wiley beasts of the day, the 903 cc DOHC four-cylinder sourced from the Kawasaki Z1. Developed to topple Honda’s CB750 and set up Kawasaki because the king of bikes, the Z1 provided staggering efficiency to the tune of 82 hp at 8,500 rpm.
The Z1’s efficiency did certainly set the world ablaze, however like lots of its contemporaries, the Z1 had a nasty behavior of wiggling like a worm if you acquired off the throttle, and the engine might simply outrun its single entrance disc and rear drum. Rickman’s progressive dual-shock swingarm and Lockheed discs have been a quantum leap ahead, laced to Borrani aluminum wheels with CAD-plated 10-inch rotors.
To compete with the match and end of the massive producers, Rickman outfitted the CR900 with a full suite of fiberglass bodywork, together with a full CR fairing, Daytona-style tail part and Grand-Prix tank and aspect covers—these being exceptionally uncommon objects to supply at this time. Graced with a screaming security yellow end with black stripes, the CR900 was not like any bike accessible in 1974 and Rickman produced simply 146 examples that yr.
Found in Florida and comprehensively restored within the early 2000s, you’ll discover few nicer examples of the Z1-based ’74 CR900 than Lot F171. Whereas its alternative engine could maintain the worth down some, there’s merely nothing to scoff at upon an in depth inspection, and the bike has clearly been nicely cared for. Its truthful worth might be between $25,000 and $30,000, however hey, it’s a no-reserve sale and could possibly be your fortunate day. Lot F171 crosses the block on Friday, January 31.
Supply: Mecum
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