The 1972 Rickman Bultaco represents a unique transitional period in vintage motocross history, capturing the intersection of British chassis excellence and Spanish two-stroke power. While the official factory partnership between the Rickman brothers (Don and Derek Rickman) and Bultaco peaked in the mid-1960s, the combination of Rickman’s nickel-plated frames and Bultaco’s aggressive powerplants remained a dominant force among privateer racers and custom builders into the early 1970s.

This example has Spanish Betor forks and aftermarket, period correct, Works Performance shocks. It is believed this bike was delivered with a Montesa VR 250 engine and changed to the current Bultaco 250. The motor has been rebuilt and all of the fiberglass refinished, the tank lined, new Sun wheels mounted, and a new Mikuni carburetor added.

Historical Significance & Evolution

• The Métisse Legacy: The Rickman brothers revolutionized motocross chassis design with their lightweight, hand-brazed, nickel-plated Reynolds 531 steel frames. Known as the Métisse (meaning "mongrel" or "crossbreed"), these frames offered vastly superior handling compared to heavy factory frames of the era.

• The Factory Split: The definitive factory-backed bike was the 1965 Rickman Bultaco 250 Petite Métisse. However, after Bultaco famously duplicated the Rickman frame geometry for their own 1966 factory Pursang Mk1, the formal partnership dissolved. By 1972, Rickman had shifted to using Montesa, Zündapp, and Hodaka engines for their complete, factory-built motorcycles.

• The Privateer Revival: Despite the factory split, the "Rickman Bultaco" concept thrived through 1972. Racers frequently bought standalone Rickman chassis kits and stuffed them with updated, high-horsepower 250cc and 360cc Bultaco engines to build the ultimate competitive racer.

Era Context

Post-factory collaboration (Built primarily via Rickman frame kits or privateer assemblies)

Frame Type

MK III or MK IV Rickman Métisse nickel-plated chassis

Primary Markets

United Kingdom and United States vintage scrambles / motocross circuits

Status Today

Highly collectible, rare vintage competition motorcycle

Technical Specifications

Engine & Powertrain

• Engine Type: 244cc (250) air-cooled, single-cylinder two-stroke (typically sourced from contemporary Bultaco Pursang or Matador models)

• Performance: ~30 horsepower

• Induction: Single Amal or Bing carburetor with piston-port induction, typical.

• Drivetrain: 4-speed or 5-speed sequential manual gearbox with a lightweight chain final drive

Chassis & Performance

• Suspension: Rickman nickel-plated Reynolds 531 oil-in-frame design, utilizing Rickman telescopic front forks and dual Girling rear shock absorbers

• Braking System: Rickman proprietary lightweight hubs with internal expanding drum brakes (or early optional hydraulic disc brakes)

• Curb Weight: ~100 kg to 104 kg (220 lbs to 230 lbs) dry

• Bodywork: Ultra-lightweight, gel-coated fiberglass fuel tank, seat base, and fenders (typically finished in British Racing Green, red, or white)