Metisse's Progress

METISSE'S PROGRESS

MARVIN FOSTER

AT THE SECOND ANNUAL CYCLE WORLD Motorcycle Show, Pacific Basin Trading Co. displayed the latest Rickman Brothers of England’s Métissé kit. designed to accept a 500cc Triumph engine and a Matchless gearbox. CW readers may remember the Editor’s experiences with a somewhat similar kit made to take the Matchless 500cc single (CW, December 1964). This machine is still his favorite mount and continues to amaze all who see it. For those who may not have seen that issue, a Métissé kit consists of: a fantastically expensive bronze welded, nickel plated frame and swing arm weighing 24 pounds, carrying nearly a gallon of oil in it; alloy engine and gearbox mounting plates; Avon fiberglass tank, seat, front and rear fenders, and an air cleaner number plate module; alloy skid plate; English pattern moto-cross handlebars; and high mounted exhaust pipes.

Roy Burke of Allied Mtrs. in Portland, Oregon, took the kit and managed to stuff a 750 Norton Atlas twin into it. Burke, a hare and hound competitor from way back (seven Big Bears), built it just to be different! Installation, according to him, was easy. (The Editor will argue it out later.) Norton forks arc used, as prescribed by the Rickmans; a Honda front wheel. BSA rear wheel. Girling shocks and special exhaust pipes complete bike. Burke found virtually no detectable oil

temperature indicating through the frame after extensive hard riding. Next in line is complete modification of the Norton engine, including altering the crankshaft to 180" (separating the rods 180°, making the big twin act more like a big single, giving 180 between the first and second firings, and 540 between the second and third). This should produce more torque and traction as well as improving the balance of the engine. Harman & Collins are presently grinding cams to fit. Steel rods and Well bearings have been added; 91/2 to 1 MC pistons and Honda alternator ignition are being prepared. When complete the Atlas/Metisse will weigh 315 pounds, and Burke hopes for 75 hp! What a combination! •