1972 RICKMAN METISSE ZUNDAPP 125 – RARE BRITISH CLASSIC MOTOCROSS / ENDURO – NICKEL-PLATED FRAME – RESTORATION PROJECT!

RARE VINTAGE RICKMAN METISSE! LEGENDARY BRITISH ENGINEERING – GERMAN ZUNDAPP TWO-STROKE POWER – EXCELLENT RESTORATION CANDIDATE!

Up for sale at Kaplan Cycles / New England Motorcycle Museum is this highly collectible 1972 Rickman Metisse Zundapp 125, a classic example of the incredible engineering and craftsmanship that made Rickman motorcycles legendary in the golden age of off-road racing.

If you know vintage motocross, you know the Rickman name!

THE LEGENDARY RICKMAN BROTHERS

Brothers Don and Derek Rickman were pioneers in motorcycle frame design and off-road racing. Based in England, they developed some of the finest motorcycle chassis of their era, renowned for their exceptional handling, lightweight construction, beautiful nickel-plated frames, and competition-inspired engineering.

During the 1960s and 1970s, Rickman frames were considered among the best money could buy. Serious racers and enthusiasts built machines around these chassis using engines from manufacturers such as Triumph, BSA, Montesa, Yamaha, and others.

Rickman also produced complete motorcycles, including this outstanding combination of British Rickman chassis engineering and German Zundapp 125cc two-stroke power.

These machines represent a fascinating chapter in the history of motocross and enduro motorcycles, and surviving examples are becoming increasingly difficult to find.

A PERSONAL CONNECTION TO RICKMAN HISTORY

Ken Kaplan Sr. has a special connection to these incredible motorcycles.

"My brother bought one of these back in 1975 when I was 10 years old and he was 12. My father bought it for him, and he rode that Rickman every single day, all day long, for several summers. I've loved these bikes ever since!"

Approximately 10 years ago, the Kaplan Cycles restoration team also completed a frame-up restoration of a Rickman equipped with a Montesa engine for a Discovery reality television pilot.

We've experienced firsthand just how special these motorcycles are, from their beautiful nickel-plated frames to their outstanding chassis design.

This 1972 Rickman Zundapp deserves to be brought back to its former glory!

CONDITION – EXCELLENT CORE MOTORCYCLE FOR RESTORATION

This motorcycle is being offered AS-IS, NOT RUNNING, AS A PARTS OR RESTORATION PROJECT.

The good news is that this is a solid, largely complete vintage machine with numerous original components still intact.

Unlike many 50-plus-year-old off-road motorcycles that have spent decades exposed to the elements, this Rickman was stored indoors in a dry residential environment.

The condition of several important components reflects that sheltered storage.

FRAME & CHASSIS

• Original Rickman nickel-plated frame.

• Original nickel plating remains present and is a candidate for cleaning and restoration.

• Swingarm bearings checked and appear to be in good condition.

• Original factory rear shocks remain installed.

• Original kickstand intact.

• Solid foundation for a vintage restoration.

FRONT SUSPENSION & WHEELS

• Fork chrome is exceptionally well preserved for its age.

• No visible pitting on the fork tubes.

• Front wheel bearings checked and found to be nice and tight.

• Chrome plating remains intact on the wheels.

• Front suspension components appear to be in very good cosmetic condition.

ENGINE & DRIVETRAIN

• Original-style Zundapp 125cc two-stroke engine.

• Engine cases appear to be in good external condition.

• Transmission shifts in and out of gear.

• Kickstart lever and shift lever are present.

• Kickstarter mechanism is currently not functioning and requires repair.

• Engine has not been disassembled or internally inspected.

• Internal engine condition is unknown.

• Motorcycle has not been started or test-ridden.

ORIGINAL COMPONENTS

• Original-style exhaust system is present and appears to be in good condition.

• Rear brake pedal intact.

• Kickstand intact.

• Factory rear shocks present.

• Seat base included.

• Much of the original chassis and running gear remains intact.

KNOWN MISSING PARTS & REQUIRED REPAIRS

This is a restoration project and will require mechanical and cosmetic work before returning to service.

Known needs include:

• Repair of the nonfunctioning kickstarter mechanism.

• Replacement seat foam and seat cover.

• Replacement air filter.

• Engine inspection and recommissioning.

• Fuel system and carburetor servicing as needed.

• Inspection and servicing of the electrical and ignition systems.

• Inspection of brakes, suspension, tires, and other safety-related components.

• Cleaning and restoration of the nickel-plated frame and other cosmetic components.

IMPORTANT: No formal mechanical evaluation has been performed. The engine has not been disassembled, and its internal condition has not been verified. Additional parts and repairs may be required beyond those specifically listed.

WHY THIS RICKMAN IS WORTH RESTORING

There are plenty of ordinary vintage dirt bikes available, but a genuine Rickman is something special.

The Rickman brothers helped revolutionize off-road motorcycle chassis design, and their motorcycles remain prized by vintage racing enthusiasts, collectors, and restorers.

This particular motorcycle offers several desirable features:

1. Legendary Rickman chassis: The beautiful nickel-plated frame is one of the defining features of these historic motorcycles.

2. Zundapp two-stroke engine: The German-built 125cc powerplant gives this bike a unique character and makes it an interesting alternative to the more common Japanese vintage motocross machines.

3. Excellent surviving fork chrome: Finding original forks without significant pitting after more than five decades is a major advantage.

4. Original components remain intact: The exhaust, rear shocks, engine cases, controls, kickstand, and other valuable components provide a great starting point for restoration.

5. Indoor storage history: This motorcycle was kept in a dry indoor environment rather than being left outside exposed to the weather.

6. Vintage racing and museum appeal: Properly restored, this Rickman could become a fantastic display motorcycle, collectible classic, or vintage off-road machine, subject to applicable racing eligibility and safety preparation.

A FANTASTIC WINTER RESTORATION PROJECT!

Whether you're an experienced Rickman collector, a Zundapp enthusiast, or someone looking to build a truly distinctive vintage off-road motorcycle, this is an excellent opportunity.

These early Rickman machines have a look and character that modern motorcycles simply cannot duplicate.

Imagine this bike fully restored, with its nickel-plated frame gleaming, its Zundapp two-stroke engine freshly rebuilt, and its classic Rickman bodywork brought back to life!

It would be a beautiful addition to any serious vintage motorcycle collection.

With the right restoration, this could be a spectacular machine!

IMPORTANT SALE INFORMATION

This motorcycle is being sold strictly AS-IS, WHERE-IS, as a nonrunning parts or restoration project.

We have not performed a complete mechanical inspection, verified internal engine condition, or attempted to recommission this motorcycle.

The buyer should expect to perform a complete restoration and mechanical evaluation before attempting operation.

Please carefully review all photographs and the accompanying video to evaluate the motorcycle's condition, completeness, and restoration requirements.

We encourage prospective buyers to ask questions before purchasing.

AVAILABLE AT KAPLAN CYCLES / NEW ENGLAND MOTORCYCLE MUSEUM

We specialize in rare, collectible, antique, and vintage motorcycles, including some of the most iconic off-road machines ever built.

Our restoration team has extensive experience with vintage motorcycles, including previous Rickman restorations.

We are offering this machine in its current condition so another enthusiast can take on the rewarding project of returning this British classic to its former glory.

DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO OWN A PIECE OF VINTAGE MOTOCROSS HISTORY!

Call Kaplan Cycles with any questions or to discuss purchasing this rare 1972 Rickman Metisse Zundapp 125.

Thanks for watching, and God Bless America!

— Ken Kaplan Sr.
Kaplan Cycles / New England Motorcycle Museum
Rockville, Connecticut

WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected by our team.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call, and we will help make it right.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

 That means:
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”

AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192

We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.

Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.