Métisse launches Steve McQueen Desert Racer
Métisse, the legendary British off-road brand from the sixties, is back. The brand was founded in the 60s by brothers Don and Derek Rickman. The Rickmans built their own cross frames. the Métisse frames were light yet sturdy and therefore ideal for motocross.
In 1966, American stuntman Bud Ekins built a motorcycle for actor Steve McQueen based on a Métisse frame. Ekins equipped the Métisse with a 650cc parallel twin four-stroke engine from Triumph. Steve McQueen used his Métisse Desert Racer for competitions in the deserts of California and Nevada.
45 years later, Métisse builds a limited edition of 300 Steve McQueen Desert Racer replicas. The frames are built according to the plans at the time. Triumph's parallel twins are reconditioned units that produce about 47 hp. Steve McQueen's Métisse was way ahead of its time at the time. This way, the oil circulated in the tubes of the frame instead of in a crankcase. That frame consists of cromo tubes. The front fork comes from classic specialist Ceriani. Just like in 1966, the 'new' Métisse Desert Racer is also constructed from a mix of Triumph and BSA parts.
More info at http://www.metisse-motorcycles.com
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