RICKMAN INTERCEPTOR
PART THE FIRST
Several years ago I paid top dollar for a very tidy, original and ready-to-ride Rickman Métisse Interceptor 750. All seemed tip-top, except that it wasn't really fit to ride very far. The statement ‘ready to ride', if true, would have shortened this article by a few pages, left my bank balance in a healthier state, and left me less knowledgeable about the inner workings of the mighty 750 motor, but such is the way in the world of classic motorcycle ownership.
I suppose I was hoping that the price tag and tidy appearance of this example was indicative of a well-sorted bike. Those factors were supplemented by a magazine main feature on this actual example with an enthusiastic road test, so all the signs were good. Yes, well hopefully I've now learned that lesson in making logical assumptions. A‘ready-to-ride ticking time bomb'would have better described the bike I'd just exchanged for a king's ransom.
With the necessary effort to spin a big twin it kickstarted OK, sounded nice and fruity and puffed only a trace of smoke from the right-hand exhaust pipe at the blip of the throttle;
