Topic: Rickman CR1 CB 750 barn find

[Oddworld]

Hi all,
I came across this barn find this week. It is in a terrible state but it is a Rickman.
The owner is prepared to sell the bike but asks a lot of money for it. I think the engine base is almost beyond repair, the aluminum is very corroded.   
The bodywork on the bike is unknown to me, does anyone know were that comes from? What would it be worth in this state?
Plz tell me what you think?
Greetings

[BenelliSEI]

I don’t think that’s a Rickman frame. They always used a different method for adjusting the chain tension. The backend of the swing arm is usually a fixed location for the axle and the front of the swing arm is adjusted with different offset bushings. I don’t see that there. The Rickman CR’s also have a rear disc. Looks like a stock Honda frame……

[BenelliSEI]

I do see the typical front bracket for the fairing mount on the headstock. Maybe?

[Tim2005]

I think it is a Rickman, check out the pics of them here http://www.satanicmechanic.org/rickman.shtml

[Oddworld]

Hi,
There is paperwork with the bike, the registration certificate says it is a Rickman, year of registration 1976.  I also compared it with a picture from internet of a confirmed Rickman, also with paperwork.
The front bracket is the same as the picture of the frame, different model in 1976?

[BenelliSEI]

I changed my mind. In that last photo, I can clearly see the cam washer to adjust the length of the swing arm. Rough Rickman it is.

That slotted screw head on one of the three bolts for the RR engine plate is Rickman too. It’s there to clear the original cb750K oil tank flange and sidecover. Normally the tank is bolted on from the outside, so looks like a few mods?

The tank and body work may be from a later version, Predator? Think it used a twincam. Or mabe a later Predator fitted with a SOHC? There is an excellent Rickman Facebook Page. Post your photos there, some real experts on the make will respond.

[BenelliSEI]

That front fender is a later style too. The earlier ones were much slimmer and single disc.

[scottly]

Here's a pic of a Rickman that I took in 1979.

[BenelliSEI]

There is usually a frame number on the headstock (or maybe from the ownership paperwork as a VIN #?). If you can get that and add it to the info on a Rickman Facebook request, the guys there will tell you what it is from old factory records.

You are missing the entire rear disc brake system. The front frame and fork are there. With paperwork I’d say $2000. I am notoriously cheap…….

[scottly]

With paperwork I’d say $2000. I am notoriously cheap…….

Given the amount of corrosion on the motor and other parts, I would say you are being very generous.

[Rookster]

Its hard to tell because I can't see the whole thing but the seat-tail section looks like its from an Egli.  The tank is possibly Egli as well but it looks a little different.  Egli made a dohc CB900 kit that had a similar tank to that.

Don't write off that motor.  As long as the cases aren't broken or some other catastrophic thing happened to it, then it should be rebuildable.

Scott

[Mark1976]

   The level of corrosion is so extensive, if your not careful you may end up with an expensive pile of corroded metal. I've done all manner of basket/barn finds but, whew.... that's a project. Ya better have some seriously long inseams, cause it'll take some seriously deep pockets to resurrect that.

[Oddworld]

Thanks for the reply's, its really helpful! The info about the body work is also very helpful, i thought maybe Eckert? But couldn't find it.   
Ive resorted many engines, and bikes, but a Rickman bike is out of my comfort zone and know nothing about.
F1 and F2 i know every nut and bolt in the engine, this is a different ballgame.
The frame is definitely usable, the engine is a different story, the aluminum is seriously corroded.
Maybe usable? But that you only know after you take it apart. My last F2 took 4 donor engines to make one good one, + all new chains, boring, pistons and much more.
What kind of engine did they put in an 1976 Rickman, modified F1?, K6/7, no idea.
The engine number was even after a little cleaning unreadable.
But i have the information what it should be, registration info from when it was a new bike.
2000,- is indeed what i thought, 1500 for the frame and hope for the best with the rest?
Another thing, this not a project a want to take on, i have 0,0 other parts and a completely different project now, maybe i can make somebody happy with this?

[Oddworld]

Current project, something completely different, sorry but i build this bike begin 80s (my own bike) and i’m restoring it now.
I was only looking for a front brake when i stumbled upon this Rickman.
     

[MRieck]

If you purchase I do have engine cases etc etc etc. I know the valve seats are toast etc, etc, etc, etc....you will many engine parts. It's not hopeless at all.......just be ready to throw most stuff to the scrap man.

[BenelliSEI]

Rickman sold the bikes as a “Kit”, but actually a complete bike, less engine/gearbox (complete) wiring harness, lights, turnsignals, and exhaust. You rolled your cb750 up to it and bolted on the complete drivetrain, wiring, switches, ignition, coils, keyswitch, turnsignals etc. Google Rickman CR Honda, Cycle Magazine. They built one in a 1974 or 1975 issue. Excellent article.

Longway of answering your question. You often find a 1975 Rickman with earlier engine as not too many people converted a new bike!

[newday777]

Rickman sold the bikes as a “Kit”, but actually a complete bike, less engine/gearbox (complete) wiring harness, lights, turnsignals, and exhaust. You rolled your cb750 up to it and bolted on the complete drivetrain, wiring, switches, ignition, coils, keyswitch, turnsignals etc. Google Rickman CR Honda, Cycle Magazine. They build one in a 1974 or 1975 issue. Excellent article.

Longway of answering your question. You often find a 1975 Rickman with earlier engine as not too many people converted a new bike!

In 1976 I considered getting a Seeley kit as the North American importers were in my hometown in southern NH. I spent a few hours there drooling over the kit to put my low miles K5 into. But having just gotten engaged and having bought our house, finances were tight so I didn't get the kit......

https://www.motorcycleclassics.com/classic-japanese-motorcycles/rickman-honda-cr750-zmwz12jfzbea/