Metisse are thinking big

An all-new biking destination will soon be on the map thanks to bespoke motorcycle manufacturer Metisse.

The company, based in Carswell, Oxfordshire, have announced that construction is due to begin on a 20,000sqft building that will not only house their entire production facility but will also provide space for a museum, events venue and café.

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Metisse’s original founders, the legendary Derek and Don Rickman, were invited by company owner Gerry Lisi to cut the sod at a ceremonial groundbreaking ceremony, which MCN also attended.

Despite being well into their 80s the duo marked their arrival by tearing up the field on their trademark 500cc Rickman Metisse motorcycles, Derek riding his Matchless-powered machine and Don his Triumph twin.

The new building will give visitors the opportunity to watch machines such as the Steve McQueen Desert Racer and Mk5 Street Scrambler being hand built in the long-standing tradition of Metisse, with a purpose-built viewing gallery alongside the production process.

“Work is scheduled to commence early in the new year,” says Lisi, “and should be completed within 18 months. The aim is to be a self- contained manufacturing facility with a number of engineering firms producing specialised parts, but I also want to make it a destination for motorcyclists, with a function hall where we can hold rock’n’roll nights.”

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