British Grand Prix stars Don and Derek Rickman manufactured motorcycles from 1960 to 1975. Although the Rickman brothers originally focused on making Reynolds 531 frame kits for BSA, Triumph, Norton and Matchless engines, they knew that to sell motorcycles in large numbers they needed to make complete bikes.
The Rickmans formed agreements with Hodaka to supply them with 100cc engines, Zundapp for 125cc engines, and Bultaco and Montesa for 250cc engines. These small-displacement Rickmans were mostly destined for the American market. At one point, Rickman sold 4000 bikes a year. The American demand was for small-displacement two-strokes, and the Rickman engine deals were timed perfectly to increase their U.S. market share.