In the world of vintage desert sleds, the Rickman Triumph Métisse reigns supreme. It was a pretty legit scrambler in its day, and also one of best-looking motorcycles from that era.
For VTR Customs boss Dani Weidmann, though, there’s an even deeper connection. Back in the 80s, 17-year-old Dani took an apprenticeship at a company called Meier & Lutziger?the Swiss importer of Rickman frames and parts. Dani fell in love with the classy design of these throwback sleds.

When the VTR Customs crew were recently shooting the breeze over coffee?and reminiscing about the past?the idea of building a Métisse replica popped up. And since VTR is the custom arm of the BMW dealer Stucki2Rad, it could be based on the BMW R nineT. Just like that, the ‘Bétisse’ was born. ?Since we knew very well how the ‘Bétisse’ should look,? Dani tells us, ?the design was done very quickly. A gas tank, seat and tail combination in the classic Métisse style.?

The original Métisse body kits were fiberglass?but VTR prefer working with aluminum. So their head tech and ?alloy godfather? Cello Brauchli whipped up a full complement of hand-made body parts.
?I think Cello prayed to God that, one day, we’re gonna have simpler ideas,? quips Dani. ?After producing the Spitfire, we still fear he might kill us one day.?

Cello nailed the lines; hints of the original Rickman design are unmistakable. But it took some under-the-hood work to get right too. The design ca...