I picked up a Rickman frame for a Zundap 125. It came with tank and seat/tailpiece. The seat has the zipper in it to store your tools in. That's what cinched the deal for me because I got all nostalgic remembering a test I read on the 125 Rickman Zundap ISDT model when I was 12.
Anyway, turning it back into an original Rickman/Zundap is not in my real interest as it would just be easier/cheaper to buy a complete one. So I need to work out my best options for engine and rolling gear. I have searched here and found a few different motors that will fit. I have a TS185 and a Hodaka 100 that I could use as donor bikes but I hate to pull apart a bike to build another and have left over bits.
Best option is probably to fit a DT175 motor as the stock pipe seems to be an easy fit. Not to mention cheap and reliable. But I'm kinda liking the idea of an Ossa motor.
I recently passed up a Rotax 250 motor out of a SWM and of course put the contact number through the wash. But the Rotax motor had a massively wide cylinder that wouldn't look out of place on a 500, and might be a bit to big for the frame.
I have a 76 maico 250 motor in the shed, but that kind of messes up the year models as the frame is 73. Although I don't plan to race it, I would prefer it to be period correct for it to have any value.
I know that with some backyard boilermaking you could pretty much shoehorn anything into it. I would however prefer an easy fit with something that wasn't sardined in there with the tank rubbing on the head etc. So 125 or 175 may be the best option. I've probably answered my own questions but was just wondering if anyone had any feedback.