Rickman Zundapp versus Hercules 125cc Enduro motorcycles

Dave showcases two vintage European 125cc enduro motorcycles - a 1972 Rickman Zundapp and a 1977 Hercules Sachs 7 speed.
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Video produced by Dave at Bullpen Cycles

[@davidkeeton6716]

My brother Jon had a 71 Zundapp GS125 with the red and chrome toaster gas tank and vinyl covers instead of fiberglass number plates. I remember the shift throw made my Bultaco shift throw look like a Honda.

[@labrd41]

Had a 250 Hercules, bought it new in I think '77. It had a power band like a light switch, absolutely no low end power, almost an impossible bike for a first time novice woods rider like me. Switching the Bing carburetor for a Mikuni made it much more manageable. As I recall the bike was about $1300 new. The 350 was green and all cc's looked exactly the same. Another unique feature is that the engine cases split horizontally vs vertically and your description of "heavy" was spot on. Good ole days.

[@bullpencycles]

Good to know! Thank you

[@ibannymous]

@@bullpencycles The case was split horizontally for use in the ISDT races so it could be repaired with hand tools as the rules required w/o removing the engine.

[@redtobertshateshandles]

These are nice. Buy both.

[@adrianrouse5148]

The two holes in the seat cover should have a zip for a tool kit. The seven speed sachs had no problems with gearboxes .

[@phillippitts6294]

A friend of mine had a rickman Metisse 1972 . It was insanely quick!

[@bullpencycles]

which motor?

[@phillippitts6294]

@@bullpencycles Sach’s I believe

[@markwickk]

I haven't seen a rickman since i was a kid..it was red ..moto x..had to be 1976..my rich buddie had one..had alot of power.. left my dt250 in the dust..

[@edwardglamuzina3421]

The Hercules tank,side panels and frame look a lot like my 1972 Penton . I didn't know the Hercules had a 7 speed trans. My 1971 Sachs has a wide ratio 5 sod. My 1972 Penton has a close ratio 6 spd. Same engine but different gear sets. Thanks for your videos. The Hercules and Rickman would make any owner proud.

[@bullpencycles]

Thanks man!

[@paulgrogan8032]

I got a brand new 74 Rickman/Zundapp 6 day for my 15th birthday. Magnificent bike👍🏆mine had a high fender and the tail piece was slightly different as well as the pipe. The seat had a zipper for a mini tool kit.

[@bullpencycles]

Yes. I did not know that they made different versions of the Zundapp until I did this video.

[@mrbilly_k]

👍 The Rickman seat holes had me curious as well. Montesa Rickmans same as well. Every pictured bike I've looked is same. Holes??? Nice.👏

[@bullpencycles]

I did not know that. Maybe some sort of vent?

[@mrbilly_k]

@@bullpencycles its the only thing I can think of as well.

[@fearsomename4517]

Dave I admire you have a motorcycle shop and are into vintage machines. I'm into different makes and models but still great content. Keep the rubber side down.

[@bullpencycles]

Thanks 👍

[@robklunder2700]

I've got 2 Hercules bikes. A 125 very similar to the one in your video, and another that I believe is a 175 that also looks similar.

[@bullpencycles]

Very cool! That are fairly rare

[@anitafisch7558]

I do see many differences and many similarities is their a connection there.

[@daviddjerassi]

Love them both but i will go Zundapp this time thanks loved the video.

[@bullpencycles]

great! thank you

[@daveco1270]

Both cool bikes. I think I'd take the Rickman if I was going to pick one.

[@bullpencycles]

I didnt like my old one from years ago, but this one drove very nicely. You may be right on it!

[@redtobertshateshandles]

I like the Herc.

[@coobay4786]

👍

[@user-dj7ml8ul6t]

Cool I have rickmans😊

[@bullpencycles]

Nice

[@anitafisch7558]

Is their any difference between the Hercules and a Penton 125.

[@bullpencycles]

I dont know for sure, but I did find this comparison. badcurator.org/resources/Hercules-Test-Folder/Dirt-Rider-Dec-76.pdf

[@michaelkoxsolapov8523]

Two handsome😯

[@bullpencycles]

thank you

[@overcloth]

paint the Hercules tank and side panels metal flake blue. then install the tank decals and clear over. instead of yellow backgrounds paint those gloss white. I'm sure you'll git right on that.

[@bullpencycles]

Im missing something. Why?

[@overcloth]

because it would look so beautiful that way, of course.@@bullpencycles