Paul Fries RICO Fahrradwerke (bicycle works) was located in the town of Wallisellen, outside Zurich in Switzerland. They were a small bicycle maker, mainly customizing other bicycles for racing. They also built mopeds by fitting proprietory engines in bicycle frames. In 1954 the company secured a batch of IFA RT125 motorcycles from East Germany. East Germany's need for foreign currency meant they were prepared to sell their motorcycles at a substantial discount to German and French agents. To make them more appealing, they were fitted with scooterlike bodywork and sold as the 'IFA Rico.' Only a dozen or so were ever made and a handful survive.
The IFA Rico was presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1954 and was reported in the March 1954 Swiss Motor Revue.
"Eastern Germany does not neglect faired motorcycles, and this is how a 125 RICO was presented, with very appealing lines. The cycle parts and frame come from the 125 2-stroke IFA."
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