The Bultaco motorcycle company was founded in 1958 by Francisco ‘Paco’ Bulto. He had also been a director of the Montesa motorcycle company for some time, but after internal disputes he left swiftly followed by the majority of Montesa’s racing department who subsequently encouraged Bulto to form a new company and return to racing.

  

Thus, in 1959, Bultaco launched their first road-going trials bike, the 125cc Bultaco Tralla 101, and within a few years they were building four off-road racing models aimed at different competition disciplines which included the Sherpa T for observed trials.

The 2-stroke Sherpa trials bike revolutionised the sport in the 1960’s knocking out the heavier 4-stroke British bikes. Irish trials ace Sammy Miller became a development rider for Bultaco. It was the start of the glory days for the bikes from Catalonia and they went on to dominate the World Trials Championship in the 1970’s.

The owner of this great looking Bultaco has sadly recently passed away and so it is now being offered for sale by his family. We do not have access to any history, but it does appear that the owner purchased this Sherpa in 2015, and judging by a receipt from Bultaco specialists, 

In Motion, he may have carried out a degree of restoration work at his home in Tamworth then. 

The family assure us that this bike has been stored in a dry garage and has been regularly started and runs fine. The owner also cherished four other trials bikes during his retirement, so was clearly an enthusiast. 

Being an off-road trials bike, the family do not have a V5 with this Bultaco. They suggest that the new owner will be able to easily register it if they wish, especially as it is a matching numbers motorcycle.

The only paperwork currently available is a receipt from In Motion dated the 16th September 2015 which list three parts - a pair of OZO Experts shocks, a pair of Jap levers and a pair of Renthal grips.

 

Overall, this Bultaco is clean and up together, cosmetically speaking. The simple white painted tubular frame, the Bultaco blue fuel tank, side panels and plastic mudguards are all in good condition with just a few marks here and there.

The alloy handlebars, front forks and chrome parts are very presentable and the seat and rubber components are fine. The exhaust system looks fine too, although there are a few dings at the front. Externally, the brakes and wheels also look good and the knobbly competition tyres have plenty of tread remaining.

      

With a weekend clean and some detailing, this bike should come up a treat.

The Sherpa’s engine and drivetrain is widely regarded as the smoothest available for trials riding. The low compression ratio, small Amal concentric carburettor and heavy flywheels make this machine a low-speed revelation, also helped by the spring-loaded chain tensioners which reduce any slack. 

The 2-stroke 250cc single (244cc using a 72mm bore and 60mm stroke) is mated to a five-speed gearbox which is flexible and smooth for competition use, and in 5th, should happily cruise around 65mph.

This well balanced trials bike features a super-slim fuel tank and seat, long travel front forks and swing-arm rear suspension with relatively new shock absorbers. If the good ground clearance isn’t enough, the underside is well protected by a solid skid plate and the clever exhaust design avoids burning your leg. 

Although the mileage and service history of this particular Sherpa is not available, visually, all the mechanical components appear to be in good order and have likely been well maintained by the enthusiastic owner. Obviously a jolly good check over and service is advisable before any long-term use now.

Being a specialist machine, a trials bike may be of interest to a wide range of enthusiasts wishing to enjoy a wide range of two-wheeled pursuits. Exhilarating and fun, they provide the ability to enhance your rider skills and may even offer the opportunity to enter long-awaited events.

This Bultaco Sherpa heralds from an era when Bultaco dominated the world and national championships. The virtually stock design is favoured by many competitors for it’s fantastic handling and control on a variety of surfaces and hills.

    

This particular example is in great condition and with a little attention should be ready to enjoy this coming season.