c.1970s Bultaco Sherpa 350cc

Memories of an Easter morning around 3am on a cold and damp Beggar’s Roost Hill, a lone motorcyclist appears out of the gloom. Noise, mud, smoke, cheers, groans, more cheers and he’s gone. Then another and another. Then a deeper popping noise, a flash of silver and red and someone has gone by in grand style on a Bultaco. Clearly a strongly built bike made for trials and a match for Greeves, AJS and sundry various imports.

Built in Spain between 1958 and 1983 at the instigation of Franco ‘Paco’ Bulto, who had left the Montesa Company after falling out with his co -director, the tough little two stroke Sherpa revolutionised the sport of Trialing in the 1960’s, often being ridden by Ireland’s great Sammy Miller and trouncing the big heavy British machines. Miller won the Scottish 6 day Trial in 1965 and again in 1967 and 1968.

This nicely presented example was the subject of an engine rebuild some two years ago. We understand that work included the fitting of new bearings, seals and piston rings; the seat was also recovered and the motorcycle is equipped with two new tyres and an upgraded rear wheel. Since the rebuild, the Bultaco has been dry stored, with the engine started regularly. A workshop manual is supplied, together with two photographs.

Auction Date: 9th July 2015