BULTACO

250 TSS - 1965

A dream that partly came true

The dream of Francisco Bulto, who founded Bultaco in 1958, was to build racing 125 and 250cc machines that would be as impressive as the Manx Norton. He succeeded, for the fast and affordable TSS became a favourite machine for European private entrants. Jean-Pierre Beltoise rode a Bultaco when in 1964 he finished fifth in the US and French Grand Prix.

Brilliant Debut

Bultaco made a brilliant entry into racing with the Tralla 125cc, which was developed into the TSS 125, and then appeared in 176, 195 and finally 250cc form. After the works machines had proved themselves, private customers received the first TSS in 1961. The TSS 250 appeared in 1964, but it wasn't until 1965 that the two models benefited from liquid cooling, adopted at the same time as a new double-cradle frame.

Technically Advanced but Fragile

The liquid-cooled TSS 250 gained its spurs by finishing second in the 1965 Spanish Grand Prix behind Phil Read and ahead of Mike Duff, both riding a Yamaha RD 56 twin, the fastest machine of its day. Sadly, the TSS was tricky to tune and prone to seize, while its primary chain was liable to break, but the TSS was produced with few changes up to 1968. From 1962 Bultaco had pioneered the use of electronic ignition (developed by Femsa) on the works racers first and then its client-competition machines. It was a system that was soon in wide use, contributing greatly to the reliability of two-stroke machines.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 244cc (72x60mm) water-cooled single-cylinder electronic ignition

Power Rating: 38 hp@ 9500 rpm

Valves: two-stroke; intake port controlled by piston skirt

Fuel System: 30mm carburetor

Transmission: 6-speed, chain final drive

Suspension: telescopic forks (front); swing arm with twin spring/dampers (rear)

Brakes: twin leading shoe drum (front); drum (rear)

Wheels: 2.50x18 inch (front); 3.75x18 inch (rear)

Weight: 190 lb

The Bultaco TSS was an outstanding Spanish racing bike of the 1960s.