BULTACO

Sherpa 350 T -1979

Top of the trials tree in the 1970s

Bultaco is one of the greatest names in the annals of trials riding. With five World Championships under its belt, the Sherpa 350 is definitely a historic bike!

Homage to Catalonia

In the mid-I960s, the original Bultaco Sherpa - a 250 - ended the reign of the British

four-strokes. It was the start of the glory days for the bikes from Catalonia, which would amass victories over 15 years competing at the highest level. The pick of the bunch was the Sherpa 350, which won five World Championships in the hands of the greatest riders of the day - Martin Lampkin in 1975, Yrjor Vesterinen in 1976, 1997 and 1978 and Bernie Schreiber in 1978. In the field of trials riding, the "Big Bul" was a major benchmark.

Unadorned Performer

In terms of technology, the unadorned Sherpa 350 was the absolute opposite of today's tiny trials bikes, with their aluminum frames, liquid cooling and reversed forks. Though the Sherpa was fairly heavy for its clay (216 lb with a full tank), it offered an excellent compromise between stability and ease of handling. Moreover, its riders appreciated the sheer grunt of its big engine, which allowed them to attack the most unassailable obstacles. The Sherpa was simple, solid and a real performer that improved year after year, based on long offroad experience. Though Bultaco disappeared in 1981, the victim of economic problems, the Sherpa proves there is life after death.

SPECIFICATIONS

Engine: 316cc (83x60mm) air-cooled singlecylinder

Power Rating: 20.8 hp @ 6950 rpm (torque: 20 lb/ ft)

Valves: two-stroke

Fuel System: carburetor

Transmission: 5-speed, chain final drive

Suspension: Betor telescopic forks (front); Betor swing ann with twin spring/dampers (rear); displacement 6.5/ 3.9 inches (front & rear)

Brakes: drum (front & rear)

Wheels: 21 inch (front); 18 inch (rear)

Weight: 205 lb

A Sherpa is a mountain dweller capable of carrying heavy loads up the steepest slopes the "Big Bul" could not have been better named.