I saved this early Bultaco scrambler from a local motorcycle shop that was going to break it up. It was in rough condition but there were enough pieces still with it that it seemed worth trying to rescue.
Click here to see a page of photos of the bike in "as found" condition.
I have a soft spot for the early 4-speed Bultacos, and this is a rather significant model, being the Bultaco that first got people's attention in the U.S. by winning all kinds of races in the mid-60s. They didn't arrive in the U.S. in any quantity before about 1964. Click here to see a magazine ad for the 1965 Sherpa S range. Note that the gas tank in 1965 (and before that) is different from the one on this bike. Lynn Mobley is pretty sure this tank style arrived in 1966, so that's probably the best guess for the year this bike was made. 1967 was the last year for the Model 3.
The frame number is B302486. The last five digits (02486) are the serial number, so the model number is 3, not 30. The engine number matches: M302486B. The "B" suffix indicates engine size (these were made in 100, 125, 175, and 200 cc versions between 1960 and 1967). I am not certain which engine size a B was however. Some sources believe a B was the 125 engine (being second in increasing engine size), but others have suggested that the first models had no letter suffix, and B would be the 175. In any case, I couldn't tell from the bike because someone had transplanted a 250 cc top end with a sunburst head onto it. I have taken it back to 175 cc configuration, which is said to have been the best for this model. The engine has a fresh piston, correct head, fresh rod kit, new main bearings and new seals. Someone had put a heavy trials-type flywheel with single row primary chain on the engine, but I have the correct flywheel and duplex primary drive for it now.
Frame components have been powder-coated silver. The tank was sealed and painted by Ed James in Texas, and also has the correct decals. The wheels have been relaced with stainless steel spokes from Buchanan's. The rims were in pretty good condition and I just cleaned them up. The tires are new. The front tire is a period NOS Metzler, the rear is a Cheng Shin with similar tread pattern. I bought some new NJB shocks that would fit, but recently I found an old article about rebuilding the original Betor shocks, and decided to try an do that instead.
The bike came with the original aluminum side panels, although they are rather beaten up. I may send them to Evan Wilcox for some TLC. It also had the original exhaust system, but unfortunately we had to cut it to get at the thoroughly-stuck exhaust pipe retainer. It should be easy to reweld, though. The seat is original but need complete reupholstery. The main pieces that are missing are the aluminum fenders, although I do have the correct front fender stays. The aluminum fenders were being reproduced a few years ago, at a cost around $350, but I've been told that that source has dried up. The bike came with one of the original swan-neck clip-on bars. I obtained a pair of used ones that need rechroming. I have the correct lever perches and a new throttle assembly.
To reach the state shown in the photos below has cost over $1700, not counting my labor. Basket cases are never cheap!
I'd be glad to hear from anyone who knows more about the Model 3 Bultacos, e-mail me at bergman@csd.net or call at (303) 278-7445.
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