Bultaco ‘Manuel Soler’ 1977 Factory Sherpa found in USA:
For those of you that are interested in Bultacos, Trials Guru would like to show you some pictures of the latest ‘treasure’ from the USA, unearthed by none other than three times FIM World Trials Champion, Yrjo Vesterinen.
Vesty had been offered the machine where it has been laying for many years unused in the USA, having been bought after the 1977 world round, ridden by works development rider, Manuel Soler.
It’s hard to imagine that Manuel Soler rode the world championship round in the USA at Port Huron and that this bike was sold into private ownership 40 years ago.
The Bultaco factory had shipped works bikes out to the USA for their riders to compete in the world series, but logistics dictated that it was cheaper to sell the bikes off in the USA through importer ‘Bultaco International Ltd’ than repatriate them back to Spain. So this particular machine was sold for $600 to a private buyer on 12th September 1977 on the factory’s behalf.
The most visible difference between this and the standard bike are the dual mounting points for the rear shocks. Most other modifications are hidden from view.
These include a works air-filter box, a modified cylinder barrel and a new gearbox that gave a much higher top gear, something Scottish Six Days Trial competitors welcomed. Most other things are cosmetic like a slimmer fuel tank and a lower seat were fitted by the factory. The lower seat being a favourite item by works rider and Bulto family member, Soler.
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Along with the machine came paperwork showing the sale in September 1977 of the machine into private ownership.
This is without question the prototype for what would become the model 199 Sherpa of 1977and will be of particular interest to those who own or have owned a model 199 Sherpa. – All Photos: Y. Vesterinen
Vesty has promised to update us of the restoration of this very historic Bultaco over the next few months, here on Trials Guru.
To Be Continued……
Article copyright: Trials Guru & Y. Vesterinen 2017
Wooww fantastic a treasure, had a 1977 199 Sherpa, it was my first Sherpa of 6 until date. Thank you.