We are always on the lookout for something different on Trials Guru and French Bultaco enthusiast Gilles Escuyer never fails to produce something special.
This time it is a monoshock 125 ‘Bultaco’ as he has a brand affinity that goes back to his father Pierre’s age.
It is in effect a rare Gas Gas model with a 125cc Cagiva motor from a Merlin DG7 model that was produced in very low numbers around 1985. The fuel tank/seat unit is custom made. Front suspension are the well tested Marzocchi M1 items including yokes.
Carburation is taken care of by an Italian Dellorto unit. Swinging arm is in aluminium alloy.

Gilles told Trials Guru: “It is a bike that the Bultaco factory could have and should have made if it had not suffered financial ruin in the 1980s. I think most will find it an interesting air-cooled monoshock trials machine, with the Bultaco spirit.
We have called it the 197E because the 250 Sherpa was 198 and this is a smaller capacity. The Sherpa range ceased production with 198/199B and it would have been acceptable to continue with 198/199C then D and so on.”
Photo call for the Bultaco 197E:
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
I have seen this bike during its build when I visited Gilles workshop in January this year along with my friend Steve Hall to collect my own 198b they had rebuilt for me.
The attention to detail Gilles and Pierre have put into this lovely little machine is truly factory level.
Absolutely stunning end result and I should imagine rides every bit as good as it looks !
Thank you Giles 😊👍🏽
I would be a pleasure to let you ride this little machine !
Eye Candy and functional !
Mon ami Gilles, Superbe travaille, Sherpa Master
Merci
Merci beaucoup George !
C’est un réel plaisir que cette petite création te plaise 👍🏽😊