Tag Archives: Mike Rapley

Bultaco

Rappers finds ‘unusual’ Bultaco!

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A good shot of this altered Bultaco
GR78005 – Close up of the unique monocoque Bultaco with the top tube acting as a fuel tank – Photo: Mike Rapley

Ahead of it’s time, we are carried back to 1978 when photo-journalist Mike Rapley snapped this unique monocoque framed 325cc Bultaco at the Welsh Trophy Trial.

The top frame tube carrying fuel it bears a strange resemblance to machines we use today.

No idea who rides this unusual Bultaco
WT78032 – The modified 325 Bultaco with special frame and top frame tube as fuel tank – Photo: Mike Rapley

Mike Rapley could not recall who built it, who rode it or if it still exists, but we do know someone that would like to own it!

A most unusual Bultaco
GR78004 – Phill Smith on his very unusual Bultaco – Photo: Mike Rapley

Have a look at the detail shot and judge for yourself!

Bultaco Monocoque
A colour photograph of the same machine at a National Trial at Lynton, North Devon, but showing that the rear frame loop had been abbreviated and the exhaust front pipe modified. Photo courtesy: Stephen Hopkins

November 2019 – Thanks to the power of the internet, Phill Smith, the machines creator in 1978 discovered Trials Guru and his machine! Stephen Hopkins also produced a colour photograph which indicated that the machine was further modified and developed.

We aim to bring more information on this special machine shortly.

All photos: copyright Mike Rapley & Stephen Hopkins

For more Welsh Trophy and other action from Mike Rapley, click HERE

To contact Trials Guru with information about this Bultaco special, make contact HERE

Mick Bradley wrote: 06/03/2016: “RE unusual Bultaco. Phill Smith from Kidderminster built and rode a very similiar Bulto to this around that time. Not sure if this is him but looks very much like it. Regards Mick”.

 

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Coming up very soon – Chairmen

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We are always looking at new features, articles and of course photographs here at Trials Guru … so what about sidecars?

Scott Rowland - Tony Antman King - Tby Eyre
British Experts 1983 at Hawkstone Park – Scott Rowland and Tony ‘Antman’ King on their 156cc Fantic outfit – Photo copyright: Torbjorn Eyre, Macclesfield

So that’s exactly what we are doing, a dedicated page on the three-wheeled brigade for all the sidecar trials enthusiasts out there.

Mike Rapley, himself an accomplished trials sidecar driver, who has been working hard to bring us ‘Recalled by Rappers’ on Trials Guru, has unearthed sidecar photos which we are currently preparing for viewing on Trials Guru – Some never seen before. Already we have had offers from sources throughout the UK with more material, so it’s an exciting venture.

We at Trials Guru are indebted to Mike Rapley for his efforts and co-operation in both these ventures. Mike is truly a life-long, 100% enthusiast of the sport of trials and enduro.

Keep checking on the new page we have created – a space has been cleared on Trials Guru for Chairmans View – Sidecar Trials.