Bultaco Sherpa T Model 49

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There is a reason why we now have pre-65 trials competitions in Britain; and that reason is the Bultaco.

By signing for Bultaco, Sammy Miller effectively hammered the nails into the coffin of British trials bikes, such was the impact these Barcelona-built machines had. Inferior in every department, the British two-stroke trials bike was to all but disappear over the next few years.

Launched for the 1965 season as the Sherpa Model 10, the domestic trials rider was suddenly faced with the choice of buying a Bultaco to be competitive, or simply hanging up his helmet. Not content to rest on their laurels, and with considerable input from Sammy Miller, mods done to the works bikes were quickly incorporated into the production machines.

The Model 27 that followed gained an extra gear, some steering modifcations and some weight-saving measures. By 1969 the Model 49 was available, now boasting a slimmed down frame, 19.8bhp at 5,500 revs, lightweight alloy components and a choice of gearing for all terrains

This 1969 Model 49 Sherpa T is the third generation of Bultaco trials machines, and the second to feature a 5-speed gearbox. It was started and ridden around when photographing and seems to work well in all aspects. Improvements over the standard model in the quest for a more competitive machine include Miller folding footrests and brake pedal, slimline seat tank unit and matching lightweight plastic mudguards.

A clean and tidy working machine, it almost seems a shame to get it dirty but it would make an ideal mount in the current twin shock series of trials competition.