1973 BULTACO PURSANG ASTRO FULL

Fortunately, this proved to be just what scramble riders in America wanted for the higher speed and smoother tracks. Both a motocross model (21” front wheel) and a scrambles model (19” front wheel) were available in America.įor motocross, it could easily be argued that Bultaco went the wrong direction as the increased power was rather peaky and the longer wheelbase made quick changes of directions difficult.

The wheelbase was extended over 1 _” and the body work was distinctively square leading to many riders calling the Pursang the “Boat-tail” for its similarity to a sailing ship. The MKII Pursang would be a major change from the Rickman inspired MKI Pursang and only the engine would remain similar. Other niceties included Femsa ignition, Betor front and rear suspension, and Akront shoulderless rims with Pirelli tires.īULTACO PURSAND MK2 250cc SCRAMBLER / 1967 The fenders, side panels, airbox, and fuel tank were fiberglass with a very nice painted finish. That being said, the Pursang was an absolutely jewel! The engine cases were highly polished as were the fork crowns and the hubs. The 360 Pursang was a beautiful machine! It is often mentioned how the Spanish factory had dirt floors. The lower than most seating position also favored riders under 6′ tall. Claimed horsepower was 39 at 7000rpm……which in print favored well with other open class machines, but in reality, seemed like “A load of bull!” That was mitigated by the way the Pursang hooked up! Open class Bultaco riders felt like nothing cornered like a Bultaco and you could steer thru the turns with the throttle wide open. By 1974 the 360cc Pursang was nearly identical in design to the production 250 that Pomeroy had ridden to win the Spanish Grand Prix. Early models were plagued with excessive weight and power that few riders could tame. His victory signaled that American motocross riders were ready to compete with the best in the world and so was Bultaco.īultaco, founded in 1958 by Francisco Xavier Bulto, first introduced an open class machine in 1967 as the 350cc El Bandido. The news of his victory created a huge wave of excitement in America where motocross was undergoing an explosive growth in popularity. That would change when American upstart Jim Pomeroy shocked the FIM international motocross establishment by winning the 1973 250cc Spanish motocross Grand Prix. This example was restored by Matt Hilgenberg.īultaco had been a very successful brand in American scrambles racing since the mid 1960’s and enjoyed some success in motocross on a local level, but seldom on the national or international level. Petite Metisse’s were painted British racing green. in pieces by Charlie Hockie and Bud Ekins. This example is 1 of 24 bootlegged into the U.S. The collaboration between Bultaco and the Rickman brothers yielded a similar Bultaco manufactured Mk 1 Pursang that was down right crude in comparison. The Petite Metisse, built in 1965 utilizes the new 250cc Bultaco engine, perfectly fitted into Rickman’s jewelry like frame and running gear. This was accomplished on a 196cc Bultaco engined and Rickman framed machine 50cc’s smaller than the competition. As early as 1963, Don Rickman delivered a crippling blow to the agricultural British 2-strokes when he became the only British finisher and 3rd podium position at the British Grand Prix. RICKMAN BULTACO 250cc / Petite Metisse / 1965īritish brothers, Don and Derek Rickman as importers for Bultaco, and top motocross riders helped forge the Spanish companies way into the growing motocross market – circa early 1960’s. This machine was restored by Bob Benson, a Bultaco expert from Massachusetts and is quite rare. The Matador would open up an all new market for a dual-sport motorcycle. The machine used the premier Betor rebuildable suspension components, Akront rims, and had a peak horsepower of 23 hp. the bike appealed to many street riders that liked to ride both on and off-road.

1973 BULTACO PURSANG ASTRO FULL

With a full compliment of street legal equipment – ie, horn, lights, etc.

The machine was designed to compete in the International 6-Days Trials which was considered to be one of the toughest tests of a motorcycle and rider. In 1964 Bultaco introduced the Matador 200. A “Thumbs Up” would become part of the Bultaco logo. That same year, with other former members of the Montesa firm, he began tooling up for a new motorcycle which was announced early the following year as the Bultaco, a name suggested by Bulto’s friend – John Grace. He resigned his directorship after a board meeting voting to retire the factory from GP road racing in 1958.

A Spanish roadracing champion both before and after the war, Francisco Xavier Bulto co-founded the Montesa company in 1946.

1973 bultaco pursang astro