1977 Bultaco Sherpa 350T

[derek badger]

Back from hollibobs yesterday. Managed to find a .pdf of the Hayes manual and then popped into Gordon Farley's to get some fuel hose for the temp tank and some new spark plugs. Took a good look over the bike and it's pretty simple (as expected), but nothing seeemed missing apart from there were no overflow tubes on the carb so I stuck a couple on and split the ends to prevent them getting blocked with crap.

Gapped the plug to 0.4mm, set the mixture screw to 1.5 turns out and started getting to grips with the LHS kick start...and it starts and idles okay.



Tank and seat back on and time for a beer. When it's not pissing down I'll take it for a potter round the garden. Then get it insured and take the V112 to the post office to get it registered as a historic vehicle. Then...a few local byways.

[Gregor]

Sweet, that really is in exceptional nick.

[Skub]

It's in quare nick for it's age. I take it someone has restored it?

One of the first proper trials bikes I had a go on,was a mate's Fantic,it was very similar in shape to your Bulto.

[derek badger]

It's in quare nick for it's age. I take it someone has restored it?

One of the first proper trials bikes I had a go on,was a mate's Fantic,it was very similar in shape to your Bulto.

Yea, been restored to some extent big maun. I bought it from a dealer, it was his bike and he had it rebuilt but never started it as he presumed it was going to be sold as a collection piece. I plan to use it though.

[derek badger]

Got the carb set up properly and it starts easier and idles nicely. Adjusted the clutch cable and checked all 5 gears work.



Had 10 minutes of churning the garden up and it's fucking tiny and nimble, as you would expect. Tank holds 5l so I need to get a 200ml container for taking oil out with me.

Insurance was 100 fully comp, post office were fucking useless with the change to historic vehicle so I need to ring the DVLA as its still showing as untaxed since 1979 and classed as a bicycle when I go online.

[Count Steer]

Got the carb set up properly and it starts easier and idles nicely. Adjusted the clutch cable and checked all 5 gears work.



Had 10 minutes of churning the garden up and it's fucking tiny and nimble, as you would expect. Tank holds 5l so I need to get a 200ml container for taking oil out with me.

Insurance was 100 fully comp, post office were fucking useless with the change to historic vehicle so I need to ring the DVLA as its still showing as untaxed since 1979 and classed as a bicycle when I go online.

I thought that the motorbike tax class was 'bicycle'?

Quite envious, that bike's a gem.

[derek badger]

I thought that the motorbike tax class was 'bicycle'?

Quite envious, that bike's a gem.

It is, but once they are over 40 years old you can apply for tax exception and they become classed as historic. I did it on the CG125 recently.

[cheb]

That's lovely that is.

[derek badger]

That's lovely that is.

Yea, quite pleased with it. Its been on my list of bikes to own for years.

[Count Steer]

That's lovely that is.

Yea, quite pleased with it. Its been on my list of bikes to own for years.

Has it had to be modded to run on unleaded?

[derek badger]

That's lovely that is.

Yea, quite pleased with it. Its been on my list of bikes to own for years.

Has it had to be modded to run on unleaded?

Nah. It's not needed, E5 super is fine apparently. I've got 20:1 premix in the first tank which is what the manual says, but general concensus is 40:1 is more than adequate with modern oils.

[wheelnut]

I can almost smell that 2 stroke oil

[derek badger]

Took it out on the road today, left a trail of blue haze....

Initial thoughts: runs well, rear brake cable rattles against the chain guard, header bolts need tightening as it dribbles a bit of black oil, they're 7/16th and the rest of the bolts have are been replaced with metric

I'll probably drop a couple of teeth on the rear sprocket as 1st to 4th are proper low ratio and 5th is almost like an overdrive for getting between stages. You can easily pull away in 3rd without it bogging down.

I've ordered a fender tool pouch, ram mount for the phone and a 200ml premix bottle. Just need to get a spare tube and I'll venture out on its maiden green lane potter.

[derek badger]

The showers eased off and there was a hint of some sunlight so I took the Bultaco out for her maiden voyage, wearing suitable attire of wax cotton jacket and army surplus trousers. She's pretty torquey and perfect for pottering about in 4th on most byways. Roads need to be avoided as much as possible due to a) the drum brakes and b) 55mph in 5th is about all you want to do. Good fun though, plenty of smiles and waves from people out walking and mountain biking.

[Demannu]

Does yours have the twin plug head?
One to start it, then once its warmed up, swap over the plug cap!
Loved my 250, even if it did have an AP50 number plate on it

[derek badger]

Does yours have the twin plug head?
One to start it, then once its warmed up, swap over the plug cap!
Loved my 250, even if it did have an AP50 number plate on it

Single plug head, but remarkably easy to start.