Hi:

I'm new to the forum: I have owned Bultacos from 1968 to present.... My first was a Matador mk2 1966..... presently I own the Matador mk2, 66 Metralla mk 2, 66 Lobito, 76 Shera T model 183... all are in really good conditon... I'm also working on a 1968 El Tigre... its coming allong frame and motor is done but the bits and pieces are a little slow.... its about 90% complete... I love all the Bultacos.. But I hope to get into comp. with my Sherpa T... The only thing is I think I'm a little to heavy for it .... I'm 6'2" 240 lbs.... and the front forks and rear shocks seem to compress .... my question is it possible for riders like myself to compete with this bike or I'm I going to have to increase springing on both the forks and shocks or change oil or......... ????? If anyone has an imput on this let me know.... Oh yes I'm tring to lose some weight... its a slow process.... Thanks Tom

Tom I'm a little bit lighter than you at about 205 pounds and ride 1970s trials bikes. There are plenty of guys your weight successfully riding old trials bikes and yes you can easily set up the suspension to suit.

Modern shockies for old trials bikes can be easily bought with a range of spring rates and with standard damping that works great. I would recommend 60lb/inch shockie springs for your weight. They come in stiffness increments of 10lb/inch. They are way better quality and performance than what came new on your Sherpa T. Falcon and Betor brand shockies are popular and suitable.

I have fitted Matador springs in my M49 Sherpa T forks, and have increased the preload over standard by about 20mm and use 20WT fork oil. Seeing you are a Bultaco nut, have a rummage throught your 35mm Betor forks parts and see if you can find some springs with a higher rate. If not there are plenty of suppliers with new springs for Bultaco Betor forks.

By the way, the ideal suspension sag for trials use is lots more than for speed type bikes. I use 50% sag with rider aboard and 5 mm sag without rider.

My cousin is about that size, and he's on a TY175, so a Bultaco will be just fine.

I mean, the 350 is no slouch.

I don't think you've mentioned where in the world you are.

Thanks guys for the replies to my post... I guess theres still hope for me...I'll look around for a pair of Matador springs and heavier shocks. I live in western Massachusetts, USA... Are there any vintage trail events coming up this year around me? Last year I went to the one they had in eastern RI and it seemed to be very well put on....... Thanks Tom...