Bultaco Sherpa T models, '75 to '78.

[Rod]

I've been trying to work out what model Sherpa T 250 I had new as a 14 yo back in '75 or '76, my research tells me it would have been a model 158, as it was different to the previous slimlines having a fatter fibreglass tank and separate side panels.

I've found during this research that models 182/183 and 190/191 followed the 158/159 before they went to the plastic tank models.

My question to those in the know is, what was different between models 158/159, 182/183, 190/191 and would the 190/191 model be the pick of the bunch. This is not a quiz, I am genuinely wanting to know what the changes were if anyone can help.

[David Lahey]

Rod have you seen the book "Historia de la Sherpa T" by Francois Stauffacher? It describes quite well the evolution of the Sherpa T including those models you mention that seem to have all been made in a very short space of time.
I remember that era well and at the time was quite perplexed why some bikes were labelled 238 and others 250 yet looked otherwise the same.
For trainspotters like me and maybe you, it is quite an enjoyable read. Maybe its time to read it again because I can't remember all the details about those models :)

[Rod]

Sorry David, never heard of that book, but I'll google it. All the research I speak of is purely Google and whatever I can learn from this site and TC. As most of us know the 238 was to satisfy the French market, mine as a kid was a 250.

[brownie]

http://sherpamanuelsoler.blogspot.com.a ... %20modelos
You'd be splitting hairs that the 183/191 were any different and the 159 only had slight differences like bash plate still had perforated holes instead of slots , carby slightly different, lower shock mounts
I've read the 238 stickered 158's were from a oversupply built for the French and that some early 158's were made with original 72mm bore

[David Lahey]

I'm yet to have my bedtime read of that book but did remember something, that the last models with fibreglass tanks were also the last models that had different frames for the 250 and 325.
From 198/199 on, the frames were the same on 250 and 325 models (apart from having different frame number stampings)

[Rod]

Thanks gents. David, is that book you speak of still in print ?

[David Lahey]

Thanks gents. David, is that book you speak of still in print ?

Sorry Rod, I don't know if it is still in print however it may be available second hand. I've bought most of my trials books that way.
After reading that book again last night, it does not have anything like the level of detail of that internet article that brownie posted.
There is also another book about Sherpa Ts with more details and more historical context than the one I mentioned. I read it again last night too but can't remember the name of it. I think it might be "Sherpa T, a collector's guide" Brownie put me onto it. Like the Historia de la Sherpa T, the text is in two languages, one being English, but the English in this one reads like a machine translation rather than being done by a person, so some details are lost in the translation. If no one else does, I will post up details of both books

[brownie]

http://www.gilena.it/en/books/bultaco-sherpa-t
thats the book David is talking about really good book but as David says the translation isnt the best

[sherpa]

The 250 models are all pretty much the same bike, from M182 onwards a longer swinging arm was fitted [about 10- 12mm to both the 250 and 325] The 325 models are pretty much the same bike except for the swiningarm update. However the 250 and 325 bikes are quite different, the 250 has a completely different frame and different forks as well. The 250 is shorter, has more ground clearance, pegs are higher and the forks are shorter in length making the headstock lower and a different airbox is fitted. Some people like the handling of the 250 but personally I prefer the extra stability the 325 frame offers.
Cheers Greg

[Rod]

Thanks again for peoples input, those links answer lots of questions.
I was prepared to pay 42 euro for the following http://www.gilena.it/en/books/bultaco-sherpa-t ,but the shipping to Oz was 30 euro, so I added a Montesa 'Viva" book to the order expecting the shipping to decrease but instead doubled. Needless to say I'm not ordering anything from those thieves, I'll keep a look out on ebay and such like for those books.

Anyhow, the reason I started this discussion was because I might like to find a good example of one of these models (not a basket case), preferably a 190 or 191. Just putting it out there.