Sherpa M125

[yamfan]

Hi Guys, have just purchased a Bultaco M125 was told by the seller it was a 72 but it is defiantly a 74, she has received a new piston and rebore and is now blue which isn't the correct colour but does suit it I think. Q: I have a lot of Bultaco references but cannot find a pic of a M125 with the older triangle muffler, given that there are no lugs for a banana muffler I presume this is the correct one. All I need now are some decent rear shocks and some lower headstock bearings.

[Rod]

Sorry yamfan, I'm fairly sure that is a model 92 series 2 ('72/'73) due to things like the side stand attached to the frame, rear wheel and hub, and the exhaust system.

Bultaco Sherpa T mod 92 series 2.jpg (282.07 KiB) Viewed 6892 times

Bultaco Sherpa T mod 125 .jpg (267.72 KiB) Viewed 6892 times

[Guy53]

It's tricky with Bultaco, The serial number will tell...
Guy

[David Lahey]

Sorry yamfan, I'm fairly sure that is a model 92 series 2 ('72/'73) due to things like the side stand attached to the frame, rear wheel and hub, and the exhaust system.

and the top triple clamp for taper top fork tubes

[Bully fanatic]

The only way to know for sure is the engine and frame numbers. The engine will have JM 91/92 or 124/125 or 150/151 and the frame will have the same numbers but starting with JB This is the only way to know exactly which model it is as the Bultacos came out at all different times often with a couple of models in the same year. The higher number means it is a 326 whereas the lower number is a 250. In Motion Trials in England have the correct taper bearings for the stearing head. Graham.

[yamfan]

Thanks Guys, Yup its a 92 model series B. the lack of "rap around" tubes under the seat were making me think it was a 125, I should have looked at the serial numbers first. I traded my rough Alpina for this bike which was almost identical apart from the tank/seat unit, one thing I have noticed is the Alpina's clutch was nice and smooth were the Sherpa is a four fingered job, the cable is new, any ideas. Power wise its no rocket ship but gets there in the end, will removing the spark arrester or changing to a banana muffler make it any more spritely. Last question, are the Betor shocks OK for the money or is it better to bite the bullet and buy some more expensive ones?

[David Lahey]

Re the clutch action, if your Alpina was a 250, the M92 being a 325 will require a higher pressure plate force in the clutch.
There is a huge amount of info already on the internet about how to get a nice clutch action on the 5 speed Bultaco engine.
The original triangle muffler on them is even restrictive on a 250 motor. The clubfoot type muffler is better than the banana type and there are mods to make the clubfoot even better. Of great importance on a 325 that is going to be used for trials is to get the main muffler working properly. They just don't run smooth without that and an early 325 not running smooth is a nightmare to ride in sections

[David Lahey]

As for modern Betor shocks, they work great on my Alpina. Way too much compression damping for trials though

[yamfan]

Thanks David, my Alpina was a 350 I will have to do my homework on the clutch, Re: exhaust muffler: I noticed in most pics of riders of that era riding the same bike they usually rode without it.

[Jon V8]

As for modern Betor shocks, they work great on my Alpina. Way too much compression damping for trials though

It won't stay that way for long David, all the Betor's I've had soon leak. When they stop leaking they're not bad ! Rockshocks or Falcon's seem to be most popular here in the UK,can you get them over with you ?