1976-bultaco-250-pursang-mk-ik_1

Jim Pomeroy, champion motocrosser, made the name Pursang famous with his wins in AMA Pro Motocross, but also in the Spanish Motocross GP in 1973. He not only became the first American to win a Gran Prix on a Spanish bike, but also the youngest rider to win a World Championship Motocross Grand Prix and the first rider to win this type of event in his debut race! Bultaco made the best of it and in 1975, the 360cc “Pomeroy Replica” was in the Bultaco line-up.

Noted for their unique style among collectors, Model 48 and Model 68 Pursangs, aka “Box-Tails,” also on display here at the Museum, made use of fiberglass for major body components. This proved to be very fragile stuff so was often replaced by Preston Petty’s aftermarket parts. By the mid-1970’s the traditional “unbreakable plastic” fenders became factory stock.

From the beginning, piston-port timed engines, by 1979 the Pursang Mk XII had adopted reed valves like most of its competition.

Most Pursangs were 250cc machines but 125, 250, 360 and 370cc displacements were available over the span of the model’s production, plus a works 400. Though the Bultaco brand is still out there, actual factory production for Bultaco and Montesa ceased around 1983.

When you visit the National Motorcycle Museum you can take in a good selection of motocross, trials and enduro motorcycles. A good number of these bikes, including this Bultaco, were donated by Tina and Kevin McGill and include CZs, Maicos, KTMs, Montesas, Hondas and Huskys.

Specifications:

    • Engine: 244cc Two-Stroke
    • Bore & Stroke: 72mm x 60mm
    • Compression Ratio: 12:1
    • Induction: Square Body Amal / Reed Valve
    • Ignition: Femsa Magneto
    • Horsepower: 34 HP Rated
    • Clutch: Multi-Plate Oil Bath
    • Transmission: 5-Speed, Left Shift
    • Primary: Duplex Chain
    • Frame: Welded Steel, Single Down Tube
    • Wheelbase: 56 Inches
    • Ground Clearance: 10 Inches
    • Wheels: 3.00 x 21″ Front, 4.00 x 18″ Rear
    • Telescopic Fork: 9 Inch Travel
    • Swingarm/Shocks: 5-Way Adjustable, 5 Inch Travel
    • Brakes: Internal Expanding / Drum
    • Seat Height: 31 Inches
    • Weight: 220 Pounds Dry
2 replies
  1. John mcnamara
    John mcnamara says:

    I noticed a few easily fixable items. Why would they not display this as complete as possible?
    Missing drive chain
    Front brake cable loose
    Missing fuel line
    Kick starter looks strange
    I know it is not going to be used and sometimes parts are hard to find but these are really simple fixes.

    Reply
  2. Mark Mederski
    Mark Mederski says:

    John,

    Good points. This Bul and about 25 other MX, trials and enduro bikes, mostly pre-1980 and European, came to us from one gracious donor about three years ago. The bikes ranged in condition, cherry to needing a complete restoration, but staff time and a funds for parts and labor to bring them all back is just not in the Museum’s budget. Maybe we need an adopt a bike program so passionate supporters can help us with parts, at least to put the machines needing a few parts back in shape. We apologize for less than perfect examples, but they still serve as machines to help with our memories, and in this case, our memories of the great Jim Pomeroy.

    Reply

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