First Start in 42 Years - Bultaco Sherpa T 350

[@NSBSpeshal]

Great video, I got mine started after 27 years! - kzbin.info/www/bejne/p2XCg3ihgtyNnac

[@theeddies]

They are great bikes and that sound is music to me. Thanks for watching, I will give yours a watch and a sub, all the best!

[@NSBSpeshal]

@@theeddies Cheers, it sat for so long in a bush, neglected and forgotten until I couldn't bear the guilt any more! Still a long way to go but carb parts are on their way, then fix the clutch!

[@joegilly1523]

My 76 250 persang sat for 8 years before I got if running . I tried everything finally got it by bump starting it down a .5 mile hill . It started good after that. .Miss that bike .

[@roberthutchison8416]

I was 15 years old, I found one at a tag sale cheap. Cyl and jug was off it, the rod bearing was shot. I bought it and my dad surprised me by taking it to Ralph Strong Bultaco dealership (est 1983) in CT. he had the motor fixed. (It to this day was the nicest thing he ever did for me) I got it running and didn't know how slow it would be. I thought a 350 would be fast but not so much it had the factory sprocket and maxed out a about 50mph. I let an expert try it out that lived near me and I swear he and it went straight up an 8ft rock almost vertically! I couldn't believe how he did that and it always amazed me how that machine was so balanced. Thanks for your video it brought back the sounds and memories about that very special bike of my past. Peace.

[@theeddies]

Nice story, thanks!

[@wadenixon9455]

I had this bike in 1974-75, was only 12 years old. I lived in Brownsville-Harlingen Texas on the Rio Grand, I used to be able to ride straight up them cliffs. I don’t know how high they were, but it was a long way. This bike was a monster, a cliff rider for sure. My parents were separated and I don’t know what happened to it. But I would love to have it back. 55 years ago and I will never find it. Great Memories 👍👍👍👍

[@theeddies]

Thanks for sharing. You might not be able to find yours but these are still out there. Probably a little more $$ than when new though :-)

[@cordwelch6077]

Very good bike I had one like that Back when I was in high school,, Take care,,

[@theeddies]

Cool. Thanks for watching!

[@rfunk727]

I had a Bultaco Alpina that was setup for Trials riding (Sherpa T top end and a Makuni Carb). Such an easy bike to work on and very dependable. Best bike I've ever owned. My friends had a Pursang and a Sherpa S and always getting into bad accidents on them in the woods, so I decided to go SLOW! Much more fun and enjoyable of a ride.

[@theeddies]

Slow can be just as fun, especially on a bike made for it. I have had several trials bikes and the Sherpa's are definitely my favorite. Thanks for the story and watching.

[@mikehickman3635]

Sherco bikes are named after this legend of a bike. Sherco is a combo of sherpa and bultaco...just a funfact

[@bultacowally]

Nothing in common...

[@elituko]

Just got thru resurecting a 71 Pursang 350. I can relate to a Bul being hard on your hip, my right hip is a replacement. Mine still takes spells of taking 8-10 kicks when cold. Stress testing the titanium ceramic and poly joint. My doc would not be happy. Love your Sherpa, it's gonna look great when you are done. They have a slim classic style I've loved since they were new and I was about 11-12 years old. Thanks for posting the vid!

[@theeddies]

Ouch, they can be mean to you. It is that angle that they put the kicker, it is just awful. About a week after posting this video, I got an offer I could not refuse from someone who saw it, about 3 times what I paid for it. I have a a 1974 Frontera that will be coming in the future. It is complete, but in pieces. It will be a fun build. Thanks for watching and sharing, and keep that hip lubed.

[@BaxtersBlades]

Great Video! I have a 1972 Alpina 350 Runs but also need to dial the points. thanks for sharing!

[@mickexplorer]

Mine started after 3 years. Second kick, back when gas was good. 1976 1973 alpina 250

[@asd36f]

4 European trials championships, 5 world trials championships, 11 Spanish trials championships and 11 United Kingdom trials championship - there wouldn't be too many other motorcycles as successful as the Sherpa T in any form of competition.

[@theeddies]

I think I knew about the world champs but that is a lot of nationals. Wow!

[@trollonwiggins]

I had a Sherpa. Used it as trail bike. Also had to clean the plug every time I rode it. Coil was super weak. You could rewire it but I never did. Brakes sucked too. But I had a ton of fun.

[@jaytomson7052]

The 350 has the grunt.

[@rhiannemoll3386]

Looks like a great toy to muck about with in the bush.

[@theeddies]

Yes, they are great trail bikes.

[@gerardorehillo3342]

what a lovely sound for my ears!

[@theeddies]

Absolutely!

[@eastbayhounds7604]

Sweet bike, first time I have seen one, Sounds really good too.

[@theeddies]

Spanish bikes definitely have their own sound.

[@nausitran]

great video. thanks for sharing!

[@theeddies]

Thanks for watching!

[@lesmontgomery6498]

You can bend the kickStart shaft if srarted without the mag case installed. From an old trials rider.

[@robertalan4717]

Nice! What a gem.

[@theeddies]

Yes, these were great bikes. Thanks for watching!

[@remotorcycled]

Nice one, thanks for the detail 👍

[@theeddies]

Thanks! I was just looking at your stuff. I don't know if you are familiar with Reddit but I would like to invite you to join www.reddit.com/r/bikebuildersvideos. It is very small right now but I am reaching out to other creators to share their videos and be part of its growth, it is also a nice place to crosspost from. It is totally open to any motorcycle related videos.

[@remotorcycled]

the_eddies that’s brilliant thank you for the info 👍

[@Rafael-eo7md]

inspiring ...

[@theeddies]

Thanks a lot

[@loop1479]

That sounds so much like my MT125 I bought new in '74

[@arongonzalec1142]

Esta a sido mi primera moto Bultaco serpa de 350cc a los 23 años y hoy a los 68 tengo trial gasgas de 250 y una cbr f4i de carretera

[@theeddies]

Nice!, thanks!

[@michaelhegyan7464]

I test rode a Sherpa, back in 73', on a dirt track, I was 15, my father was going to buy me the bike, I was riding a Yamaha 125, at the time. The Bultaco, was too much for me to handle...and I dumped it around a turn..

[@theeddies]

They can be torque monsters, especially if you are not expecting it.

[@stephanielee9456]

I just took possession of my grandpa's old bike... a 68 250 Sherpa T Sammy Miller. It's in rough shape but all the parts are with it - any chance you could set me off in a good direction as far as possibly restoring it goes?

[@theeddies]

Hello, Bultacos are mechanically as simple as it gets. A Haynes manual is going to give you all your specs and tolerances as well as good general info, get a cheap used one on eBay. Hugh's Bultaco is a good source of used and repro parts - www.bultacoclassic.com/. I also have a few things but not much Sherpa specific right now. Everything is available for your bike but some stuff may be hard to find and some stuff may have to come from Europe. Generally it is the same as any other resto and can be approached in any number of ways from "just get it running and moving", an as found rebuild/refresh, or a full frame up restoration. It just depends on what you want the end product to be. Feel free to ask me any specific questions as you progress, I am no expert but I have been riding and working on them for 30 some years so I know a little. All the best!

[@elituko]

Oh you're about to REALLY get a lesson in Bultaco if you don't know already. The kick lever on the Sherpa swings past the front of the foot peg, on a Pursang and Frontera it comes to an abrupt stop on the foot peg, so as you give it all you have with a FAST kick that they usually need you will feel it slam thru every joint in your leg and foot every kick. I call it Bultaco foot as I limp around. Good luck. Oh BTW if you are going to use a Powerdynamo electronic ignition, after reading the trouble shooting instructions, with a plain rubber plug boot, USE a resistor plug, like a BR8ES. Get a metric dial indicator to go in the plug hole,Ebay, and mine timed at 2.42mm BTDC. And .023 plug gap. That's a long story.. Have fun! Braaaapp

[@theeddies]

Oh, very aware. Still not as bad as the Ossa spike that will impale your leg as it kicks back if you are not quick. Very familiar with the Spanish bikes, I grew up around them as a kid. My father raced a Stiletto and a Montesa/Rickman in the 1970's, and there has always been one around the house. Not sure what the ignition is going to be yet, I think I have a couple Motoplats, and as I remember that is what is on the bike but might be a Femsa. Good tip though. Have you had good luck with the Powerdynamo, I am not very familiar with them.

[@johncollymore1697]

Great video, thanks. Yes! Quite a well known medical condition: "Bultaco Hip"! Yes, and I've heard of Ossa Spike! I used to stand astride and use my left "hip" to start my 1979 Sherpa T 350 (model 199A, 325cc) UK spec with aluminium tank. It was always a very good starter, but tough on the hip. But the real skill was the exact position and application of the throttle, as you kicked over compression! Our later machine has a Bing carb, which works well. Great machine, still have ours in the shed, hasn't been run for 20 years. Cheers.

[@pmay222]

sounds sweet.... the bore etc must be A1 condition.. .. the brakes are always a bit lacking... i had my front hub re lined with new shoes etc but it still needed some magic worked on it...

[@theeddies]

Yes that was definitely the easiest old first start I ever had. It ran nice with just a points cleaning. As I remember the front end off a 70's Yamaha TY250 is a pretty straightforward swap and solves the front brake problem.

[@nicksmith7552]

I have a M92 350 just like it with the early type frame.

[@timmccarthy1300]

Be careful kicking it with the mag cover off, you can bend the kickstart shaft.

[@kerrykelaher2607]

Put starter fuel " start you bastard " onto spark plug start 1st go !" 😊

[@cellolupo]

What size puller did you use?

[@TheFrog767]

🍻🎯

[@theeddies]

Thanks!

[@pizzadude6615]

I'm about to drop the hammer on buying a '72 250 t Sherpa, so obviously I'm scouring the web for everything that's not quite correct for negotiation purposes, so lots of videos and pictures. But every single Brit and Yankee I've seen stands off to the left side and kicks it right footed. I can imagine most of you have never had an 82 cr250 but I know that several of you have had an old huskvarna, did you guys kick that one wrong too. It's not a four stroke you just need a fast hard left foot. Can someone with a calloused left foot and fuel in their crankcase back me up. Just saying.

[@theeddies]

You have obviously never kicked a cold Bull or an Ossa my friend. If you kick it left footed sitting on it, the kicker will more than likely impale your leg when it kicks back because you cannot get it out the way quick enough. It happens fast and with no warning. Especially the 350s. The Ossas even have a kicker that is designed like a WW1 trench weapon so it does an even better job. That combined with the kickers are high up, long stroke, it is easier to lean the bike over and reduce the height. Now once they are warmed up they can usually be restarted sitting on the bike with an easy kick. Old Huskys can go either way, their short stoke kicker is not that bad unless you slam into the stop too hard. I have kicked everything from a 50cc forward kicker to a 1000cc Harley. When something goes wrong the Spanish bikes bite as hard as any of them, and I actually dislocated my ankle on a kickback from a XT500 so I have some experience in that area. There is just no comparison to some wimpy kicking bike like a CR250 that your grandma can start.

[@pizzadude6615]

@@theeddies also if you like four strokes they're all for sale I hate them please buy them I can't say no to any motorcycle but I hate four strokes help me help myself, except for the dual port Ive got plans for her. Ascot frame big wheels I'm ok with that four stroke but only that one.

[@mickexplorer]

On any sunday

[@MAHGlie]

Great bikes but I preferred Montesa Cotas, especially my Rathmell 348.

[@theeddies]

The Cotas were very good, so we're the MAR's. I actually won a comp on MAR at a vintage meet years ago.

[@miguelpereztorres2343]

En España O eras de montesa O de bultaco.

[@lorenzodenavas5794]

My dad has this bike but it’s all rusted out and its very bad and i am trying to fix it but i don’t know it is very rough

[@theeddies]

Sometimes they will surprise you even though they look gone. These bikes are pretty rare in my part of the world so don't scrap it, there may be pieces that could give life to others. All the best! Thanks for watching!

[@lorenzodenavas5794]

the_eddies thanks you too but i live like 15 mins next to where they were made and here you can actually get a restored one for a grand and a half but i deffinetively won’t scrap it

[@theeddies]

@@lorenzodenavas5794 Are Ossa's and Montesa's that cheap as well?

[@lorenzodenavas5794]

the_eddies to restore they go for 700-1000€ although in good condition they go for 4k although the Sherpa here was much more common (although still rare) and an unrestored nice one goes for 2k up to 4k if it is in showroom condition

[@theeddies]

@@lorenzodenavas5794 It's funny because I have sold so many parts back to Spain for the Bultaco's, I thought they were just as rare there. A showroom Sherpa would probably bring 4-8k here. This one sold for 2k USD as seen in the video but that was a good friend price. I have a 1975 Frontera that I will be putting back together soon, that's my dream off/on road bike. I want to adventure ride with it. We will see. All the best! Eddie

[@markr5132]

Actually its 325cc.

[@mickexplorer]

Cute

[@alanheath7056]

I have complete parts for 2 198 a 199A and a pursang 175 engine unfortunately not mark 6 frame but 5 and mix and match parts frontera forks and always try and find parts for it also a Bultaco 250 101 go kart engine with low number and other engines with original lights and would swap lot for a Astro flat track as losing mobility with age and always wanted to ride a Astro

[@theeddies]

Where are you located? Would love those parts.

[@alanheath7056]

Hi unfortunately not USA as would of had a shed of Astros instead.Would not sell only swap just started building Pursang.My sons think there grand dad bikes keep looking at them wear i went wrong ha ha

[@mickexplorer]

1hard top, super modified

[@eldergodsband1187]

Great bike! Please tune that guitar lol!

[@theeddies]

Lol, it's from my 2001 avant garde period. Thanks for watching.

[@johnstrange6799]

I don't know if it's like a Drop D, or just out of tune. Almost seems like a few strings are different gauges. idk. Why?

[@theeddies]

Because I am tired of EADG guitarists not getting that it is an alternate tuning and not out of tune. If they don't like it, fine. But it is not out of fucking tune. You were close, it was some E flat tuning I got from Thurston Moore as I remember.

[@johnstrange6799]

@@theeddies Did you check your email? Was there some incident regarding the tuning? If so, I need to know it immediately so I can riff off of it and laugh. Heck, I didn't know you were tone deaf AND played the banjo lol

[@theeddies]

@@johnstrange6799 Just some comments, no big deal, just irks me. It was actually a banjolina, cross between a concertina and a banjo, it looks like a big blown up phallus with one ball, you squeeze it and pluck the lamb gut strings and it makes all the ladies run in terror and ear pain.

[@johnstrange6799]

@@theeddies Banjolina Jolie? I found one of those... like a Faraday cage in a glass dome thing? A new one on me to find. It works and will bring $5 next year in a sale.

[@johnstrange6799]

@@theeddies What is this music!? It sounds out of tune! I'm unsubscribing!!!

[@davisworth5114]

damn tune that guitar.

[@theeddies]

It is tuned to an esoteric tuning I was playing around with in the early 2000's. Thanks for watching!

[@davisworth5114]

@@theeddies I have my restored #92 Sherpa T rolling around now, put the motor in, and drilled and mounted a pair of Gonelli fenders, tomorrow mount card and airbox, hook up throttle cable, very nice, like the guitar, too.

[@mickexplorer]

501 bultaco

[@dawnwaldon9952]

Its alot easier to coast start bike

[@theeddies]

True, but I don't prefer to do that on a bike with unknown transmission, clutch, chain, etc. This was a first start of a new to me 40 year old bike, a lot can break or lock up, etc. etc. Not to say I never do it but these bikes are actually easy starters once they are in good order. Thanks for watching!

[@dawnwaldon9952]

@@theeddies if its locked up the back tire would not move with the chain is on it and if it dont kick freely it would be locked up

[@theeddies]

@@dawnwaldon9952 Locked up is not the issue. There are a lot of stresses put on a bike when you bump start it. Old worn parts, misaligned trans gears, sticky clutches, carb slides sticking open, etc. etc. There are many unknowns. A bike I have history with, sure no problem, hop on it and go , just not something I prefer to do with a bike that I have never started and has not been started in a few decades. Just my opinion, do what you want with your bikes.

[@davisworth5114]

sounds like that guitar hasn't been tuned in 42 years.

[@theeddies]

This is the second comment in a month expressing the same opinion. Are you a troll? or do you really think your opinion should matter to me?

[@davisworth5114]

@@theeddies I think you should not abuse my ears with bad guitar.

[@mickexplorer]

350

[@mickexplorer]

125

[@mickexplorer]

250

[@idiot-983]

I've had and still a few vintage trials bikes and all were strange to start compared to just stomping a vintage MX bike.

[@theeddies]

They put the kicker high and tight on a lot of trials bikes to minimize them getting caught in brush. Not as big a concern on an MX bike. Bultaco and Ossa's had strange kicker arrangement anyway though. The Ossa trials bike had a spear to put your foot on. If you slipped off or the motor kicked back there was a good chance of it piercing your leg.