Bultaco Limited Edition Extra 1971-1979
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Wydawnictwo: Brooklands Books Oprawa: miękkaISBN: 9781855206922 Numer katalogowy: 443801 Czas dostawy: 14 - 21 dni Poleć znajomym:         Cena 72,20 zł Dodaj do koszyka » | ||
Opis książki
Having made it successfully through the first years of its birth, and then succeeded internationally in the 60s, Bultaco expanded its model range and continued with its race on Sunday sell on Monday policy. Racing in this case was in the tough enduro off-road field where rugged construction and engine flexibility was as important as rider skill. In fact one of the enduring features of Bultaco engines was their amazing balance between power and torque, ideal for the type of competition at which the factory was so adept having specialised in that field. With all of its international success, the Barcelona based company was really a minnow among the world's motorcycle manufacturers. Where the Japanese factories of Honda, Yamaha and Suzuki were churning out millions of bikes each year, Bultaco managed just 15,000 in 1971. Even at that modest figure, it was the largest of the Spanish motorcycle manufacturers. Comments from the media were generally positive, especially where the Bultaco's engine performance, braking and handling were concerned but in the area of fit and finish, something at which the Japanese were past masters, Bultaco was felt to be wanting. Mind you, it certainly added to the rugged character of the machine and was not something that was of real concern to those who wanted to own a world enduro winner. And where the Japanese manufacturers offered a huge range of products, they were now the world's leading motorcycle nation having taken over the mantle from Germany, the Bultaco range was limited to bikes with engines in the 125cc, 175cc, 200cc, 250cc and 350cc classes. Interestingly, all engines were single cylinders with a high percentage of interchangeability between the whole range. Up until 1979 the largest Bultaco engine made was the 85 x 64mm bore and stroke 363cc unit that powered such memorable bikes as the El Montedero, Sherpa, Alpina, Astro, Frontera and Pursang. I guess one can only wonder how the Spanish managed to use model names like Pursang and Alpina without stepping on someone's toes. They must have been different times back then! Industrial relations at the factory led to its closure by the Bulto family just before Christmas 1979. A cash injection by the Spanish Government saw it reopen with a much reduced workforce and, sadly nobody from the Bulto family. But other forces were causing the company problems and both were out of its control. The US Government instigated a raft of engine emission laws that meant the 2-stroke engine was outlawed; and the Japanese muscled in on Bultaco's off-road territory and with their vast resources soon dominated the competition. By 1983 Bultaco was merged with Montesa and Ossa but even that venture has failed. So the famous name Bultaco had a brief but fiery commercial life over a little more than two decades. But it was fun while it lasted! This book contains thirty articles, taking the story of the marque up to the end of the seventies. Included are road, track & enduro tests & driving impressions. Models covered: Lobito, El Montadero, Sherpa T, Matador, Tiron, Alpina, Pursang, Astro & Frontera. 128 pages. Over 200 illus. SB.