Description
Bultaco M85 Alpina. 250cc. Model year 1972.
The Alpina ('Alp' in Spanish) is a trail version of the famous trials Sherpa. The Alpina uses a Matador gearbox providing more suitable gearing for high speeds and a larger fuel tank & seat. This makes it a perfect vintage green lane machine.
Road registered, UK bike with first registration in 1972. Starts and rides well. I have owned the Bultaco since 2019 and commenced on renovation to a usable reliable standard. Works included bottom end engine seals, re-chroming and plating throughout, re-instated lighting, Betor shocks, brake shoes, tyres, chain/ sprockets and more.
The fuel tank was painted but suffered from fuel/ fuel vapour seeping through the aged fiberglass. A fuel tank liner (Flowliner) has been applied and it now no longer leaks. Various marks remain on the paint however as a result (in my opinion) it now looks worn/ period which actually I liked, so kept it like this.
The machine also benefits from period additions such as Sammy Miller exhaust, Renthal trials handlebars and brake torque arms (which I had re-chromed). Also included is the original owners manual and a Bultaco brochure from 1973.
Some areas which I would address if I was to keep it:
This UK model was not originally fitted with a speadometer when new, however they did come with a rear axle mounted drive unit. When I purchased the bike the original rubber blanking cap was still fitted. I purchased the correct cable (last one left in the UK) and a period clock and bracket which works (tested on a drill). However the square drive in the clock in too large. The next step was going to be to sent the cable to Venhill to get it modified with a larger square drive lug.
I also have never inspect the top end as it apparently seems to run fine so was not inclined to look at this, but any potential new owner may want to do this.
There is some pitting on the hard chrome fork stanchions however this does has not let to oil seal damage and leakage (as it sometimes does) and therefore have left this.
