1965 Bultaco 250cc Motocross Scrambler - 3-Page Vintage Motorcycle Test Article

Description

1965 Bultaco 250cc Motocross Scrambler - 3-Page Vintage Motorcycle Test Article
Original, vintage magazine article
Page Size: Approx 8" x 11" (21 cm x 28 cm) each page
Condition: Good
“Strong enough to handle any 500cc engine.” That’s the claim
for the Rickman designed frame around which the Bultaco 250cc
"Motocross” is built. The frame is the outstanding feature of this
Spanish built bike, but it certainly does not overshadow the
healthy 31 horsepower two-stroke in importance. At any rate, this
engine-frame combination is second to none in the industry and
has already begun to make its mark on the racecourses of the
world.
Though designed in England by the Rickman Brothers of
Metisse fame (see March '65 CYCLE), the frames themselves are
now produced for Bultaco in Spain in exact accordance with the
Rickman specifications. The resulting package is ultra-light and
amazingly agile.
A brief rundown on the Rickman frame: It is constructed from
high grade Reynolds 531 steel tubing with all joints profiled and
bronze-welded. There is a unique chain adjuster with which the
entire swinging arm is moved in graduated intervals of The
entire design creates tremendous torsional rigidity.
In pace with the light weight of the machine is the bright yellow
fiberglass “furniture” (fuel tank, fenders, and side panels). These
are molded with the color already inside, eliminating the need for
paint. The frame itself is painted an aluminum color. We would
have preferred to see the standard Rickman nickel plating, but
undoubtedly this would up the bike's cost, while providing no
increase in performance.
A strong Bultaco asset is the 5-way adjustable shock absorbing
units on the rear. They are rebuildable and have a full 31/z'f of
travel. The front suspension is quite securely braced and has more
than 616 inches of travel with hydraulic stops. We were well satis-
fied with the bike’s shock absorption qualities, especially on deep
ruts at high speed. The rider retains full control at all times, and
he soon becomes confident in maneuvering on uncertain, rugged
terrain.
Earlier this year CYCLE tested a 175cc Bultaco. and we were
considerably impressed with its power and agility. The 250 version
is even lighter than the 175. and the added cubic inches provide a
brutish 31 horsepower, so it was no surprise to us that the new 250
really screams. No hill was steep enough to pose a problem even
al low rpm. But we had no difficulty keeping the front end on the
dirt. We did find some fault with the rider position which is forced
upon him by the contour of the seat. We would have preferred
silting further back and leaning forward at a stronger angle. How-
ever. much of this is personal preference which is governed by the
rider’s size. The seat itself is exceptionally soft. It is mounted atop
the fiberglass rear fender unit.
Great attention has been paid to air filtering on this machine,
located under the right side panel is a huge paper element air
cleaner with a passageway leading to the Spanish Amal 30mm
carburetor. Incidentally, the main jet on this carb is accessible
from the side enabling level mounting for easy starts.
An interesting feature is the pair of spring-loaded folding foot-
pegs.
The four-speed gearbox is well designed to the point that it be-...
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