1964 Bultaco Matador Trail Test - 1-Page Vintage Motorcycle Article

Description

1964 Bultaco Matador Trail Test - 1-Page Vintage Motorcycle Article
Original, vintage magazine article
Page Size: Approx. 8" x 11" (21 cm x 28 cm) each page
Condition: Good
BULTACO
MATADOR
WE have often talked about the proper
measuring stick for trail machines;
it is not easy to simplify the requirements.
We have explored many machines espe-
cially prepared for the trailing rider,
hunter, outdoorsman, and others harboring
desires for motorcycles with “special”
trailing attributes. Bultaco’s Matador is
the end-product of a machine put together
for the International Six-Days Trial, prob-
ably the most gruelling and demanding
cross country event held anywhere in the
world. It possesses virtues usually found
only in scrambles and trials machines in
a combination impossible to duplicate in
any other motorcycle we have had expe-
rience with.
It handles superbly, more like a Eur-
opean-style scrambler than a trail machine,
yet it is easy to ride and delightfully flexi-
ble and only partially as tempermental as
one would expect of a bike so endowed.
Torque at low engine rpm is amazing and
it will “pull” from almost a stand-still in
first or second gear — a virtue of some
value if one plans on trailing or riding
into the most difficult terrain.
First, second and third gears are fairly
close together in ratios, but fourth is quite
high for road use. An extended trailing
trip into the back country will quickly
prove the usefulness of such ratios. Sim-
ply, it means that it will plow its way
through the hard parts of trailing, but
when the smooth roads come along, cruise
at relatively high speeds in fourth.
But, it is difficult to justify the price.
The Matador sells for quite a bit more
than the trail scooters and 50cc to 90cc
trail motorcycles; the acceptance of this
“handicap" depends upon precisely which
type of riding the purchaser will indulge
in. Bultaco’s Matador offers a flexibility
the small machines couldn’t hope for, but
at the same time it has a few shortcom-
ings. It is large (a full-sized motorcycle),
so somewhat unhandy when it comes to
carrying it around, and not the easiest
bike to lift over insurmountable obstacles
such as rocks and logs. We have to point
out here that it also requires a bit more
skill on the operator's part to even ride it
in the absence of such easy-to-live-with
luxuries as automatic clutches and light-
weight miniatures.
Matador possesses all of the required
attributes of off-the-road motorcycles;
gear ratios, ground clearance, proper sus-
pension, torque at low engine speeds, trac-
tion tires, high-mounted exhaust pipe, fen-
ders placed so as to not obstruct the
wheels when they are collecting mud and
debris, ample air cleaner for dusty condi-
tions, lighting for trailing at night (not
necessary but handy when needed), and
easy, light handling, probably the most
important asset.
Spanish motorcycles are not famous for
detail finishing. The Matador will not
change this image, but in the final analysis
these things mean little more than deco-
ration. Bultacos are noted for power and
performance, although the 200cc Matador
claims only 10 hp @ 3000 rpm, and 16.5
@ 6,500 rpm. This means simply that
sufficient power is on tap at almost any
throttle opening, the value of which is
almost immeasurable. The 21-inch front
wheel, though stylish in European scram-
bles, will challenge some riders, but it can
become particularly desirable once grown
accustomed to. The larger front wheel will
go almost anywhere it is directed and is
less likely to “break loose” and slide than
the smaller wheels with larger section tires.
Bultaco states the machine was made
for the American market; several features
belie this claim, but regardless, a more
satisfying machine would be difficult to
find, providing that price is not the object
when a trail machine only was the goal.
We found it difficult not to attempt scram-
bling with it, yet another talent it possesses
in an abundant degree...
14253-AL-6408-08