Nothing fancy
The actual 1979 world championship winning Bultaco is pretty much standard, and yes, well put together. Mind you, those of us who were riding trials at the time knew the works bikes had something special about them.
If we’d thought about it the special component was obvious – it was the rider. Since gaining world status in 1975 the premier trials contest had been dominated by Bultaco with Martin Lampkin taking the inaugural win and Yrjo Vesterinen following it up with three consecutive titles. Things were looking good for the factory to chalk up another win and ‘Vesty’ was favourite to do it.
History records Bultaco did indeed win the world title again. but with Bernie Schreiber behind the ’bars. His win, still the only American rider to lift the title, meant riders with three completely different styles had won the title.
Lampkin was much more forceful in his riding, always wanting more power from his machines; Vesty, more technical, leaving nothing to chance in having his bikes perfect; Schreiber, more laid back and riding whatever he was given.
In 1977 Bernie had surprised the old guard with
