In the 60s, Bultaco was known primarily for its off-roaders (I’ll be featuring a cherry Alpina 350 tomorrow), especially in the US. Their streetbikes were normally relegated to stay in Bultaco Cemoto’s home country of Spain, which imposed regulations allowing Bultaco to only use one engine in a small variety of sizes. You would think this put the Spanish company at a serious disadvantage when it came to international competition – but the Bultaco Metralla utilized the usual two-stroke engine that pumped out an impressive 32 horsepower in a world where plenty of cars didn’t make 32 hp. For a short period of time, this was the fastest two-stroke motorcycle you could buy. The engine was a 250cc unit and the bike weighed just 250 pounds. With an original MSRP of $600, the Mk2 Metralla was in production until 1975, and it’s become an absolute cult classic in the states. And I’m not the only one who thinks this is a pretty bike – it was even featured in the Guggenheim Art of the Motorcycle Exhibit. Capable of just over 100 miles per hour, this bike put Bultaco on the map. Unfortunately, that’s also made these bikes very expensive nowadays.
This specific bike was imported from Spain after being run in a Pyrenees Rally, the route chart for which is still stuck on the gas tank. It was brought to the states in 1983, and has spent most of its time in a collection. The only non-original item is Buchanan stainles steel spokes. As a Europa model, it has clipon bars and a slightly smaller headlight, and it’s got just the right amount of patina for me. Find this Bultaco Metralla Mk2 for sale with bidding up to $5,950 in Tarzana, California