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I don’t know if you’ve ever wondered (if I don’t explain it to you now) why on the cover of the blog “in first” there is an image of the Bultaco Sherpa Kit Champion.
To talk about this bike I have based myself on the title I won in the Catalan Classic Trial Cup, the use I gave it that year and, of course, what I think of it.
My dream of winning a championship with a Bultaco was fulfilled and realized in 2011. In fact, it all started many years ago, more specifically in 1972, when my brother (six years older than me) took me as a “package” to the trials that he raced throughout the Catalan geography with an unforgettable Bultaco Sherpa, the one we know as Kit Champion.
I only have good memories of that time, so until I got a competitive Bultaco that I felt comfortable with, I didn’t stop. First it was a six-gear, “the white one”, which I “tuned” to my liking, but still it didn’t give me the satisfactions that the Kit has given me.
I bought “four irons” that a good, if not the best, classic motorcycle trainer in the country was in charge of molding and turning into a competitive, very competitive bike.
The debut was in the Catalan Classic Trial Cup, more specifically in the Pre’72 category, in the first race held in Mura on March 6, 2011 and where the result could not have been better, my first victory with the Sherpa Kit.
During that year, and after starting it 24 times, I highlight my four victories in the Cup: Mura, Ripoll, Tona and Tarragona.
I also want to mention my participation in the Spanish Classic Trial Cup, with a meritorious third place finish with two victories: Calvià and Ripoll, finishing second in Los Ángeles de San Rafael and a disappointing fifth place in Maeztu.
I wouldn’t want to forget my three second places in three of the most beautiful long-duration trials I’ve ever raced: Robregordo, Santigosa and the Ventoux Trial Classic.
From then on, I took competitions with a different philosophy. It was time to select the best organized trials, in the best places, where I was going to meet more friends, where gastronomy and tourist travel were to my liking, that is, now it was time to HAVE FUN!
It’s true that that year I didn’t dedicate many trials to the other bikes. I felt so comfortable with the Kit that I “forgot” about them, so it was time to choose the ideal bike for each test, although it goes without saying that it is currently still the Bultaco Kit Champion model 80.
What do I think of this bike?
Surely the feeling for some “colors”, those of Bultaco, will make my comments seem cheesy, or even silly, but to this day I am excited to know that this brand, now defunct, and this bike, is the “apple of my eye”.
I have experienced my love of the world of trial from many aspects. I’ve always been interested in knowing the metal elements that make a motorcycle move so simply: two wheels to turn, a motor to run and brakes to stop it.
I have loved “tuning” and preparing my bikes with those accessories that would help me to be more competitive in trials and at the same time distinguish them from the others.
I’ve had my “top” years where I’ve enjoyed a lot in the areas, I’ve learned the riding techniques and I’ve adapted my bikes purely related to trial, I’ve also suffered fiascos and crashes, but there’s something that I’ll always keep in mind, the smell of 2-stroke engines.
It is a small, docile, manageable bike and above all a lot of fun to ride.
I’ve always considered the Champion Kit my little treasure. Owning this bike always creates a sense of well-being and joy for me. This “jumble of irons” turned into a machine, a motorcycle for trials, makes me bring out feelings and desires, joys and sorrows, stillness and movement, but above all the desire to do areas and trial.
I don’t want to make any negative assessments, nor criticisms of her, she doesn’t deserve it.
I won’t be the one to make the mistake of feeling capable of denouncing this bike as it deserves all the respect I deserve simply for having been put on the road.
Maybe in the future I will change my feelings and have other priorities, but until that comes, I will settle for contemplating my little “jewel” that, hopefully, some grandson, when they arrive, will be kind enough to look around saying: what would this bike have that made this man like it so much?
David has provided the means to channel any comments, but if you want to make it more personalized, you will always find me at bonaigua@bonaigua-trial.com
Lots of zeros!
Victor Martin
“Bonaiguá”
