In recent weeks, we are witnessing the rebirth of one of the quintessential Spanish brands: Bultaco. Now, as if it were a welcome gift, the firm announces the return of what are possibly its most famous acronym, those of TSS 350and if not, at least those that represent the most racing and competitive side of the company founded in Barcelona by Paco Bultó in 1958.
New TSS 350: the legend is reinvented
From Bultaco they were very clear from the beginning what this new batch of TSS 350 should be and represent. As they themselves define this meager limited series, “It’s not a museum bike that can race. It’s a racing bike that will one day end up in a museum.”
Starting from this approach and after a season of testing where Juan Bultó finished with 10 races, 7 victories, 3 second places and no mechanical failure, everything seems ready for the start of marketing of the resurgent Bultaco track motorcycle. From the brand they assure in their recent announcement: “We didn’t want to reproduce a legend. We wanted him to run again.”
Handcrafted and custom built
The resurgence of a motorcycle like the TSS 350 is not easy at all. Maintaining the classic philosophy of the model and at the same time adapting it to current performance demands becomes an arduous task within the reach of a few experts in the field. In this context, Bultaco knew that the best thing to do was to bring together in our country a team of craftsmen capable of shaping each and every one of the components that make up the new model.
Furthermore, its development and subsequent manufacturing is inspired by the so-called “Model 29” from Bultaco, “a competition motorcycle of which only 58 units were manufactured between 1969 and 1970”. That is why the brand has decided to assemble “custom” only 29 copies of this new TSS 350. All of them individually identified and manufactured to order, which is why we refer to them as being made to measure for each of the 29 lucky people who will have the possibility of acquiring them.
The technical part of the “new” TSS 350
Designed under the motto “a machine created for those who want to push it to the limit on a circuit. And an exceptional piece for those who want to preserve a part of Bultaco’s history”it was to be expected that the technical part of the TSS 350 would be a statement of intent. All this without forgetting its origins in terms of its general architecture. Starting with its engine, a 2-stroke single-cylinder, air-cooled 350 cc.
With a bore × stroke of 78.50 × 71 mm, it comes powered by a Mikuni VM44 carburetor and a programmable, battery-powered electronic ignition system. The brand declares a wheel power of 60 HP. If we add to this the fact that the new TSS 350 weighs only 103 kilograms emptywe can get an idea of his efficiency on the court. The engine is in turn associated with a removable 6-speed cassette-type transmission assisted by a multi-disc clutch in an oil bath.
Like the engine, the rest of the assembly honors its predecessor. In this case it is the double cradle steel tube chassis that presides over the cycle part. A Ceriani design fork takes care of the front suspension, while at the rear we have a pair of lateral shock absorbers developed specifically for this project. Completing this section are the Ceriani replica drum brakes, anchored on two 18” radial wheels, the latter shod with Continental ContiRoadAttack 3 CR tires.
As we see, absolutely no aspect that is part of the configuration of the new TSS 350 has been left to chance. Its minimalist Kröber tachometer is a good example of this. As is also the case that each unit is built “as an individual piece, going through machining, welding, adjustment, assembly and verification processes before being considered finished”as the brand assures.
“This method allows us to control every detail, maintain the level of precision required by a competition motorcycle and fully document the manufacturing history of each unit”they conclude. When asked how much each copy of the 29 that will make up this limited series costs, Bultaco explains: “Price, taxes, shipping and possible configuration options are communicated in a personalized manner during the consultation process.”
They are also not very conclusive regarding the manufacturing time of each motorcycle. What they do ensure is that once they have been delivered, their lucky owners will be assured of the necessary replacement to maintain them as they deserve. And it is no wonder, taking into account that we are facing “an authentic racing motorcycle, inspired by the great TSS of the late sixties, but developed to be ridden today”they conclude. More information and details on the official Bultaco website.
