Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/125806
00 " i6' by Dave Schoonmaker and CN Staff c.. BULTACO MATADOR I have a friend who once had a Bultaco Matador or, more properly a "Sherpadorasang." I t was the first "real" dirt bike either of us had been around. We would work on it under the u o adoring eyes of the local Minturn, Colorado youngsters, then ride it in the ~ snow, racing with the guys on the funny w wood slats. It was a 1964, 4-speed Z W 200cc, used-to-be-a-Matador. ..J Actually, its heart was Honda; U' >- Keihin carburetor from a 450. It was U probably the one positive thing we ever did for the "ole Bul". Sometimes I wonder whatever happened to it. But mostly I just try to forget about it. Since all Bultacos seem to come from friends, it was no surprise when a friend of ours offered his brand new L973 Matador "Six Days" Mk IV before we could obtain one by other means_ Motorcycles from the Steven Keull Private Collection are always interesting, anyway, so, much to his chagrin. we accepted the offer. When I found out it had a five-speed box, 1 thought, li\VOW, maybe it has a third gear too." Other comments ranged around: "Finally, a bike to use my B IE in. " Our test hike was just as the '73s will be bu t for footpeg modification done by the owner. Bultaco Matador footpegs are notoriously high (Grip the tank with your calves) _ They make the bike feel somewhat awkward and definitely make the standing position uncomfortable and difficult to rise to_ The only thing we can figure is that they're designed to stay well out of the way in all Six Days terrain situations. In the East, some of the height might be useful. but in the West it sure isn't_ Steve lowered the pegs almost four inches, and tbe change is fantastic. Standing up on the bike is incredibly comfortable and confidence-inspiring_ The Six Days theme is a new one for the Matador this year, and we're all for Photos by John Huetter it. It's like the Matador has really found requirements like ease of maintenance; a home, where it doesn't have to suffer easily removable axles; and a hole in the any compromise_ The Matador lives upbash plate for changing the oil quickly_ to its "Six Days Replica" name better There are lots of other "Six Days" than any other bike we are familiar with touches that will also be good sales that makes the same claim. It is not items, like a very sanitary roller map only outstanding in its performance but case on the bars and' a self-mounted shows attention to the other Six Days tire-inflating bottle called "Pffssst". N .... 0> Six DfJYs ReplicfJ The ISOT Gold Medal Machines- From the people _ho bring you fJJTrffl&.· • • • • Products designed to grab your greenbacks and otherwise defl'ate your wallet. BIKE California Corr.petition Guide Program' 148 Pages BACK BAG find your hero. Your complete program for all 1972 California Amateur and Professional races. Over 10,000 names and riding numbers. All you need to know about California competition. $1.00 Carry it whether on your Hodaka or your 10 speed. The ideal way to carry your books to school or your lunch & spare plugs on the trail. $2.50. Hot Hats 1972 Calendar HOT DOG! 75~ Products so good that we will be glad to refund your money if you are not S'ltisfied. How to get from here Lo there. Now novices don't have to ask those embarrassing Questions, they are all answered in this easy to teach your techniques to become an e)(pert. $3.00 Your bucks go to help support the American Motocroc;s Team, and in return you get a swell high Quality calender. $3.95 Dealer& It We take your logo "nd Change into your very own promotiona hat (minimum Ot·oer 500 hat~). Varied colors and materials available. Dealer Inquiries Invited. ORDER FROM Cycl.N._.Produc... P.O ••ox4ge.Long ••.•ch.Ca.90e01 A fire reader of impressive merit. There are three flexible rubber number plates, so you can get all competition-looking. The Mk IV has a new air box which is a' tremendous improvemen t over its predecessor. It has a foam sheet filter in a nice water-tight fiberglass box. In conjunction, is a shroud around the carburetor to keep it a little less slimey for jetting changes. Also new in the fuel department is the gas tank. It is slightly larger at 2.7 gallons, has an offset cap, whicb leaks profusely, and a neat map case/tool bag just to the rear of that cap, unfortunately. The extras which come with the bike