Bultaco Metralla: Full Technical Specs
Hey guys! Today we're diving deep into a classic that many of you have been asking about: the Bultaco Metralla. This isn't just any old bike; it's a legend in the two-stroke world, known for its performance and distinctive style. If you're a vintage bike enthusiast or just curious about what made these machines so special, you've come to the right place. We're going to break down the Bultaco Metralla technical specifications piece by piece, so you know exactly what made this bike tick. Get ready for a deep dive into the engine, chassis, performance figures, and all the nitty-gritty details that define the Metralla. Whether you're looking to restore one, understand its place in motorcycle history, or just appreciate the engineering of a bygone era, we've got you covered. Let's get this retro ride started!
The Heart of the Beast: Engine Specifications
Alright, let's talk about what truly makes the Bultaco Metralla sing – its engine. At its core, the Metralla sports a 244cc (or sometimes 250cc depending on the specific model year and variant) air-cooled, two-stroke, single-cylinder engine. Now, for its time, this was a potent package. Bultaco was known for squeezing every bit of performance out of their two-stroke designs, and the Metralla was no exception. The bore and stroke were typically around 69.5mm x 64.6mm, giving it that characteristic displacement. Compression ratios varied across the different Metralla versions, but they generally hovered around a healthy 10.5:1 or 11:1, which was pretty advanced for a street bike back then. This higher compression contributed significantly to its snappy performance and the thrilling acceleration it was famous for. The engine breathed through a 32mm Dell'Orto carburetor, a common and reliable choice that helped deliver the fuel-air mixture needed for optimal combustion. This setup allowed the Metralla to produce a respectable output of around 20-22 horsepower, sometimes a bit more in later or performance-tuned variants. It's not a massive number by today's standards, but for a lightweight, nimble two-stroke from the 60s and 70s, it was more than enough to get your adrenaline pumping. The ignition system was typically a breaker-point setup, common for the era, though some later models might have seen electronic ignition updates. Lubrication was, of course, premix – you know, the smell of two-stroke oil burning, that's the scent of freedom, right? The gearbox was a slick 6-speed unit, which was a significant advantage, giving riders a wider range of gears to exploit the engine's powerband. This meant you could keep the little single-cylinder buzzing happily whether you were cruising on the open road or looking for that extra bit of punch to overtake. The overall engine design was robust, relatively simple to maintain (if you knew your way around a two-stroke, that is!), and built for spirited riding. The sound? Oh man, that Bultaco bark was unmistakable – a high-pitched, eager scream that announced its arrival long before you saw it. Understanding these engine Bultaco Metralla technical specifications gives you a real appreciation for the engineering prowess and the pure, unadulterated fun Bultaco aimed to deliver with this iconic machine. It was a bike built for riders who loved the feel of a responsive engine and the thrill of a lightweight, powerful two-stroke.
Handling the Power: Chassis and Suspension
So, we've talked about the engine, but how did the Bultaco Metralla handle all that power? That's where the chassis and suspension come into play, and Bultaco really knew their stuff. The Metralla featured a double-cradle steel tube frame. This type of frame was the standard for performance bikes of the era, offering a good balance of strength, rigidity, and relatively light weight. It provided a solid foundation for the engine and rider, ensuring stability during cornering and at higher speeds. The frame was designed to be compact and give the bike a low center of gravity, which is crucial for agility. When you're talking about a bike built for performance and fun, a well-designed chassis is paramount, and the Metralla's frame delivered.
Up front, you'd find a telescopic fork, typically with around 135-140mm of travel. These forks were designed to soak up road imperfections and provide consistent front-end feel. While not as sophisticated as modern suspension systems, they were well-tuned for the Metralla's intended use, offering a good blend of comfort and sporty handling. For the rear, the Metralla employed a swingarm suspension with dual shock absorbers. These shocks were often adjustable for preload, allowing riders to fine-tune the suspension setup to their weight and riding style. The rear suspension provided about 100-110mm of travel. The combination of the telescopic front forks and dual rear shocks gave the Metralla a balanced ride, capable of handling twisty roads with confidence.
Stopping power was handled by drum brakes on both the front and rear wheels. The front brake was typically a 200mm or 220mm single-leading-shoe (SLS) or sometimes a double-leading-shoe (DLS) drum brake, depending on the model year and variant. The rear brake was usually a smaller 180mm drum. While drum brakes might seem a bit quaint compared to modern disc brakes, Bultaco used effective designs for their time. The DLS front drum, in particular, offered decent stopping power for the bike's performance level. The wheels were wire-spoked, a classic look that also offered a degree of flexibility, and were usually fitted with tires in sizes like 3.00 x 18 inches for the front and 3.50 x 17 or 18 inches for the rear. These classic wheel and tire combinations contributed to the bike's overall aesthetic and handling characteristics. The rider ergonomics were sporty but not overly aggressive, with footpegs positioned for a good lean angle and handlebars that offered a comfortable reach. All these Bultaco Metralla technical specifications for the chassis and suspension worked together to create a machine that was not only fast but also incredibly fun and engaging to ride. It was a bike that encouraged you to push its limits, explore back roads, and truly connect with the machine.
Performance and Dimensions: What You Need to Know
Now, let's get to the juicy bits – how did the Bultaco Metralla perform, and what were its key dimensions? These are the Bultaco Metralla technical specifications that really tell the story of its capabilities. As we touched upon with the engine, the Metralla was designed to be a spirited performer. With its 244cc two-stroke engine producing around 20-22 horsepower, and weighing in at a feather-light 110-120 kg (dry weight, roughly), it had an excellent power-to-weight ratio. This meant it could accelerate briskly and reach top speeds that were impressive for its class.
Top speed figures for the Metralla generally hovered around the 130-140 km/h (approximately 80-87 mph) mark, depending on the specific model, gearing, and rider. For a bike of this size and era, that's seriously quick! It made the Metralla a capable machine for both spirited country rides and keeping up with traffic on busier roads. Fuel economy, while not a primary concern for performance bikes of this era, was reasonable for a two-stroke, typically in the range of 4-5 liters per 100 kilometers (around 45-55 mpg). The fuel tank capacity was usually around 12-14 liters, giving it a decent range for its intended use.
In terms of dimensions, the Metralla was built to be compact and agile. Seat height was typically around 770-800mm, making it accessible for a wide range of riders. The overall length of the bike was usually in the region of 1950-2000mm, and the wheelbase was around 1300-1350mm. These dimensions contributed to its nimble handling and easy maneuverability. The ground clearance was sufficient for street use, typically around 140-150mm. The overall aesthetic was one of clean lines and sporty intent, with its distinctive fuel tank shape, often painted in vibrant colors, and the classic Bultaco badging. The instrument cluster was usually quite minimal, often consisting of a speedometer and perhaps a tachometer, reflecting the bike's focus on pure riding experience rather than creature comforts. Electrical systems were 12V, though early models might have been 6V. The bike's lighting (headlight, taillight, brake light, turn signals) was standard for street-legal motorcycles of the period. These Bultaco Metralla technical specifications paint a picture of a lightweight, peppy motorcycle that punched well above its weight in terms of performance and rider engagement. It was a machine that promised excitement and delivered it in spades, a true classic that still turns heads today.
Variations and Legacy
The Bultaco Metralla wasn't just a single model; it evolved over time, and Bultaco released several variations that catered to different tastes and performance levels. Understanding these variations adds another layer to appreciating the Bultaco Metralla technical specifications. The most common models you'll encounter are the Metralla Mk2 and the Metralla GTS. The Mk2, often considered the definitive version, refined the earlier models with improved suspension, brakes, and engine tuning. It's this iteration that most people picture when they think of a classic Metralla. The GTS (Gran Turismo Sport) was often positioned as a sportier variant, sometimes featuring slightly different tuning, a more aggressive riding position, or upgraded components to enhance its performance credentials. There were also other less common variants and special editions that Bultaco produced, often with subtle tweaks to the engine or chassis.
Beyond the specific model numbers, Bultaco also offered performance kits and options that allowed owners to further personalize their bikes. This was part of the appeal of owning a Bultaco – you could make it your own. The Bultaco Metralla technical specifications might vary slightly between these models, with horsepower figures, carb sizes, gearing, and even frame designs seeing minor revisions. For example, some later Mk2 models might have had slightly larger carburetors or revised porting for improved performance. The legacy of the Bultaco Metralla is undeniable. It cemented Bultaco's reputation as a manufacturer of high-performance, exciting two-stroke motorcycles. It was a bike that appealed to riders who wanted something different, something with character and soul. Its success on the street and even in certain racing applications (though Bultaco was more famous for its off-road prowess) demonstrated the versatility of their engineering. Today, the Metralla is highly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. Restoring one is a labor of love, and finding original parts can be a challenge, but the reward is owning a piece of motorcycle history that offers a truly visceral riding experience. The Bultaco Metralla technical specifications might seem modest by today's standards, but in their context, they represent an era of passionate engineering, raw performance, and pure motorcycling joy. It’s a bike that continues to inspire and be admired by a dedicated following, a testament to Bultaco’s enduring impact on the motorcycle world. The spirit of the Metralla lives on in the passion of its owners and the legends that surround it.
Conclusion: Why the Metralla Still Matters
So there you have it, guys! We've taken a comprehensive look at the Bultaco Metralla technical specifications. From its feisty two-stroke engine to its nimble chassis and classic styling, the Metralla was a motorcycle that truly captured the spirit of its time. It wasn't just about getting from point A to point B; it was about the experience. The sound, the vibration, the raw connection between rider and machine – that's what the Metralla delivered. Its Bultaco Metralla technical specifications might not compete with modern superbikes on paper, but that's entirely missing the point. What Bultaco achieved with the Metralla was creating a lightweight, agile, and exhilarating motorcycle that offered incredible bang for your buck and a pure, unadulterated riding thrill. It’s a machine that embodies the passion and innovation of Spanish motorcycling during a golden age. For enthusiasts, owning or even just riding a Bultaco Metralla is a journey back in time, a chance to experience motorcycling in its most elemental form. Its enduring appeal lies in its character, its performance envelope, and its status as a bona fide classic. The Bultaco Metralla technical specifications we've covered are a testament to an era when motorcycles were simpler, more visceral, and perhaps, in their own way, even more exciting. Keep those engines revving, and happy riding!
