The ex-Jim Pomeroy
1979 Bultaco Pursang Mk12
Frame no. PB21900226
Engine no. PM21900226
To U.S. motocross fans, the words "Bultaco Pursang" will always conjure up fond images of the late Jim Pomeroy. In 1973, aged 20 and in his first race on the world stage, Pomeroy served notice that America would be a coming force in international motocross – previously a European domain – when he rode his Bultaco Pursang 250 to overall victory at the Spanish Grand Prix. In doing so, he became the first rider ever to win his debut motocross GP, the first American to win an MXGP, the first American to lead the MXGP point standings, and the first rider of any nationality to win a motocross GP on a Spanish motorcycle.
The Pursang was introduced in 1965 and quickly became a favorite for what U.S. riders were calling "rough scrambles," soon to morph into motocross. By the time the Mk12 version arrived in 1979, the move to long-travel suspension was on, so we see a leading-axle fork up front, and at the rear a pair of moved-up, laid-down shocks and a reinforced swingarm. Now in need of extra ground clearance, the Mk12 was the first Bultaco motocrosser fitted with a high-level exhaust system. It was also the first Pursang to use reed valves as part of the intake tract.
This matching-numbers Mk12 comes from the collection of Linda Pomeroy, Jim's widow, and is sold with the original bill of sale from Steve's Bultaco, the famous Southern California motorcycle shop. One of the last production Pursangs built, it is #226 from a run of 1700.