| Several years ago
I purchased a Mk.9 Matador from a fellow in York, PA. He had at the time a
Matador Six Days which he'd owned from new, but was unwilling to sell. In
the pandemic summer of 2020, he decided to sell the bike and all his
remaining Bultaco parts, books, etc. After some remote negotiations, my
longtime coconspirator Neil and I headed up the near thousand miles to
pick it up. Good to his word, the seller filled up my Xterra with Bultaco
treasures as we loaded the Matador onto the trailer. The bike was very
original and, though a little tired, included all the rare original Six
Days parts as well as some new parts. He said I would be happy with the
deal and he was right.
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Here's a shot of the bike as found in Pennsylvania and some of the associated items included. |
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Although very complete, the bike required, and deserved, a full restoration. It was stripped to the bare frame and and all parts were refurbished and refinished. A conscious effort was made to use as many original parts as possible. |
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| Shortly after completing the SD, I contacted Real Classics magazine as a follow up to a previous article. They printed this letter and photos. As did Motorcycle Classics below. |
After months of cancelled events I was finally able to enter the Matador in the February 2022 2 Stroke Show in southwest Florida. It was judged to be the best European motorcycle. I actually had hopes for Best in Show as the first judging team loved the bike, but apparently the second team was not so enamored. In any event, it was wonderful to hear all the compliments from spectators and fellow competitors as well. Note the tool kit and owners manual displayed on the seat.
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| May
2023: We took the SD up to Sevierville, TN for the quaintly named Possum
Vintage Gathering. Actually, a well attended and competitive event whose
name was chosen as a jape at the Quail Vintage Gathering. Against a
tough field of about 30 bikes from the 60's and 70's, the SD once again
was selected as Best in Class. Very enjoyable event, highly recommended.
In 2024 I attended the 7th, and unfortunately last, Meltdown Vintage Meet in Hendersonville, NC. The Matador finished second in class, beaten only by my own Bultaco El Tigre.
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In
early 2025 the AMCA and the AACA decided to put together two joint
events. The purpose was to introduce each club's members to the
opportunities the other organization might offer.
The first of these dual events was held in April during the AACA's Southeastern Spring Nationals. This was held at Charlotte Motor Speedway in conjunction with a huge Autofest car show. The AMCA held their judging on Friday afternoon. The Matador was in Class 7, all 1970's bikes. The motorcycles don't really compete against each other, but rather against the standard for that model. As a first time entrant, the Matador was eligible for a Junior award. It scored 98.5 points and won First Junior. Saturday we took part in the AACA event, there were 26 motorcycles among the hundreds of cars. The AACA awards are similar, though there are differences in the judging and scoring. For one thing, AACA does not make scores public. As for the Matador, it once again won the First Junior award. Another difference is AACA gives large. heavy marble trophies. I am hoping to go to Galveston, TX in October for the next dual meet in the hopes of achieving Senior awards. There is a slide show of the weekend's activities here.
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