1968 Bultaco El Bandido 360 – Jim Pomeroy Signed – Comprehensive Restoration – Matching #007 Serial Number – Museum Quality / Investment Grade

The Ultimate Early Big-Bore Spanish Motocross Legend

Offered here is one of the rarest and most historically significant Spanish motocross motorcycles ever built—a 1968 Bultaco El Bandido 360, serial number 007, signed by American motocross legend Jim Pomeroy.

This is Bultaco's first serious big-bore production motocross machine, built before the famous Pursang became the company's flagship racer. Powered by a fire-breathing 362cc air-cooled two-stroke single, producing approximately 43 horsepower while weighing under 250 pounds, the El Bandido was one of the fastest production motocross motorcycles of its era. With brutal acceleration, explosive power delivery, and unmistakable Spanish styling, it helped establish Bultaco as one of the premier off-road manufacturers in the world.

Today, surviving examples are extraordinarily scarce.

Finding one restored to this standard is even rarer.

signed by Jim Pomeroy, super low serial number 007

Matching Engine and Frame VIN #007

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A Motorcycle That Changed Motocross History

Jim Pomeroy became the first American rider ever to win an FIM World Motocross Grand Prix, forever changing the sport and proving American riders could compete—and win—against Europe's best.

That historic victory helped launch America's dominance in world motocross.

Having his signature on this motorcycle adds an irreplaceable piece of motocross history to an already significant collector motorcycle.

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Matching Serial Number 007

Perhaps the most remarkable feature beyond its condition is the serial number.

Matching Number 007

One of the earliest production El Bandidos ever built.

Few motorcycles from this era survive with such an early production number, and fewer still remain in this level of cosmetic and mechanical condition.

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Mecum Auction Provenance

This exact motorcycle was purchased earlier this year at Mecum Auctions for $8,250.

Although cosmetically beautiful, it was not mechanically ready to ride.

Like many auction motorcycles, it presented well but required significant recommissioning before it met our standards.

Rather than simply cleaning the carburetor as originally led to believe, our technicians discovered the motorcycle required a complete mechanical restoration.

We invested over:

• 40 hours of professional restoration labor @ $150 Per Hour

• $1,131 in new parts

• Over $6,000 in labor

• Approximately $7,100 invested after purchase

Combined with the Mecum purchase price, approximately $15,500 has been invested in this motorcycle.

Comparable El Bandidos have sold at Mecum for as much as $27,500, with several additional examples bringing well over $20,000.

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Comprehensive Mechanical Restoration

Unlike many collector motorcycles that simply look good, this El Bandido has been professionally rebuilt mechanically from the inside out.

Work performed includes:

Engine

• Complete engine disassembly

• New piston

• New piston rings

• New base gasket

• New head gasket

• New crankshaft seals

• New transmission seals

• New countershaft seal

• New shifter seal

• Clutch rebuilt

• Clutch adjusted and serviced

• New spark plug

• Carburetor completely rebuilt

• New float needle

• New gaskets and O-rings

• Intake manifold resealed

• New air filter installed

• Airbox cleaned and serviced

Ignition

A brand-new electronic ignition with lighting coil was installed after the original ignition proved faulty.

Timing was professionally set to:

2mm Before Top Dead Center

The motorcycle now starts easily and runs exceptionally well.

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Suspension

The forks were completely serviced including:

• Fork disassembly

• Inspection of internal bushings

• Fresh 10-weight fork oil installed

• Proper oil level restored

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Drive System

• New 520 Gold Chain

• New countershaft sprocket seal

• Sprockets cleaned and serviced

• Tire pressures set to proper specifications

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Fuel System

• New fuel petcocks

• New fuel lines

• Carburetor professionally rebuilt and tuned

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Cosmetic Restoration

The previous owner completed a high-quality cosmetic restoration that served as an excellent foundation.

Our detail department then elevated the motorcycle even further.

Work performed includes:

• Complete hand wash

• Steam cleaning

• Degreasing

• Rotisserie detailing

• Exhaust removed, refinished, and repainted

• Engine cases polished

• Fork lowers polished

• Kickstarter polished

• Rims polished

• Wheel hubs restored

• Frame paint professionally touched up

• Shock bodies refinished

• Foot pegs refinished

• Tires cleaned and dressed

• Fenders detailed

• Entire motorcycle waxed and polished

The motorcycle now presents beautifully from every angle.

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Original Components

Highlights include:

• Original fiberglass bodywork

• Original fiberglass fuel tank

• Original El Bandido rear emblem

• Rare original side badges

• Beautiful restored wheel assemblies

• New spokes

• Polished aluminum rims

• Restored hubs

• Bultaco adjustable handlebars

• Bultaco-specific rear "boat tail" styling

• Bultaco tubular steel frame

• Bitor rear shocks

• Original Spanish styling throughout

The original El Bandido rear badge alone is nearly impossible to locate today.

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Performance

Simply put...

This motorcycle is outrageous.

The 362cc two-stroke delivers explosive acceleration and one of the most unforgettable exhaust notes you'll ever experience.

It is brutally fast.

It is brutally loud.

It is exactly what a factory motocross racer from the late 1960s should feel like.

This wasn't built to trail ride.

It was built for one purpose:

Winning motocross races.

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Collector Quality

Whether displayed in:

• A private collection

• Museum

• Corporate showroom

• Vintage motocross collection

or ridden in vintage motocross competition, this El Bandido is equally at home.

Parts remain available through specialty suppliers, making ownership practical as well as enjoyable.

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Expert Opinion

Longtime vintage motorcycle authority Bill Blythe examined this motorcycle in detail and described it as one of the finest El Bandidos he has seen.

He praised:

• Accuracy of restoration

• Correct Spanish components

• Original styling

• Exceptional cosmetic presentation

• Mechanical readiness

• Rare original rear emblem

• Early production number

• Outstanding investment potential

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Why Buy From Kaplan Cycles?

Unlike many auction purchases, every motorcycle we sell is personally inspected, test ridden, serviced, detailed, and evaluated before being offered for sale.

Each motorcycle passes through:

• Complete mechanical inspection

• Professional restoration when necessary

• Multiple quality-control inspections

• Extensive detailing

• Final road testing

We don't simply sell motorcycles.

We stand behind them.

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Specifications

• Year: 1968

• Manufacturer: Bultaco

• Model: El Bandido

• Engine: 362cc Air-Cooled Two-Stroke Single

• Transmission: Correct Factory 4-Speed Manual

• Frame: Tubular Steel

• Rear Suspension: Bitor Shocks

• Weight: Under 250 lbs.

• Serial Number: Matching #007

• Signature: Jim Pomeroy

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Investment Opportunity

Rare motorcycles with documented provenance, matching low serial numbers, professional restorations, and connections to American motocross history seldom become available.

This is the only El Bandido we've encountered after thousands of motorcycles have passed through Kaplan Cycles and the New England Motorcycle Museum.

We're not sure when—or if—we'll ever have another.

If you're looking for one of the most collectible early Spanish motocross motorcycles ever built, this is an exceptional opportunity.

We can arrange insured, enclosed nationwide shipping anywhere in the continental United States.

Questions are always welcome.

Kaplan Cycles

860-454-7024

Ask for Kenny Jr. or Bill.

Buy with confidence from one of America's premier vintage motorcycle restoration and sales specialists.

God Bless America.

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WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”

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AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192

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We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.

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Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.