The Merlin Company was founded in 1980 by Ignacio Bulto, the fourth son of Paco Bulto, the founder of Bultaco. The initial production started in Vilanova which was their base from 1980 to 1984. The need to expand into a larger facility led to them moving to Fornels de la Selva, Girona, from 1984 to 1989. In 1988/89, Merlin was absorbed by Gas Gas, who took over the premises at Fornels. The last Merlin badged bikes were rolled out in 1989/90.
This is the Lluis Gallach, Merlin DG3.50 350cc 1984 and was displayed at the Museo de la Motocicleta Española, 28802 Alcalá de Henares (Madrid)
The early Merlin output consisted of small capacity trials bikes and children’s bikes, both fitted with Franco Morini engines. Their later output was all based on Cagiva, 350cc, 2 stroke engines fitted with 5 speed gearboxes and in Italy and the USA, these bikes were marketed as Cagiva. Merlin riders won many competitions, including 2 Spanish Championships with Lluis Gallach in the saddle.
The DG3.50 had an engine capacity of 346.83cc (80 mm x 69 mm), with Betor shock absorbers front and rear. The bike weighed in at circa 89 kgs.
Spanish Motorcycles 