1979 World Championship

World Championship, 1979

1979 was the year that saw the first American as world champion.  Bernie Schreiber beat everyone this year.
Bultaco had a new model, the 199A, all in blue color, but with the same engine.
This was the last year the Bultaco competed in the world championship, due to their financial troubles. Still they manage to put 4 of their riders in the top ten.
Montesa further develop their Cota 348.
Honda continued with great performances mounted only by Rob Shepherd, always positioned in the middle of the table, with the same machine.
And for the first time we saw an Italian machine, the SWM, driven by Frenchman Charles Coutard.