Bridgestone Motorcycle Parts Discussion Board
Bridgestone Tech Talk => 350 Talk => Topic started by: Richard Clark BS parts on April 17, 2013, 07:53:01 PM
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BS friends:
For years BS 350 GTR and GTO clutch plates have been very hard to find, some reproductions have been attempted all with poor results.
As we all know, the clutch plates are a very important item to have for your 350. The plates themselves are a very difficult design to reproduce on a small
production run. Many bikes have broken, warped, or just worn out clutch plates.
Ray Oiliver and myself have been working together on how to supply 350 clutch plates. We all know they are now unobtainable. We have finally got both the friction and the steel costed and after we discussed the project costs we have decided we must open it up to the group as a project to do. Neither of us is really willing to front the cash needed.
So let me here try and explain how we can do this.
1- A total of US$ approx. $22,000.00 is needed. Tooling cost is excessive in this project, we need two complete sets of tooling to make both plates.
2- If we can put together people wanting 100 sets (or more) that will make it US$ 220.00 per set.
3- What do you get for a set you ask ?
(A)- 7 x Friction plates - re-manufactured. Part number 2214-9000
(B)- 6 x Steel inner plates - re-manufactured. Part number 2215-9000
Some rules that we learned from last years rod project ?
1- We would probably have to have a close out on numbers. Otherwise it could go on for ever.
2- Richard will hold the money till it is all donated. We will then arrange to have the project started and Richard will pay my manufacturers directly. This is the only form of security we can come up with.
3- If anyone else out there feels they can / want to do this project to support the need then we are open to listen to their proposal.
4. 150$ deposit will be required, for each kit you want to order, balance due will be 70$ plus shipping from Richard to you.
From project kickoff to first parts we have to allow 6-9 months.
As I am sure you can calculate neither Ray or myself will be making any real money out of this deal. We have allowed for shipping to Richard in the USA. Richard will put the kits together and ship to all donators directly.
The clutches will be made in Taiwan, with a suppliers that are already making clutches for Yamaha / Kawasaki /Honda and others.
For you new folks on this site, here is a direct link to last years very successful rod project. http://bridgestonemotorcycleparts.com/index.php?topic=2405.0
(http://bridgestonemotorcycleparts.com/index.php?topic=2405.0)
How we will get started:
1- We will aim keep a simple spread sheet of commitments. Once we hit 100 I will take a screen shot and post it here. Then all involved can send their deposit.
I will from time to time, post a list of who wants kits, so we all can see "where we are at"
2- Sorry if this offends anyone but can we keep this thread to just clutch project commitments ? What we are doing here will need to taken seriously if we are to pull it off.
All messages on this thread that are not related to the clutch plate project will be deleted.
3- For the record we have exhausted any other possible avenues that we know. . No other clutch plates will work in a BS 350. So if we are going to do this, lets do it correctly and be done with it. after all its for the future of the Bridgestone 350.
Ray and I are going to keep this posting alive until the end of May 2013 . We will keep track and post who wants to order how many sets.
If on June 1 2013, we have orders for 100 sets, then we will ask all committed people to mail Richard Clark a money order, or use PAYPAL
for 150.00. Upon receipt of all orders, Ray will place the orders with the companies who will be producing these parts.
If payment for these 100 sets do not arrive, then all money received will be returned.
Upon overseas delivery of the 100 clutch plate kits to Richard, a final payment of 70$ plus outgoing shipping will be asked for.
If we do not get 100 sets committed, project will be abandon on May 31 2013, for good. This date will not be extended.
As we owe an answer to the many people in Taiwan, who have helped set up this project. We will NOT offer this project
again, we will leave it up to others.
The clutch plate problem is a real limiting factor with the value and desirability of the Bridgestone 350, you can paint
and chrome everything, but when you need clutch plates to drive your 350, they are no where to be found.
If you love the BS 350 and are planning to ever drive, or sell your bike, you should consider a spare set or two.
There are many 350 owners who are not on this site, please help "spread the word" about this project. We need
everyone's help to get this project going. 100 sets is a tall order, but you are investing in the future of the Bridgestone 350.
After all you will not get your kit unless we have commitments for 100 kits
Keep in mind we are offering clutch plates, which must be installed on a clutch with good hubs and baskets to work correctly.
I want to thank Ray Oliver for all his hard work in sourcing this project, he has spent hours setting this up.
Thanks
Richard Clark
Ray Oliver
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We've needed these for awhile. Put me down for three sets.
farmerdl
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BS friends
I will take 10 sets.
Richard Clark
Questions? or need Bridgestone parts? call:
Richard Clark
812-944-1643 8am-6pm EST Weekdays
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I will commit for 2 sets. Thanks for all your work on this, Richard and Ray. Much needed!
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Thanks Richard and Ray,
Put me down for two sets.
Thanks Mike
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I will commit to one set
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Richard/Ray, thanks for undertaking this.
You can put me down for (2) sets.
Rowland
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Ray & Richard,
Thanks for the effort so far.
Put me on the list for 1 set.
;D
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I'll take one set please, maybe more if we can't get to the 100 needed.
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Add me to the list for two sets, It would be great to see this project come together! Clutch plates have been an issue for too long.
BS Mechanic.
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Richard & Ray,
Thank you for this project.
Japan BS friends will take 12 sets at now.
I will add to more if I got extra from them.
Thank you,
Kotaro
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BS Friends
Just spoke to a customer friend of mine, who does not own a computer? ( Yes there are those guys still around :o)
Anyway: he wants one set of clutch plates, his word is 100% to me, so I now want 11 sets. I will change my first
commitment from 10 to 11 upon the next update
Richard Clark
Questions? or need Bridgestone parts? call:
Richard Clark
812-944-1643 8am-6pm EST Weekdays
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Put me down for one set.
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Hi il have one set cheers lance.
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Hello
add to 5 sets please !!
(totally 17 sets at the moment )
Thank you,
Kotaro
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Ray/Richard...please put me down for a set as well, thanks.
Steve
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Hi Richard & Ray,
I would like to commit to purchasing two sets of GTR 350 Clutch Plates please.
Thanks for making this offer!
Owning one of these bikes would not be anywhere near as enjoyable without you guys and your enthusiasm.
More Power to You Both!
Best Regards,
Mike Munday,
Seaford,
Australia
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Hi All,
Hopefully everyone with a 350 plus those of us who wish for one will get on board with the clutch project. There is less than a month to make it happen. Even if you are good now the future is not promised. Please try to avoid this project failing. We all did such a good job of supporting the rod project, seems like this should be equally important.
Thanks Mike
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Put me down for 1 set.
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Richard,
I would like a set of clutch plates for my GTR i have a nos set and i would like to put a new set on the shelf for a rainy day.
Lets get this going!!
Thanks.
Steve.
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This could lead onto other parts we need for are Bridgestone like clutch cables or carb covers mud guards front and rear.
Or a new side stand, like i said before lets get this going for are Bridgestone motorcycles!!
Thanks.
Steve.
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Yes I have two 350 so I'll need two sets also
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Philip,
Thanks!!
Steve.
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BS Friends:
Update on clutch plates.
Time is running down on the 350 clutch plate project.
The end of May is a firm date as to whether or not this project goes forward.
It's not a deadline set by our personal feelings, it is set as we have to let our
supplier to whom have invested their engineering and computer set up time in
order to come up with firm production pricing. They deserve to have our answer.
We will not ask them to go through the process again in the future,
The company does work for us now and we will not risk getting the reputation as
customers who do not go through with projects.
In a nut shell: To be blunt and honest Ray and I will not attempt this project again the
future, it will be up to someone else.
On the positive side: We are over half way to seeing the project completed! ;D
We do hope this project is completed, for the future of the Bridgestone 350.
As clutch plates are really hard to locate now, in a few years they will be even
harder to find. Perhaps even limiting the desirability of the bike itself, because you
can not ride a pretty Bridgestone 350 without clutch plates!
Ray and I want to thank the guys who have committed to this project so far, It
can not be done without you!
If anyone else wants to get in on this project. Please let everyone know.
Richard and Ray
Questions? or need Bridgestone parts? call:
Richard Clark
812-944-1643 8am-6pm EST Weekdays
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O.K. add me to the list, one set please.
I'm wondering will this be a standard fitting that will work for all clutches, six inner plates and seven friction plates?
What about clutches that have the aluminium spacer, will this be discarded in favor of the above?
Z
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Note: from Richard and Ray: Added May 8 2013
What do you get for a set you ask ?
(A)- 7 x Friction plates - re-manufactured. Part number 2214-9000
(B)- 6 x Steel inner plates - re-manufactured. Part number 2215-9000
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Hi Richard,
I'll go for three sets. Appreciate your efforts!
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Hi Richard + Ray,
please add me to the list for 1 set.
Thanks,
Gerry
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BS Friends:
Here is the list is who wants BS 350 clutch plate kits so far.
As of May 8 7:30 am.
Click on image below to enlarge
Richard Clark
Questions? or need Bridgestone parts? call:
Richard Clark
812-944-1643 8am-6pm EST Weekdays
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I will take a set.
Colin.
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I posted the info about this thread over on the Yahoo Bridgestone Group in case there are some BS owners that don't follow this forum. I'll sign up before the end of the month, I just haven't decided how many yet. ???
Edit: also posted on the North American Two-Stroke forum.
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Put me down for a set.
regards charlie
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Put me down for two sets, please.
Regards
John Langtry
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Suggestion:
How about putting an ad on Craigslist in the 'cycle section with a link to this project? Each city in the U.S has a separate listing, so members in their city could post the link, and possibly bring in more potential buyers/members?
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one set please cheers.
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Please excuse me for being a new guy and an engineer; I am assuming the re-manufactured clutch plates will be in accordance with pg. 74 of the 350 service manual? If so please put me down for two sets.
- Bob Davis
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3 sets more please !!
Thank you,
Kotaro
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Suggestion:
How about putting an ad on Craigslist in the 'cycle section with a link to this project? Each city in the U.S has a separate listing, so members in their city could post the link, and possibly bring in more potential buyers/members?
I think that's a great idea. How about this (critique please):
Ad Title: Bridgestone 350 GTR/GTO Clutch Plates Complete Set - $220
Looking for Bridgestone 350 motorcycle owners that need new clutch plates - there is a project underway to manufacture new Bridgestone 350 GTR/GTO Clutch Plate sets. These plates are not available yet. There needs to be a commitment from enough people to insure a minimum run of 100 sets. If you are interested in purchasing a set for your 350 for future use, please see details at http://bridgestonemotorcycleparts.com/index.php?topic=3049.0. (http://bridgestonemotorcycleparts.com/index.php?topic=3049.0.) The cost will be $220 plus shipping and tax if applicable. Response is required by May 31, 2013 for this project to be viable.
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I would change the ad to read remanufactured instead of new.
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I like the way Karl's potential ad for craigslist reads. I think I'll (with his permission) go ahead and copy/paste it to my local craigslist.
Ken
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I see somebody's got one of the listings up any running....
http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcy/3798812014.html (http://milwaukee.craigslist.org/mcy/3798812014.html)
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Put me down for two sets.
Scot Dail
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I will take a set. Hate to say but looks like 100 may be hard to reach Jeff Bar
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By my count- after Richards post on #'s, we are at about 69
from forum members.
I hope there are others out there.
I will take one set, making it 70(?)
Skinny
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skinny and Jeff,
I still think that this project will work and we will get the numbers etc.
Thanks.
Steve.
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Hi
Just back from Motegi all rev'ed up so put me down for a set.
Thanks Dave.
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Mornin Richard,
Might as well put me down for 10 sets. I need a few myself and some guys have aksed I cover a set for them here in Ireland / UK. Any left I am sure will sell over time.
later ... ray
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Hi,
I put the word out so put me down for 2 more sets, almost there.
Thanks Dave.
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Richard:
I had replied to you email that I did want a set. I thought I probably should list that here also.
Thanks,
John
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Put me down for 2 sets.
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I just saw Karl's post on yahoo from May 8 about this project.
Should log in more often.
Anyway, put me down for two (2) sets.
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Hello,
Put Japan members down for 2 more sets please !
Thank you,
kotaro
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I have been working on a GTO engine and i pulled out the clutch hub to check the plates and 2 clutch plates are in bits,now i have some used plates but i would rather have a new set to go into the rebuilt motor etc.
Thanks.
Steve.
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Hi Friends,
I hope everyone is passing this clutch plate info on to their friends. It would be a shame if we miss out on this happening. I know I signed up for two sets just to put on the shelf. I have enough for now but the future may require more. The way everyone came on board for the rod project surprised me but response to this clutch event seems a little light. Hopefully some are waiting till the end. Please don't let this slip away or we may all be sorry later. Just my two cents worth.
Thanks Mike
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Put me down for two more sets which will make a total of five. Come people we only need a few more. Let's get this done.
farmerdl
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I'll pony up for 1 set...... yeehaw
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BS Friends:
Only a few days away from May 31 2013
Here is the list is who wants BS 350 clutch plate kits so far.
As of May 27 8:30 am.
Good news: We are up to 93 kits spoken for, out of 100 needed for production!
Only need 7 more kits need to find a home, we are so close, It would
be a shame to come this close. ::)
Anyone else?
Click on image below to enlarge
Richard Clark
Questions? or need Bridgestone parts? call:
Richard Clark
812-944-1643 8am-6pm EST Weekdays
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Mike: my clutch kit is to put on shelf too. good idea Jeff Bar
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Richard, maybe you could put this project in an ad on E-Bay - "Bridgestone 350 clutch plate complete kit - future availability NEW" or something like that. There are surely some others that don't follow any of the forums.
There is a set of friction plates on e-Bay now, I assume most everyone has seen.
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Only four days left guys. Richard is gonna stop it at 100 so you had better order yours while you can. Somebody will definitely finish the order up bein this close. Put me down for a set. Only 6 left ;D
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Richard, maybe you could put this project in an ad on E-Bay - "Bridgestone 350 clutch plate complete kit - future availability NEW" or something like that. There are surely some others that don't follow any of the forums.
There is a set of friction plates on e-Bay now, I assume most everyone has seen.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/bridgestone-350-clutch-plates-/251278417695?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a815c5f1f (http://www.ebay.com/itm/bridgestone-350-clutch-plates-/251278417695?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item3a815c5f1f)
There is probably someone holdin out because of this set but I believe the price will go even higher. They look pretty good but keep in mind these are over 40 years old and no steel plates and I have heard this seller has shipped damaged nos parts. :(
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Hello Richard,
I have been chewing this over for too long!
Put me down for one set.
Thankyou,
Harvey.
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Richard:Put me down for 1 set of the 350 clutch plates.Thanks,Greg.
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Richard....I'll take one set. Thanks. Jim
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Please put me down for 1 set
Thanks
Julian.
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I'm not sleeping guys. I've been waiting till the end for a reason. I'll take one set. Mark.
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Ill take the last set
Stickman
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We have hit 100 kits, offering is now closed. :)
I will contact the manufacture and get back in touch with everyone soon.
Keep an eye on this site.
Thanks to everyone who committed to this project, it would have never
been done without all of us pulling together.
Richard Clark and Ray
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Hi To All,
I have been a bit busy lately so please excuse the delay in me responding to someones question about tolerance of the plates.
Yes, we will meet the tolerance set out in the BS manual spec. This is standard specs for clutch plates.
We have already spoken to the manufacturer and told him we have the 100 participates required. As soon as all first payments arrive.
They will start tool designs and I will review to kickoff the project.
I will leave Richard to start collecting deposits.
Thanks to all … ray
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BS Friends:
We have reached our goal, 100 sets.
Below is the list to whom has committed to the BS 350 clutch plate kit project .
As of May 30 9:30 am. This is the final list
We are now in the payment mode.
For every kit you have committed for please send 150$ by either PAYPAL or by US Mail with a money order.
Send PAYPAL payments to my regular email address: bsparts@aye.net
Send Money orders to my mailing address: Richard Clark 4846 Quarry Rd New Albany IN 47150
As payments arrive I will mark and post the list below, who has paid. The faster we get the payments in the faster
we can get the finished product to you.
When you send payment please tell me what your name in on this list, Please do not forget to do this.
Who is going to be first?
Click on image below to enlarge
Richard Clark
Questions? or need Bridgestone parts? call:
Richard Clark
812-944-1643 8am-6pm EST Weekdays
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Hi Richard, my deposite going through shortly with PayPal.
Any chance of a shipment going to Europe for redistribution(Ray maybe ??) to cut down on taxes and shipping costs.
Regards
Note from Richard: Added June 1 8:05 am
The companies involved are not interested in final sorting and shipping to different locations all over the world.
So the entire shipment is coming to me, I will sort out all the parts into "kit" form and ship from me to you.
Richard
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Richard,
I have finished to collect deposit from everyone who ordered and will send check in next Monday.
Thank you,
Kotaro
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Great to hear Kotaro. You and all those you have committed are a big part of this project going through!
Old Smokey...
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Domo-Arigato BS Shogun. Thanks Kotaro for taking your time to organize and collect for the sets and thanks to all the BS Samurais there.
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Thank you Kotaro for making this project successful. Combined total for almost HALF of the sets to be produced , Kotaro ( 22 ), Richard (11), Ray (10), Farmerdl (5 ) = 48. Thanks guys :) :) :) :)
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Hi Richard: Sorry for the delay, I have been moving for the past 3 weeks! I'd give you a holler and get square.
Scot
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BS Friends:
Below is a list of " who's paid" as of June 14 10:40 am, Everyone is paid, this project is a go! ;D
The clutch inner and outer plates will be ordered today!
Ray and I want to thank all those committed for getting their payments in quickly, this will help you get your kits faster.
Its really a fine group of people who will stick together, trust each other to achieve a common goal, I do not
think there are amny other small groups of people who would do this. First the successful 350 rod kits and now
the 350 clutch plates? Again thanks to all.
Click on image below to enlarge
Richard Clark
Questions? or need Bridgestone parts? call:
Richard Clark
812-944-1643 8am-6pm EST Weekdays
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Richard, it's only possible because of your very fine site and the Bridgestone motorcycle. We have become some sort of family that has it's roots from the 60's and has been united in the 21st Century to share a unique worldwide brotherhood (includin' sisters too ;D). These projects serve to solidify that trust and unity and keeps us growing in number. Thanks everybody and a special thank you to Ray too
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Hi All Clutch Plate Contributors :
Great news! ;D
Ray was recently in Taiwan checking the FAI reports (First Article Inspection) for the clutch plates both friction and steel plates, they measured up real good. However, as the ultimate test we had a set delivered to me (Richard) for testing. This past weekend I put a set into a bike that I have here and took it for a run. The plates fit well and performed great!
Therefore, we have signed off for final mass production of the kits.
We will keep you updated on actual delivery dates, then we will ask for final payments.
Attached below is a photo of your kits!
Thanks
Richard and Ray
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Great news!
Thanks again to Richard, Ray, and all those who made this happen!
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Hi All Clutch Plate Contributors :
Great news! Clutch plates have been ordered a couple weeks ago.
Just received news that the kits should be shipping to me, end of November!
Allowing for shipping the kits should be in my hands early-mid December.
Final payments can be paid now.
For each kit you ordered final payment is 70$ plus shipping to you.
Shipping cost is outlined below:
For your kits going to a USA address, shipping is 10$ no matter how many kits you ordered
For kits going to any other address outside the USA, shipping is 25$ no matter how many kits you ordered
All shipping will be by USPS Priority Mail. with proper customs forms attached if going outside the USA
Kotaro: We will contact you directly for shipping.
Payments are to be paid via PAYPAL to this email address: bsparts@aye.net
Please state on PAYPAL what your user name is on this site, along with your PAYPAL payment.
All payments will be recorded on this site section, so all will know " who's paid"
Thanks
Richard and Ray
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BS Friends
Concerning your Bridgestone 350 clutch plate project.
Below is a list of who has paid their final payment so far.
This list is correct as of Nov 28 9am Est.
5 members have not made their final payments yet.
If I have missed posting someone who has sent payment, let me know by email: bsparts@aye.net
(If you mailed payment, please allow time for me to receive it)
Thanks
Questions? or need Bridgestone parts? call:
Richard Clark
812-944-1643 8am-6pm EST Weekdays
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Richard
The entire group owes you a huge debt of appreciation, not just for projects like this, but for everything that you do to help in keeping our Bridgestones alive and viable.
DL
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We all owe Richard thanks for the incredible hard
work it must have taken to follow this project to
completion. It had to have taken far more time
and aggravation than money made.
Along with DL, I'm very appreciative.
Cheers and Merry Christmas,
Skinny
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Thank you so much Richard and Ray,
I need this way more than I thought, having just pulled my GTR engine down I have discovered one broken and two cracked plates, probably why the last owner stopped using the bike.
Much adulation and bowing to you,
Colin.
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Richard an Ray i just got my clutch kit ;D man they look great so perfect made much nicer than the stock clutch plates how did they get the demples in the steal plates ??? anyway thank you guys for going to trouble to make them wish i had bought another kit thanks Jeff Bar
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Hi jeff,
As we hard tooled these steel plates, embossing the dimples was made part of the process. It required one extra step in the tooling process, before blankng them out.
later & Merry X-Mass to All ... ray
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Hi Ray, since these are hard tooled, do you have any idea what the expected life of the tools is? number of sets possible to produce? Since there are several tools required, which is the most critical/shortest life process step? The old manufacturing guy in me is just curious...thanks...
...bert
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Received my clutch kit today ( 12-21-13 ) Looks excellent and is really a good feeling of security knowing i have the kit now. Thank you Ray/Richard for all the hard work and dedication to this project. bsforever
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The clutch plates look great. It'll be nice having a clutch that doesn't squawk/chatter when taking off, which is what mine has done for several years now. I have a new cycle lift for Christmas - replacing the plates in the GTR will be the first use.
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Mornin Bert,
We only had the punchs & dies made as the suppplier let me use die holders from another product they do that is similar in size / diameter. I made a one off deal that got us what we wanted for the group of contirbutors.
They could be used again, but that is not our intention, nor will it be done.
I know this does not answer your question directly. The whole idea was based on those that contribute get sercurity. As you know Richard & myself topped up the order to have a few sets available for any late comers and the few that may have thought we would not pull it off, not unlike the con rod / small end bearing project.
later and Merry X-Mass to all .. ray
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Thanks Ray...very interesting and hats off. These complex projects are not easy to pull of with the might of a large corporation behind you (my experience) even more impressive in a "start-up" kind of funding model. Good to have a supplier with a track record of producing similar products, and existing processes to leverage. Nice going!
...bert
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Just got my clutch plates today.... Good job.... Now if it would stop raining????? And were the hell is the vin..# on the motor????? DMV wants to know...
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My clutch plates showed up over the weekend. Best birthday present in a long time. Once again, thank you Ray and Richard
DL
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BS Friends:
The Bridgestone 350 clutch plate kits have been delivered to me!
All kits that have been paid for have been shipped
Please note there are:
4- Members who have not paid the final payments::: Please make final payment.
Check the attached sheet to see if I need your final payment.
Click on attached sheet to view a larger image.
Ray and I want to thank all the members who participated in this project. If it were
not for the groups effort, this project would have not have happened. This clutch plate kits
will go a long way to keep the Bridgestone 350’s alive well into the future.
Thanks
Richard Clark
Ray Oliver
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The Engine munber on the 350 motor is not obvious. Look on the upper crankcase just in front of the upper rear mounting bracket. It's stamped very lightly so you will need to clean the sase thoroughly to see it, but it is there. Don't be fooled by the neatly cast flat boss on the case - the number is NOT stamped on that. It will start with "21", followed by a letter and five numbers.
Graham