Bridgestone Motorcycle Parts Discussion Board
General Category => Members: Introduce yourself => Topic started by: ziggy stardust on October 01, 2011, 06:03:52 AM
-
Hi everyone,
I'm new on here, first post.
I'm considering buying a Bridgestone to add to my collection, the rarity of this make in the U.K. is what attracts me but it also makes me a little nervous about ownership but having found this site I now have the confidence that when I find the right bike I'll be able to restore it, ride it and possibly show it.
I'd like a 350 GTR so if anyone in the U.K. has one to let go then let me know.
Ziggy.
-
Ziggy
Welcome to the Bridgestone site and its nice to see a fellow Welsh man on the site!
I am from North side Wales anyway good luck looking for a GTR.
All the best.
Steve.
-
Hi Steve,
Thanks for the welcome, sorry to disappoint but I'm an Englishman living in South Wales. :)
Z
-
Hi Ziggy,
I am not in the UK but I am a good friend of Steve Reed. I have a GTR for sale here to be rebuilt or I will restore it. It should not be too hard to get shipped to the UK. I sold a GTO to a gentleman in Norway a few years ago and it was not a problem for him. The is a co. in Indy close to where I live who does a lot of overseas shipping. Probably could use them.
Thanks Mike Anderson (317)729-2418 fleagle14@embarqmail.com
-
Welcome Ziggy to this group from a member in New South Wales in the Antipodes. There is a strong following for Bridgestones in eastern Oz with a few members owning 350 GTRs also. The people on this site are very helpful.
Ray :)
-
Hi Mike, thanks for the offer but I'd rather see a bike in the metal before purchase.
No rush, there is one on a U.K. site at the moment, could be tempted. :-\
Hi Ray, yes it seems a good site. New South Wales on the other side of the world, 8) good to hear from you.
Z
-
Hi ziggy I see there's a gtr on eBay it's at £1800 at the moment.looks good,I'm in south Wales near Tenby, and have two gtr's a 175 and a 90,
-
g day ziggy another one here from new south wales.that gtr on ebay looks in good condition i would grab it cheers.coxy
-
Yep, that's the one I'm watching. Looking good at the moment but if it goes silly money then I'll have to leave it, we'll see.
Two GTRs fiction, how greedy are you? :)
Z
-
Yes a little greedy but ones in boxes.
-
IMO, I'd say based on what I know some have sold for here in The States, the current bid is extremely reasonable.
£1800 = $2,805 USD.
I recall a GTR from Texas selling for over $6,000 USD earlier in the year.
$6,000 USD = £3,850.
No reserve is mentioned in the auction ad, so I would have to assume it is going to sell to the high bidder.
It looks to be in very decent shape and the mileage is low at 2944.....and the claim is it runs which is a big plus.
I would say anything under $4000 USD (£2,566) is basically a hell of a deal on this bike.
Just my 2 cents worth.....
Regards,
Steve
-
And yrt another from NEW SOUTH WALES with a GTO Welcome and good luck with the auction John
-
Don't know if you are aware as to what's going on here in the U.K.?
Motorcycle traders that import motorcycles from the U.S. have all of a sudden increased in numbers, you can see them on eBay U.K. and in Classic Bike magazines. The reason is that more mature motorcyclist now with disposable income want collectable machines from the era that they were introduced to motorcycling and bikes are a lot cheaper in the U.S. than in the U.K. even after shipping across the pond.
The U.K. market is being flooded with Suzuki GT750s, some RE5s, many Kawasaki Triples, too many Z1s, Honda CB750s, a good number of CBX1000s and other rare machines that are considered collectable. Many in top condition that may never be used on the road again or if they are used and there is a hint of rain they will stay locked away.
Yes the GTR on eBay is an import, it looks good and I'm sure the owner expects top dollar for it. I won't get into a bidding frenzy, I have a price in my head and I'll stick to it.
Z
-
thats pretty much whats happening here in oz you should see the amount z's particularly the jaffers getting imported here and there all going for $12000 up importing bikes from the states would be a great business to be in . good luck with the bidding hope you win
-
jaffers
coxy,
Could you translate this term for those of us who aren't Aussies here at the forum?
I've Goggled that term in relation to Oz speak/slang, but really haven't come up with anything.
I'm puzzled......(http://www.2strokeworld.com/forum/Smileys/custom/umm.gif)
Regards,
Steve
-
ztnoo...not an Aussie term as far as I'm aware! "jaffa" is a nickname given to the early Z1 from 72/73 i.e. brown and orange in colour. Comes from the 'Jaffa Cake' biscuit which is dark brown on top with orange in the middle.
-
that's the one sorry Steve it is just the color i do not know if there is anything more special about them apart from the $ . p.s. i have tried to stop using idiom's but some times they just fall out of my head.anyway off for smoko now a dogs eye and horse is on the cards
-
Ziggy stardust
We are all from the UK, let me know what is going on in South Wales!
Many Thanks.
Steve.
-
a dogs eye and horse.........a pie and sauce LOL John
-
Hi all
The 'Jaffa' is also a lolly (Oz), sweet (UK) or candy :'(which is spherical orange on the outside chocolate inside. Very popular in my youth - these were often rolled down the aisles in picture (movie) theatres when there was silent concentration during the movie. The Kawa Z900 had a 'jaffa ' tank etc.
You can still buy them
Cheers
Ray
-
Steve (Reed),
What's going on in South Wales? Not a lot really that's positive.
Over the last twenty five years since the coal mines were closed by Thatcher's government putting thousands on the dole the coal tips and open cast mining areas have been landscaped, trees planted, rubbish removed and now it's looking good again and the air is clean. Love riding my bikes on a good day as the roads are quieter than those in England.
Investment came to South Wales with the aid of Welsh grants, many companies have served their term and have moved on looking for other countries to invest in where labour is cheap and plentiful. High unemployment at the moment, bread and butter jobs have also gone to countries like India, Brazil and Poland.
Immigration is a big problem as the government have let too many in and they compete with our own.
Swansea Town footall club are in the Premiership and not doing too bad, but it's early days.
Swansea has had massive development and looks good but Cardiff is in another league, billions have been spent there modernising.
Z
-
Pipped at the post. :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Placed my bid with 8 seconds to go and I was the highest bidder then someone came in on the very last second probably using some kind of software and won the GTR, gutted. :'( :'( :'( :'( :'( :'(
Oh well I'll just have to go and give the cat a good kicking. :)
Z
-
that sucks .don't kick the cat with out your safety boots on !
-
A good sniping tool will virtually beat a manually placed bid 999 out of 1000 times.
Technology marches on, whether we like it or not.
If you really want to be a well positioned bidder, its something you must consider using, or you'll get left in the dust almost every time.
C'est la vie.
I am sorry you didn't win the bike, though.
Communicate with Mike Anderson.
He's got a couple in the corral ready to start working on.
-
all i did when i won my 175 was have a few (way) to many beers and put such a stupid max bid on that no one would out bid i ended up paying $1200 for a $600 bike though don't regret it a bit .NOW
-
Ziggy, sorry to hear that you didn't win the GTR...it looks to be a very good bike for the price. Anyway, I'm in the UK too and will keep an eye out for you...maybe we'll have a chat about it at Stafford in a couple of weeks, presumeably, you'll be on the VJMC stand?
Steve
-
And so it goes.......I missed the mark as far as a winning bid....it was higher what I said it would be a hell of a deal....
C'est la vie.
2,827.00 GBP = 4,370.37 USD
The buyer perceived higher value....
If you are seriously hunting for a good example of a vintage machine and are SERIOUS, regardless of make, everyone just needs to decide what you are willing to pay.....absolute top dollar, and take advantage of everything that's available RIGHT NOW, to cut the deal for YOU.
If someone else utilizing the same tools decides to bid more, well you are going to start a new search.
This is about upping your level of seriousness and commitment.
Boiled to the essence: its always about money.....regardless of currency type.
C'est la vie.
Regards,
Steve
-
Ziggy stardust
Thanks for the information on South Wales and on the football i am a MUFC fan for years but i have been watching Swansea FC.
Its great to see a welsh club in the premier league i get four games a week from the UK.
All the best.
Steve.
-
Hi Guys,
Thanks for the lines of sympathy on not winning the GTR, I'm sure another will turn up.
In reply to ztnoo I am serious about adding another bike to my collection, not just any make though as I try for the rarer bikes so the GTR was just right. I thought what I bid was a good price but obviously the winner was prepared to pay more.
Steve, I will be at Stafford buy not on the VJMC stand, I got an invitation to show one of my RE5s on the Suzuki Owner's Club stand so will be hovering around there. Drop in and say hello. Have we met before Steve?
Reed, after reading my post on South Wales I may have sounded a little negative, but that's how it is. :(
Z
-
Ziggy...no, we haven't actually met but I'm the same Steve who occasionally visits the Taunton and Bridgewater site...you may remember, I have a B8 and W1.
I will pop along and say hello.
steve
-
Hi Steve, yes I know you now.
I particularly remember your Kawasaki with the 'Kawasaki Aircraft' tank badge.
Looking forward to meeting you.
Z
-
import one you wont regret it my suggestions are if you are left with the option of importation buy a non runner or one for restoration that way you know that it needs work and you wont be disappointed when something is wrong broke or missing . a friend of mine imported a 1969 t120 at the same time i imported the gtr from the states his was supposed to be restored running and nice when he got it there was spray can black everywhere and the carbs were corroded and full of crusty old fuel it had not run in years .he paid in excess of $10000 and by the time he got it up and running it had cost more than to buy one here he was not happy .importation can be a very painful process but patience is the key .if you want to buy a runner buy it from someone on this site .
-
Yes Coxy I have had a rethink, I'm in no hurry as I was only window shopping when I came across the GTR on eBay.
I've already had two offers of bikes, one from the States that I dismissed initially and a U.K. bike but as you say it could work out better for me to import, I'll do a little homework on shipping costs etc. within the next few days. ;)
Z
-
also think about this the pound is 2ish times the value of the dollar (not to sure exactly)you could get a real good one .p.s. do you think you could post some pics of the stafford show i hear its really good cheers.
-
If anyone is trying to keep track of currency values, check out http://www.xe.com/ (http://www.xe.com/)
It gives real time values.
It's invaluable if you are trying to make decisions about what and when to purchase something in another currency.
1.00 GBP = 1.54688 USD
2011-10-06 01:19 UTC
1.00 USD = 0.646489 GBP
2011-10-06 01:20 UTC
-
Also whenever I import any motorcycle parts or a motorcycle in this case the parasitic government adds 20% tax and a customs handling charge. >:(
Photos of Stafford? Depends if I win anything. :) :) :) :) :)
Z
-
Unfortunately, we here in the US are becoming more familiar daily with "the parasitic government".
That's reflected in our terrible economy.
-
its the same here i had to pay gst 3 times and multitude of other taxes the bike cost $2000 and it cost $3300 to get it to oz shipping +taxes .i know this will work to oz but not shore about the uk .if you could get the receipt for less than $1000 there is no gst .or maybe send the motor and wheels separately as parts and this way you could also buy a bike with out title which would open up more options its a idea anyway .p.s thanks for that link steve it will come in handy
-
Well would you believe it? Another GTR has turned up in the U.K. and again it's an import from the U.S. :)
This one is in better condition than the last and the price is higher, :( the owner has never started it but the engine is free. ::) I'll be negotiating with the seller tomorrow. :-X
One thing that I haven't found out is what parts on the GTR are impossible to find or almost impossible? :-\
Z
-
seems to be chain guard right carb cover , good mufflers are hard to come across
-
Thanks coxy. :)
So if I bought the GTR service items like gaskets, carb kits, O rings, oil seals, filters, points and such like are available? :-\
Z
-
It must not be on eBay UK, at least I don't find a listing.
The only Bridgestone I see currently is this: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1968-BRIDGESTONE-175-HURRICANE-SCRAMBLER-CLASSIC-PROJECT-/180735489950?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item2a14acb79e (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1968-BRIDGESTONE-175-HURRICANE-SCRAMBLER-CLASSIC-PROJECT-/180735489950?pt=UK_Motorcycles&hash=item2a14acb79e)
As of a few minutes ago it too is gone.
I see no 350 GTR on eBay UK, so you must have a private connections or be using another sales format which led you to the bike.
-
Yes I found a private seller in the U.K., don't want to give too much away just yet you understand. ;)
Z
-
do not tell anyone or you will shoot yourself in the foot and Richard has tones of parts Kevin at scrambler has heaps +other sellers on evil bay .with electrical there are other brands of bikes which fit .i am having a mental block at the moment its 4.30 in the am here i think kz650 condensers etc i will check there is also a list of parts from different bikes that will fit i don't remember where i will try to find it
-
Yesssssssssss!!!!!!!!!!!! :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
I'm the owner of a Bridgestone GTR, done the deal this evening. :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :) :)
The advertisement........
For Sale
BRIDGESTONE 350GTR TWIN 1968
RARE 350GTR BRIDEGESTONE 1968 MODEL ALL ORIGINAL I IMPORTED THIS FROM THE USA 12K MILES ONLY CAME OUT OF A BRIDGESTONE DEALERS SHOWROOM, NOT RUN FOR SOME TIME BUT TURNS OVER OK WITH GOOD COMPRESSION CHROME GOOD FOR YEAR A FEW CHIPS ON ORIGINAL PAINT, VERY NICE CONDITION OVERALL I HAVE CUSTOMS...
Z
-
If you don't mind me asking, and the rest of the crowd knowing, what was the monetary damage incurred???
Market "comps" of recent sales are a handy guide for those searching for a 350 or thinking of buying one.
Regards,
Steve
-
He advertised it at £3900, after email negotiations I got it for £3400.
Only problem is it's over 300 miles away through the countries worst traffic and I'm not able to collect it for two weeks.
(http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr6/vjmctbforum/bridgestone013.jpg)
Z
-
congratulations well done she looks very nice that's $5418.67 Aussie dollars a real deal good on ya
-
Ziggy, that's a really nice looking bike, you've done well there.
Well done!
Steve
-
with the o rings at work we have boxes of them for our plant equipment i have even found some the same size as the rotary valve but for this one i suggest you get from Richard as soon as i get a chance i am going to BORROW a box if you send a pm with postal address i will send you a hand full of each one .
-
Beautiful machine!!!
Well done!
3,400.00 GBP = 5,279.02 USD
Any more pics available???
Regards,
Steve
-
Great purchase - it's going to cost more than that to make mine look that good.
I know I mentioned in some other post (maybe late July?) the part number for a Kawa 650 condensor that is a perfect replacement condensor for the GTR.
Sorry for not finding thread myself, my wife is telling me to get off the internet and relax on the sofa to recover from the deer collision.
-
Great looking gtr looks very neat,glad you didn't take me up on buying mine.hope she brings you lots of joy.
-
Thanks for the support and comments, here are the other photos of the GTR. :)
(http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr6/vjmctbforum/bridgestone012-Copy.jpg)
(http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr6/vjmctbforum/bridgestone014.jpg)
Z :) :) :) :)
-
Damn near showroom new!!!
WOW!
-
Very nice. Be proud of it! Harry
-
Coxy, your request for some photos of the 2011 Stafford show has been granted. ;)
(http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr6/vjmctbforum/Staf05.jpg)
(http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr6/vjmctbforum/Staf02.jpg)
(http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr6/vjmctbforum/Staf03.jpg)
(http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr6/vjmctbforum/Staf04.jpg)
(http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr6/vjmctbforum/Staf06.jpg)
Z
-
wow thanks all of those bikes would look great in my shed .is that brough ss with a copper plated frame? looks a bit different i reckon you wouldn't get change from $120 000 and is that Vincent a EGLI or a norvil it looks to have a norton frame? if you look behind the vincent there is a rd500 over here they are the rz500 i wrote two of them off some years back . cheers
/
-
The Brough Superior was in the aution, it was expected to sell for £280,000, yes over a quarter of a million Pounds Sterling.
The Suzuki RE5M is mine. :)
Pick my GTR up this Saturday. :) :) :) :) :) :)
Z
-
That's 440,811.34 USD!!!
That would take a VERY serious buyer/collector!
Gads.....and YIKES, too.
Super funky and gaudy muffler/tailpipes.
They are outlandish!!!
Period specific stuff.
::)
-
That Suzuki RE5M has some bling. Is that horizontal cylinder above the headlight for gauges?
-
The RE5M is totally original and very rare, especially in show condition. I was riding it last year.
The cylinder does contain the gauges and warning lights, it is normally closed and as the ignition key is turned the cover flips forward. The rear tail light also carries the rotary theme with a matching cylinder.
You can see the restoration work that I have done on my two RE5s here, an M model (the show bike) and a later A model.
http://www.angelfire.com/retro/roadster/index-12.html (http://www.angelfire.com/retro/roadster/index-12.html)
http://www.angelfire.com/retro/roadster/index-9.html (http://www.angelfire.com/retro/roadster/index-9.html)
http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/1975-suzuki-re5/234331/ (http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/1975-suzuki-re5/234331/) Jay Leno talks about his 1975 Suzuki RE5M.
Z
-
That is some dedication and determination, plus one understanding wife!
-
very nice i think there is enough room in my shed for one of those the wife wouldn't appreciate it though .p.s i haven't had a chance to get to the post office yet
-
Got the GTR home last night, now the fun starts. ;D
(http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/rr6/vjmctbforum/DSC_0001.jpg)
Z
-
Must be a nice feeling now that it is home. The wait will kill you sometimes. Good luck.
-
fingers crossed everything goes easy for you cheers
-
Had the bike on the drive today, looking close it's not as good as in the photos in fact it's far from that.
Couple of engine covers have small pieces missing, looks like the chain has snagged at some time and took a couple of lumps out of the casings and also twisted the l/h rear shock fastener on the swinging arm, scars on the rear sprocker and nuts.
There is a small split in the seat and it's quite brittle. I know it's over 40 yrs old and it's to be expected. There is evidence of everything being removed in the past, there is no spark but I knew that when I bought it but it has good compression.
Everything needs re chroming, all the rubber has perished and the paint needs re doing.
First job is to get a spark, will get a battery tomorrow, clean and reset the points then see if I can kick some life into it.
Z
-
Pictures always look better, but nothing stays new looking anyway. All of these freshly restored bikes won't stay that way. Little by little, they will deteriorate like us!!
I just spent the afternoon oiling the metal surfaces of my 1973 Snojet snowmobiles. It is amazing how corrosion raises its ugly head here and there. Nothing major, just enough to make me irritated!
If I win the lottery, I will have climate control. :D :D :D
-
Well I managed to get a spark to both plugs the other day, this afternoon I tried to start it up with a can of pre mix conected to the carbs.
Yes it started up, pleny of smoke as I'd over lubed but it's a runner. :) :) :) :) :)
Bought spares from Richard but will be needing more now that it runs and the restoration starts.
Gone quiet on here now, thanks to all those that contributed. :)
Z
-
Almost twelve months since introducing myself as a wannabee Bridgestone GTR owner. From the previous posts you can see that it became a reality with a decent example being bought within the U.K. but as a non runner.
So the point of this post is to celebrate posting 100 photos on the restoration/reserection of my GTR, hope this helps owner's or potential owners of GTRs and other BS models along their way, also thanks to owner's or enthusiasts who have posted on this site as information is a powerful tool.
http://bridgestonemotorcycleparts.com/index.php?action=gallery;su=user;cat=92;u=1350 (http://bridgestonemotorcycleparts.com/index.php?action=gallery;su=user;cat=92;u=1350)
Why so many photos? It's always easier with a photo when describing anything and also with any restoration I do I always do a write up for the VJMC and members like to see photos in the article. 8)
Z
-
Ziggy,
All of your photos have been great quality of a nice restoration. Glad you got the BS bug.
Maybe I can get enough "honey do" things done today to earn some time on the 350 - very little accomplished 11 months after the accident.
Maybe soon you can post photos of the GTR with road side scenery in the background?
-
I'm so looking forward to the day of completion and taking a number of photos of the GTR with the Welsh valleys in the background, would make a pleasant change from taking photos of engine parts and other pieces sat on the work bench in my garage.
With winter approaching and possibly being the time of completion it's not the best photo opportunity......... unless it snows, that could be creative.
Z
-
Lee,
I would like to see pictures of you GTR with the Welsh valleys in the background, as soon as the soccer is over i will do the same
Over here with my GTR, i coach soccer u10 and when that is over i will take some pictures.
Thanks.
Steve.
PS maybe some pictures from N Wales.
-
Will do Steve but it will be summer next year.
Here is a photo of the finished item, took just over 12 months to complete at a leisurly pace.
(http://bridgestonemotorcycleparts.com/gallery/1350_04_11_12_9_32_33.jpeg)
From desperation of wanting a GTR to satisfaction of owning a top example.
Z
-
Your bike looks fantastic sure turned out nice Jeff bar
-
Thanks Jeff, that's much appreciated.
Z
-
Beautiful machine!
-
looks better than new! Thanks for sharing.