BS 200 MII SS

[rwgibbon]

First Happy Thanksgiving!

Does anyone know what year Bridgestone changed from the side cover metal emblem
to the sun burst 200 decal?

I am restoring a original gold 200 MII 200 SS and would like to make it
as close to original as I can.

The battery side cover is not original to the bike and has holes in it for
the metal emblem. But I do not know if it should have one or have the decal.

Thank you for your help.
 

[moonpup]

Randy, the attached pic is from the 1970 Dealer Program Booklet and shows the 70 chrome/painted tank SS with the metal badge. I'm pretty sure that the 71 solid painted tank bikes got the sun burst decals, just like the 71 350's got.

[rwgibbon]

Thanks Moonpup.

Randy

[moonpup]

You're welcome.... Here's a pic of the 200 MKII SS w/sunburst decal.

[scott demauex]

Randy , might have sent you an improper response on your sunburst question. I did send you a picture of my tank with no chrome on the tank and emblems. I am sure my bikes side plates are original. They were a sunburst decal . I think mine is a 1974 from my research. I still prefer the metal over the decal . While I get you on original, I think sometimes if it is original just not right for the exact year I am for it. I guess it depends on your feelings as to how original it has to be. Anyway another view point for you.

[scott demauex]

Randy , seems what I gather from Moonpups Picture is if you had a chrome tank you got a Medal and no chrome meant a sticker. Maybe that is quite clear and I have narrowed it between 70 to 74 for you. Maybe someone can tell you the exact year they eliminated chrome . Seems like I remember in one of the promo articles it referred to them doing this as they tried to continue to compete for market share and keep cost down against other brands as the Bridgestone was a higher cost bike due to the engine technology and production cost.

[rwgibbon]

Scott,

According to my paperwork on the BS 200 MII SS it is a 1971.

But it is my understanding that the dealer identified the year
as to when they sold it, not when it was manufactured.

Like you I do like the metal ornament better than the decal.

Thanks for your post.

Randy

[scott demauex]

The other thing I note in the second picture above is the exhaust pipes are black with chrome covers. Mine are chrome pipes with chrome covers. I also note 2 mirrors which I have read they only came standard with one. I also like the earlier models with the speedo in the headlight . As It seems a lot was done to personalize . So mine will have the medal, speedo in the headlight and 2 mirrors. May not be exactly factory but it is the look I like. Still trying to decide on a chrome and paint tank still working that one out as well.

[rwgibbon]

Scott,

As a good friend once told me, "Its my bike I guess I can paint it any color I like".

Enjoy it the way you like.

Randy

[Perry L Anderson]

I believe all chrome tank 200's were assembled in Japan and should be on T-1 frames (175) . When the 200 resumed assembly in Rockford Ill they painted the tanks to save money. If you have the Serial Tag, the frame # and engine #. If you compare those to numbers on my bike you should know what you have. My bike has what I believe is the end of 175  frames (35,400). May I ask if your frame is T-1 or T-2? Because I believe your bike is a checkered model starting in mid to late 1970's and running to the end of production 1973. Bikes with T-2 frame numbers should be the beginning of the checkered build and the stickers instead of plate began. 

[rwgibbon]

The motor number of the
1971 BS MII 200 SS is TA2-06963.

[Perry L Anderson]

That's about the middle of the checkered built bikes. Go to general discussion and find my post on 200 numbers, I hope These numbers will tell you more and the pics will provide you a look at a  white 200 model. You may also note that the 200 sticker badges were the first time they identify the motor size.
 

[rwgibbon]

Thank you for the information related to my SS 200.

I think I added the correct decals. Photo of my restoration are posted
on this site.

Thanks again for your assistance.

Randy