Thanks for Having me here!

[Jon Hardcastle]

Hi Everyone,

My Name is Jon, I am generally a British bike enthusiast but was charmed an intrigued by 2 little barn find Bridgestones.

I have heard and read about them, however never owned, played or even really seen one before.  I went to look at some Honda Scramblers (which were too rough) and the owner had a variety of 2 strokes in his barn.  I ended up picking up two models, one I believe is a 90cc and the other a 175 twin.  They are very dirty, I will be cleaning them today and posting pics and serial numbers.  It's nice to see these bikes have a following, I think they are a lot neater than their contemporaries.  I look forward to posting and learning from the gurus.

[Bikenstein]

Hi Jon, welcome to the site. There are a lot of guys here that are commited, dedicated and even passionate about the Bridgestone motorcycles. I'm glad you found the site and look forward to your posts. Cruise around the site and you'll find how to get parts, detailed info on restorations, problem solving, tricks of the trade and anything else to do with your bikes not to mention some entertaining subjects on other topics. Plus if you have any questions about anything, they will be readily answered by well experienced owners and mechanics who know their stuff. This is a very well designed site that is easy to navigate and use. I hope you enjoy it. Let us see what you got!

[Jon Hardcastle]

Thanks Bikenstein! 

Here are the pics of what I have....The 175 needs to go to the car wash, that's how bad the dirt is on it.  From the outset I will need side covers, a new ignition switch, new top yoke (someone did a horrible weld job repairing it) new steering damper knob, tires and controls/cables.  She does however have excellent compression and is mostly complete.  Tank is clean inside, sadly the chrome is gone.  I may sandblast and powder coat rather than replace, we will see.  The smaller one I believe is a 90cc?  The serial number was hard to read.  I am not ready to tear it down yet, didn't want to remove the tank to read the numbers.  Also good compression, mostly there!  Original key and showing 256 miles!!! (I take that with a grain of salt)  but you never know.  She is stuck in gear, I have to pick her up to move her.  This must have happened during transport as she rolled freely from the barn.  Clearly in better shape that her big sister.  The welds on the fork ears look horrid, they seem to both have been repaired by the same person.   How do you wreck 2 fork ears on such a small bike?  That is a mystery lost to time I guess. 

Please let me know your thoughts and opinions.  I paid $250.00 Canadian for the pair.

Jon

[Bikenstein]

I think you got a great deal. I'd buy them for that any day. Your serial number 16A 04739 would put your 175 as manufactured in Jan of 1966. One interesting thing is there is a listing of a known number of 16B 04739 here (scroll down to reply #28) which would have been made in Feb of the same year.

http://bridgestonemotorcycleparts.com/index.php?topic=449.20

Somethin ain't right with that. It could be the same bike or an error by Bridgestone or somethin.

Maybe you could contact Graham Weeks and find out where he got that number if he has a record of it.

[Jon Hardcastle]

I see that...interesting!  So was that the first year for this model?  Also, is the other one I have a 90 Deluxe?  I am trying to figure it out from the manuals section.  You guys have some phenomenal resources here, Parts books, ads, manuals.  It's funny how obscure vehicles attract loyal but fiercely devoted followers. 

[Bikenstein]

1965 was the first year for the DT175. I'm not up on the 90's but I'd say it could be a 90 trail with street tires because of the high pipe. With only 256 miles on it, they may have had the dealer put those on it new. I'd have to research it but there are plenty of guys here that would know.

[RayK]

Jon
Re the 90 you have - here are my thoughts:

Headlight = ? TMX 100
Motor = oil injected 90 Sport (alloy cylinder)
Tank = 90 Deluxe
Forks & handlebar clamp= early 50/60 Sport
Exhaust = ? 60 Sport
Tail light = early Deluxe 90 or 50/60 Sport (US Model) - Different in Australia/ SE Asia

Therefore I think you might have a 'hybrid'

Good buying however

Cheers
Ray

[Jon Hardcastle]

Thanks guys,

The mix in parts would explain why I was having issues Identifying it!  I will need to take the tank off now and get the serial numbers.  The 90cc didn't have a little plate like the DT does.  I decided to start on the 175 first and started ordering some NOS parts.

I am used to buying Triumph parts and I am astounded by the low cost of spares for these!