Hello from South Wales, U.K.

[old smokey]

That Suzuki RE5M has some bling. Is that horizontal cylinder above the headlight for gauges?

[ziggy stardust]

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-9.html

http://www.jaylenosgarage.com/video/1975-suzuki-re5/234331/   Jay Leno talks about his 1975 Suzuki RE5M.

Z

[old smokey]

That is some dedication and determination, plus one understanding wife!

[coxy]

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   

[ziggy stardust]

Got the GTR home last night, now the fun starts.




Z

[Sno Jet]

Must be a nice feeling now that it is home.  The wait will kill you sometimes.  Good luck.

[coxy]

fingers crossed everything goes easy for you cheers

[ziggy stardust]

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

[Sno Jet]

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.

[ziggy stardust]

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

[ziggy stardust]

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

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.

Z

[old smokey]

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?

[ziggy stardust]

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

[reed]

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.

[ziggy stardust]

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.



From desperation of wanting a GTR to satisfaction of owning a top example.

Z

[Jeff Bar]

Your bike looks fantastic sure turned out nice Jeff bar

[ziggy stardust]

Thanks Jeff, that's much appreciated.

Z

[Bikenstein]

Beautiful machine!

[paul]

looks better than new! Thanks for sharing.