1969 Van Tech / Bridgestone SR 100

[moonpup]

Saw this bike currently listed on eBay and thought it might be worthy of discussion. At the very least, maybe some guesses on how much it'll go for? 

"Talk about rare!!!  A1969 Van Tech motorcycle with an utmost rare Bridgestone SR100 engine, both combined makes this a very, very rare motorcycle.  Bridgestone SR100's, maybe less than 200 made."

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1969-Van-Tech-Bridgestone-SR-100-/221154214617?pt=US_motorcycles&hash=item337dd182d9#v4-40

[steve]

Never seen or heard of this bike before, but would be a nice addition to a BS collection...not so sure the the rear end quite does it for me though, looks like it needs something to finish it off!   

[rocketman]

I'm 99% that this was Gene's, a member on the site. Theres been pics and info on it posted on the site in the past. I think he sold it a while back and now it looks like the new owner is doing the same. What's notable on this bike is the frame manufacturer, Van-Tech. These frames were sold with corresponding brackets etc to mount whatever powerplant you preffered to use. If you had a press frame motorcycle they were an ideal conversion to go racing.  Mark.

[ajnufer]

I also have a VanTech /SR100.  But, mine is unrestored, and rough.  It was worth $1000, about eight years ago.  Now, maybe $2000.  The one up for sale is very interesting, but not the color that the frames always came in, which is a medium blue metallic and the prefered tank is pollished alloy. But, there seems to be a strong interest in collecting the Van Tech bikes.  So, It will be fun to watch how it does, and what the seller is hoping for.  My guess for value would be $4800, but I would be suprised if bidding goes that high.  I hope I'm wrong.  It takes two strong bidders to move things, and many collectors do  watch EBay.  The color is eye popping, but may hold the value down. And I agree that the back looks a little unfinished with the short seat.  But, all in all, a very rare and cool bike.  I hope mine will look as good when I finish.

Just my two cents.

[Mopar5426]

   Yes I Built This Motocycle Its A Real SR 100 Motor   Was A Fun Project   GENE

[Bikenstein]

Beautiful job Gene, I'd love to to throw it around on my property!

[Mopar5426]

   I Sold This 100 About 6 mouths Ago   Will Be Interesting What I Goes For Because I Did Not Sell On Ebay   GENE

[Mopar5426]

  About The Color   I Painted It 1970 Plymouth  AAR  Sassy Ass Green   Had Some Left Over From A Mopar Resto   The Rear Shocks Are 350s   The Front Forks Are Off A TMX  Along With The Wheels    I Think The Seat Is Off A Taka   175 Rear Fender   Has The Dual Sprocket On Rear   100 Handle Bars   I Bought The Frame And Tank At The Mid Ohio Bridgestone Reunion Couple Years Ago   I Only Know Of One Other Van Tech Bridgestone  Its A Purty Neet Motorcycle  Hope It Goes To A Good Home   GENE

[Mopar5426]

The Answer To Your Van Teck Racers Is In This Form    GENE

[moonpup]

Currently for sale on eBay.... Van Tech Bridgestone SR100

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Other-Makes-/221975992027?forcerrptr=true&hash=item33aeccd6db:g:JPoAAOSwCQNWek35&item=221975992027

[BRT-GTR]

               Wow, that's neat and with a lower price than a UK dealer is asking for a standard 90 sport. 

    Brian.

[slawsonb]

Very cool! Thanks for posting DM.
...bert

[rwgibbon]

Moonpup,

Thank you for posting Bridgestone's for sale.

You do a great job.

Randy

[moonpup]

Thanks Randy & guys, normally I just post them in the classifieds (where they belong, btw  ) but I thought this one might generate a little more interest & discussion.

The price doesn't seem to be out of line and it's nice that it has the correct frame color and polished tank.

[dcr]

I apologize for being a little "late to the party".

So this is an aftermarket frame that one would purchase and then install their own motor and go racing? (I read that above). What came with it - just the frame, or did the gas tank come as well?

It's a pretty sweet looking ride and thanks Mike for all your digging around the net looking for Bridgestone stuff. I bought a 100 Sport that you listed as well as a 175 DT.

Merry Christmas to all of you.

Dan

[BRT-GTR]

 
          Thought Van Tech rang a bell. Sure many of you US guys know all about them. The May 1970, Cycle magazine carries an ad for Van Tech frames as well as a road test
      for the BS GTO . (will try to scan and post ad). Roehr Bros who took over the frames offered 'everything you need to get winning performance' and, I guess, may have supplied the seat and tank shown.
         
   See also Wikipedia link for more information                   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bill_Van_Tichelt

   Seems they were developed initially for dirt bikes but could be adapted for all forms of racing. A version was available for the 100 BS engine. Also developed a frame for the 350 engine which was used for 'Son of Secret Weapon'. So had a strong link with BS although this may just be an indicator of the US market position enjoyed by BS in the mid to late 60s. Another piece in the BS jigsaw.
       Happy Christmas all,  Brian.
     

[BRT-GTR]

           Lets see if this works, Van Tech frame ad from 1970.     Open pic to read details.       Brian.

      

[paul]

I recall seeing Van Tech Honda and Van Tech Yamaha "projects" in   U.S. motorcycle magazines.