Bridgestone newbie

[Rampelsauce]

Hey all,

Im Zach from Milwaukee, WI.  I've been collecting pre-1970's Japanese motorcycles, so when I came across my Bridgestone, I was pretty excited.  I work for a motorcycle shop called Jamie's Customs in Big Bend, WI, and have some good backup on my new project.  I know there are a lot of people out there who are purists, and believe this kind of stuff should be restored to factory fresh.  I dont want to offend any of you, but my little BS 100 G/P is getting the cafe treatment.  I will be however, rebuilding the engine completely and selling it.  Its getting a 250cc replacement out of a Kawasaki Ninja 250R (this will be down the road a bit.)  I hope you will still accept me and help me with any kind of information I might need, and I hope at some point I can contribute back to the community. 

[paul]

Sounds interesting.  Are you  saying you'll "shoe horn" the Kaw 250 engine into the GP100 frame?

[Rampelsauce]

Haha.  I believe I used the term 'massage the frame' but shoe horn fits a bit better.  The Kawi 250 has a lot of potential, and the main reason for that engine/trans is power to weight, and I know where to get one cheap.  Someone did mention using a two stroke power plant to be more authentic, and I am considering it.  Any recommendations?  I would really like a six speed gear box, but if I have to run five, Im sure I will live.

[paul]

What about, 175cc,  Single, Old Yamaha, etc.

[Rampelsauce]

Im looking for a bike that will launch hard and cruise comfortably at 70 mph with out screaming (like my '65 dream which gets angry if I cruise over 55mph, haha).  I know I can get a lot of that in the gearing, but you know, and I know that there's no replacement for displacement.  If I have to squeeze in a 250 I will.  If I can get away with a 200 and still have the performance characteristics Im looking for, great.  I will do some research and start a build thread with my findings, some photos of what I currently have, and a few of my ideas.  I work with a master bike builder, so he should be able to steer me in the right direction (I hope).  Since I am waiting to move into a shop, I will be rebuilding the engine at my kitchen table to hold me over till I can start on the big stuff.  I hope the big parts guy can keep up with my demand, haha.