Bridgestone Motorcycle Parts Discussion Board

General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: SMFadmin on December 15, 2008, 09:08:07 PM

Title: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: SMFadmin on December 15, 2008, 09:08:07 PM
Which was your first Bridgestone?
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Jeff Bar on December 16, 2008, 03:20:05 PM
Had a 90 mountain, I was stupid and beat the crap of it, sure wish
I had taken better care of it.

Now I am looking to possibly fixing it up. It is so far gone I think
I will do a fixup to be in about same condition as it was in when
I beat it to tears :'( 

Happy to have found this site

Jeff Bar
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Dave K on December 16, 2008, 07:32:54 PM
My first was a '67 Sport 90. The poor used thing was a wreck when I bought it and I soon saw that I did not do good in picking out a well maintained bike. 1 yr. later, I bought my first new bike an HS 175. It was titled as '69, when I bought it in Aug. '69. It was one of the best bikes I had ever owned as well. But, as a young guy I had to move up the ladder, bike size wise, and I sold it 2 yrs. later. That is why I searched and finally found the 175 DT I have in the garage now. It seems like 1969, when I removed the seat, etc. to inspect and wax her. Of course getting ready to do the "details", when I get the waxing done and I have inspected everything.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: dwb1013 on January 06, 2009, 11:12:19 AM
I just got a sport 90 this year....it is my first bike and i am 42!!!!!   I saw it and had to have it.  It is awesome orginal condition and runs like a champ.  I went 60 on this thing....scared the ehck out of me but it would go that fast....and had a little more.  I was scared to push because it still has the orginal tires.....this thing is mint with 3,000 miles....

It has got me crazy for old two strokes now....I used to ride all kinds of stuff when i was kid because the neighbor used to repaier stuff and we would ride it to test.....

Looking at a 1972 suzuki 2 stroke 250 now......
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: rog on February 05, 2009, 09:11:07 PM
Made the 8 hour trip (one way) for a roached out old Taka. I had grand dreams of fixing the stuck and busted engine. Never happened. Got a '71 TMX with 1100 original miles instead. Lot less work. 8)
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: t500 on February 18, 2009, 04:27:10 PM
I picked up three 350's quite a few years back and someday will get one running.  Two of the three are most likely beyond repair without an unreasonable amount of work.  Too many projects not enough time/money to get to them all.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Mikey on March 07, 2009, 09:44:43 AM
A brand new 1969 100 TMX I think I paid $299.

Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: RayK on March 24, 2009, 06:35:34 PM
I purchased  a blue BS 100 sport in June 1968 at Brian Collins Bridgestone in Parramatta Sydney Australia.  It cost AU$366 and was my only means of transport and apart from a 'dead' coil it was most reliable and took me everywhere including camping trips upto 120 miles away.  I regret selling it all those years ago.  I am now restoring what was a wreck of a 175DT 1967 model.
RayK
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: rocketman on May 19, 2009, 09:23:22 AM
Heres the story. First Bridgestone was a 100 racer. It was handed down to me by my father,Davey. He purchased it new from a local dealer who ran a in house racing program,after it had slammed his rider a couple of times (ouch,Benny!) It was already prepared for hillclimbing,but still needed to be "dialed in". My fathers specialty. Being an absolutely unbelievable natural rider,he took it to constant victory. As the re-emerging sport progressed through the late 60's and into the 70's,he moved up through the classes along with the rest his buddys,leaving the ever popular 100 class to the junior riders. The very first time I piloted this bike soley on my own,it scared the ever living crap out of me. I was small even for this small bike and could not quite touch the ground. I got used to it,and started racing it as well. Between my father and myself,the awards won with it are too numerous to count now. By the way,poor Benny is not the only person to get a good slam down from this bike. It broke my fathers foot and liked to kill me once while practicing hole shots at Bel Mesa Raceway in W.VA. I thank Bell Helmet to this day for the Bell Star I was wearing at the time. As it was I was in a fog for about three days. My mother wasn't to happy when we returned home. Mark.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Jeff Bar on May 19, 2009, 01:35:37 PM
Mark Neat story, it i sure good to read stories like yours, I bet Mom was not too happy at that time, I bet she became better with time.
Jeff Bar :)
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: rocketman on May 19, 2009, 06:59:25 PM
 I think her words were something along the line of,"maybe he should have gone to the hospital". But it really wasn't that bad. She was a nurse anyway and my dad was racing when they met,so she was already sort of used to loose skin! Mark.   
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Jeff McBrayer on May 20, 2009, 10:18:21 AM
My first BS was a 350 gtr, that I got out of  a car junk yard, it was in decent condition, only being a couple years old. But it was stuck in 2nd gear with a broken kick starter, I pushed
started it and road it around a bit.  Ended up selling it, 30 ago, wish I still had it .   Now I have a 60 sport that I actually ride around a bit

Jeff McBrayer
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: rocketman on May 23, 2009, 05:40:54 PM
Jeff,you'll feel better after you see the pictures of my 60 Sport! Its another restoration candidate for sure. At least your riding yours! mark.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Nathan Miller on June 14, 2009, 08:06:35 PM
My dad bought me a brand new red Bridgestone 90 Sport when I was 13 or 14 years old. For some reason, I never could get the bike to go over 65 MPH... or get it to go slower than 60!
Needless to say, it was very well used and has had many parts replaced at one time or another. I would send a pic, but am embarrassed to do so. Just this past week, I dug it out of the shed and realize that it needs a thorough restoration.
This will be my next project.
Richard, I will probably be contacting you quite often in the next 6 months.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: roberts1139 on June 17, 2009, 03:34:43 PM
My first was the blue Chibi. My dad bought it from a friend that his son was racing with. (He out grew it) I was ten when I started riding. It was the fastest bike among the group of kids I rode with. (they all had mini bikes with the lawnmower engines. My dad rode HD's and would not allow me to ride a "lawnmower") Dad said that if I was going to ride I would learn to ride on a real motorcycle. He bought a benelli and we rode together through the trails. (with my friends) He was tough when we rode and wouldn't allow us to ride without our helmet,gloves, jeans and boots. I rode my Chibi until I was 17, then I bought a 1976 Honda CB360. That soon was too small and I got a 1978 Honda CB 750. Sold my 750 after four years. Didn't ride until 2002 when I finally got a Goldwing. Don't ride enough but ride when I can. I keep thinking about the days on my Chibi and think I would love to find one to restore. Nothing rides the same as the first bike and the days that we remember of all the fun.

Al
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: david.candler on July 31, 2009, 08:34:39 PM
i inherited my Father-in-law's BS 175 Hurricane Scrambler a few years ago. it was last licensed (as a 1970 model) in 1990, i think. still runs, needs a left-side battery cover. i also need to know whether it is a 6 or 12 volt system. Also need the rubber "Intake-tubes" (which have the holes for cables to pass through). if anyone has leads on a good seat cover... contact @ daddystreetrod53@yahoo.com. thanks
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Jeff McBrayer on July 31, 2009, 09:37:36 PM
David

Nice to have you on this site.  The 175 BS is 12V, Richard, owner of this site has the cable rubber caps

Jeff Mcbrayer
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: omega man bike on September 25, 2009, 03:31:23 AM
trail 90 with the elusive blue color. whatever it was... from old dudes shed.

went back to pick her up to get fixed maybe and a lil maggot stripped all my parts off  "MY"  bike. >:(

maybe the frame is still there... going to look this week. almost 20 years ago..meh.....worth a try anyways. ;)
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Dave K on September 25, 2009, 05:21:02 PM
I have to ask. What is he going to do with those parts? He have another BS or is he planning on selling you the bike one part at a time! If there is a title to the bike, that is worth something.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: brink79 on September 25, 2009, 11:43:32 PM
TMX 100 a little unclear on the year yet?
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: skidshoe on November 19, 2009, 05:51:56 PM
I had a 100 Racer . Got AMA natl. #5 in 100cc Scrambles class that year . Raced somewhere almost every Sunday when there were races . Saturday night ritual : Charge two 12v batteries, Clean air filter, clean and lube chain ( adjust ), check tire pressures , put in new cold surface gap plug , mix up fresh Castrol R  . Then ride like hell on Sunday !
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: rwgibbon on November 20, 2009, 03:09:13 PM
My first Bridgestone was a 1968, 350 GTR. I was 16 years old and rode it to high school. Or I should say I raced it to high school. I probably weighted 90 lbs and that bike would fly.

I drove it for two years before I destroyed it.

I am very luck I didn't kill myself going as fast as it did. Many times I took the bike out and got it to go over 100 MPH. At that time there wasn't another 350 cc bike that could keep up with the Bridgestone. 

Randy
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Brick Shy on December 21, 2009, 04:10:19 PM
I just bought three barn fresh DT 175s.  Two are free, one stuck.  Grand plan is to build a vintage road race. 
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Jerry D on February 02, 2010, 11:26:42 PM
New guy here.
My first bike was a Sport 90 when I was in high school.  I'm in my mid fifties now and for the last two years have been chasing Bridgestones.  I now have a 90 Sport, 100 TMX and two 175 streets.  All are project bikes.  (I dream of owning a 350).  I also have a possible deal on a 1963 Super 7.  Any advice on the Super 7 and how rare are they?  What's a decent price to pay for it?  Condition is about a five on a scale of 1-10.
Thanks for any advice.  Jerry from Arkansas
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: ld bike guy on February 03, 2010, 05:54:42 PM
I have a 175 Hurricane Scrambler parts bike & although it's been stored a long time I think the left side cover is there; Send me your address & I'll send it to you.
I'm looking for 1969 BS Sport 90 front brake lever & perch & clutch lever, so let me know if you knowf any leads on those parts.

Dale
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: MichJfrog on March 21, 2010, 01:18:43 PM
  I picked up a 200 RS and a Buick car and Chevy pickup from my Dad,s neighbor in 1973. Used the pickup
to haul the bike around. I had previously owned a Honda 305 Dream and then a 360 Scrambler but
really like the Bridgestone,s light weight and performance. Put on a larger rear sprocket and semiknobby
rear tire for off street riding to woods and fishing spots from the highway. Sold it after it wouldn't
charge enough to ride with the headlight on and I was using a Honda 400CM for road travel. Wish I
had kept them all, but was married and need vehicles to haul the family. Was impressed by the rotary
valves and hard chrome cylinder treatment- great ideas. Just picked up another 200 but nowhere as in
good shape as the first one I had 30+ years ago.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: shakett on May 05, 2010, 08:18:41 AM
My first Bridgestone was a 1968 350 GTR I bought brand new in 1968. I had just gotten rid of a Matchless/Norton hybrid and wanted something that would start without giving me a hernia.  I had to sell it after a racing acident (Yamaha TD 1B) put me out of commision for a while. I just purchased a 1970 350 GTR and am starting the restoration. I think this one will be around as long as I am.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: old smokey on May 08, 2010, 09:33:46 AM
welcome to the site. I think of getting mine roadworthy again, but not there yet. Pictures are always nice if you can post some.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: ColoStone on December 04, 2010, 08:29:24 PM
My first is well the 1971 350 GTR
          Thanks
              Randy
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: reed on December 04, 2010, 09:23:23 PM
Randy
My first Bridgestone was a 1965 90 trail in black!
Thanks.
Steve.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: ColoStone on December 05, 2010, 11:47:32 AM
Well Steve I`ll just say, in 1965 I was only 3 years old, and that year my wife was born. ;D
         Thanks
             Randy
      P.S I sure would like to have a smaller stone to putt around on. ;)
       
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: reed on December 05, 2010, 08:31:57 PM
Hi Randy
I got the Bridgestone 90 in 2008 that was my first Bridgestone i allways had Kawasaki and Suzuki.
And in 1965 i was 7 years old, time has gone fast 52 this year.
Thanks.
Steve.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: ridered on December 05, 2010, 08:51:20 PM
My first Bridgestone was the GTR 350 I purchased it in February this year from a friend of mine that bought it new in 68. I just finished restoring it today and went for a ride around The neighborhood, man what a good feeling. I have been riding more than 40 years and the one I have now is the only one I've ever seen. These bikes were rare even when they were producing them in the 60's.
Mike 
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: reed on December 05, 2010, 09:02:08 PM
Mike
Nice job on the Bridgestone 350GTR i the pictures today!
Thanks.
Steve.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: ColoStone on December 16, 2010, 05:22:44 PM
Mike you did a fantastic job on that bike. looking back at the pics when you first pulled the engine out its hard to believe its the same bike.
           Great Job
                Randy
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: lightkeepers on March 31, 2011, 02:55:12 AM
I'm hoping it will be a '66 175 DT. I saw it at a local auction house slated to be sold in about 2 months. It is in museum condition with 4,300 miles I will get some pics and post them a.s.a.p. I do have a question about the bike. It has turn signals front and rear. The front are the standard single bullet shape on the end of posts but the rear have three bullet lights on an extra long post. The outside light is about 4 in. in diameter but the two inside lights are about 2 in. I have never seen this kind of setup on any other bike I have owned or seen on the road(and I use to go to the rockhouse in malibu about twice a month in the 1980's). I was wondering if anyone knows anything about these pieces, are they a stock item on Bridgestones or are they after market? Either way they look really great.
Sorry for the ramblings. Hope someone can help,and wish me luck at the auction.
Michael Power
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Jimmy on July 07, 2011, 01:12:24 PM

My first was a 1966 175 twin we modified for racing out of my dad's dealership.I raced it for a couple of months. Then we got a 100 sr racer in...I uncrated and preped it .One ride across the field and I knew it was a faster bike.We compared the two and I sold the 175.My dad said sometimes you will be in the 200 class because they wont have a 100 am class.I told him it out runs my 175 now.100 races 98 trophys best bike I ever raced.....90k (my ama racing number)
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: pjmcilva on August 16, 2011, 05:35:51 PM
A BS-175 DT, which I bought when I was 17 with 1700 miles on it. My Parents were away at the time, so it was sitting on our porch when they returned.  SURPRISE!  Rode it for 3 or 4 years, then sold it.  Now [40 years later] I have 4 and am trying to restore 1.
I can afford a Harley, but all I want is a Bridgestone 175! 
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: disc_valve on November 14, 2011, 07:19:12 AM
Hi, folks,

I got my first Bridgestone back in 1969 when I was 17. It was a black 90 DeLuxe with Oil Injection. Bridgestones were rare beasts over here in the UK - they only sold about 1300 in total - and there were only 6 other Bridgestones in Plymouth (where I lived at the time). Two of them were black 90 deLuxes, just like mine, three were 175 Dual twins, and one was a metallic blue 90 Sport which desperately wanted but couldn't afford.  I do remember drooling over a new Dual Twin in the window of the local bike shop before I got he '90. Then I saw a road test of a 350GTR in a UK bike magazine (one of 32 sent over here) and though "Wow!!". 

I kept that first BS90 for about three years and then sold it on and bought a 175 Honda instead. It was a bit too small for weekend trips between home and University (130 miles each way) but part of me always regretted selling it. It took me another 10 years to find another '90. I've now got a total of 5 Bridgestones including a 350GTR, all of them restored and ridden. They seemed to breed!

 

Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Mopar340 on November 27, 2011, 08:59:38 AM
Brand Spankin new BS50 Sport, she went like the wind, god I loved that bike. Have had many BS Bikes since, all except a 50, just have not found one that is worth a Resto.

Thanks for this site Richard.

Lee
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: jasguffy on January 12, 2012, 06:42:18 PM
my first bridgstone was a 90 trail with oil injection when i was 14  i would like to find and buy one if i can find one jasguffy
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Bikenstein on February 10, 2012, 10:22:38 PM
When I was 16 my Dad bought me a 66 175 from a furniture store. I was working so I paid for it . Then in 1967 when the 350 came out I traded it in at the same furniture store (Po Richards Barn) for a brand new 67 GTR. The fastest bike in the county at the time. Including a BSA and what's his name's Triumph and of course the City Police Harley, which I already outran on my 175. Now I'm buying parts from Richard's Relics. Po Richard's Barn to Richard's Relics
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: farmerdl on March 18, 2012, 01:35:33 PM
first bike was a GTR bought new in 1970.  Mother was NOT impressed.  That shop moved on to Norton and Suzuki. Then to Suzuki and Harley and is now Adventure Harley Davidson in New Philadelphia.  The original shop owners had been raised Amish.

Farmerdl
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Fredbert on August 06, 2012, 06:14:32 PM
My first one was a Taka I bought in 1983 for $100.

On the second day of ownership I went to ride it and it was gone. I later found out that my friend that sold it to me got stranded in town that night. He walked to my house, saw the bike and decided to ride it home that night. I wouldn't have cared if he took it, but I had to drive 14 miles to pick it up...again. :)

I beat the crap out of it for a year and gave it away. It was still in running condition at that time, but the new owner hauled it to the junkyard.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: TMX_Maverick on September 25, 2012, 11:56:51 AM
first bike was a GTR bought new in 1970.  Mother was NOT impressed.  That shop moved on to Norton and Suzuki. Then to Suzuki and Harley and is now Adventure Harley Davidson in New Philadelphia.  The original shop owners had been raised Amish.

Farmerdl

Farmerdl, I guess we're pretty close then -- if you're still in that part of the state.  I'm a bit north, up near Freedom H-D in North Canton.

My first bike was the 1970 100 TMX I just bought back after 26 years of separation.  My aunt was the second owner in 1975, and my dad got it for my brother and I around 1983.  We used to ride the trails and 40-foot "highwalls" back in the strip mines with it.   We sold it to a schoolmate's dad in 1986, and he STILL HAD IT BEHIND HIS BARN UNDER A TARP three weeks ago!  So I bought it back (of course).  Let the restoration begin.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: farmerdl on September 25, 2012, 07:05:19 PM
hello,
  Yeah, just down I-77 from you.  I go past Freedom H-D every now and then.  Usually when i have a doctor's appt in Canton.  I have a couple of cousins live in that area also.   Lived on the same farm since 1952.

dl
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Bikenstein on September 25, 2012, 08:18:51 PM
Good story Maverick, glad you got your old bike back. Post some pictures when you can.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: rcrn on December 12, 2012, 08:17:47 PM
My first Bs was a 1971 350 gto gold an black chevron.An as a young man it was very fast to me.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: hixon31272 on December 24, 2012, 10:22:41 PM
My first Bridgestone was a 90 sport.  I was 11 at the time and it was my first bike.  Worked all summer in the fields detasseling corn for Pioneer seed company to pay for it.  Of course that one is long gone, and am currently in search of another one.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Richard Clark BS parts on December 25, 2012, 11:04:22 AM
Welcome to the Bridgestone site

I have a VERY nice, original BS 90 Sport for sale, have sent you a personal message, check "Messages" after you login.

Its the best one that I have found in past 20 years

Richard Clark




Questions? or need Bridgestone parts? call:

Richard Clark
812-944-1643  8am-6pm EST Weekdays
Remove message


Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: hixon31272 on December 25, 2012, 09:43:32 PM
Will call you tomorrow about the Bridgestone 90 sport. Thanks
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: vintagebikes on February 16, 2013, 12:51:16 PM
71 TMX100 just bought it for $220 i hope to have some fun on it.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: ddog71 on September 06, 2013, 12:28:17 AM
I purchased 2 Bridgestone MachII 200cc's approx 19 months ago off of ebay and had them delivered. Recently (June 2013) I purchased a DT175 (in Minnesota) and 1973 Suzuki GT750 (in Michigan) and picked them up. These were also purchased on ebay. Then in July, I purchased a 175HS that had been converted into a cafe racer (in Wi) and a DT175 (also in Wi) off of ebay. Also picked them up. I've been watching this site for about 1yr now. It's been very helpful.  Tim
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: ddog71 on September 06, 2013, 01:09:23 AM
My first "encounter" with a Bridgestone was 1968 or 1969. A friend had a new DT175. I loved that red color with chrome on the tank. Always wanted one. However, marriage and military dictated other priorities. Great to be on this site now.!! Can anyone help me with setting up a voltage regulator/rectifier for my Bridgestones (3 175's & 2 MachII's).? I recently purchased a new 12v, 3-phase regulator/rectifier off ebay. It has 3 yellow wires, 1 red wire and 1 black/white wire. It's supposed to be for a CB250/CBR400/CBR600/900RR, etc.  Thanks.. Tim ???
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: BS Mechanic on September 06, 2013, 10:57:49 PM
Here's a guess on hooking up your regulator/rectifier from that "other' brand. ;D  It comes with a money back guarantee.  Didn't cost anything, and you get it all back if it's wrong!!

Red wire goes to the battery, black to ground, and the three yellow go to the yellow, pale blue, and white wires from the bikes wire harness and ac generator.  (colors listed for the 350, I think the 175 uses the same colors, but please someone correct me if they're different!)

Good luck..
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: moonpup on September 06, 2013, 11:22:06 PM
Moderators might want to move this discussion to it's own thread in the 175 section.  ???
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: albervin on September 15, 2013, 03:33:41 AM
First bike was a 100 Sport in a beautiful blue colour. I was 17 and I guess the bike was 2 years old. The coil failed on day one and my friend demanded the dealer replace it. Rode it everywhere ay maximum rpm and it never let me down. This was good as I knew FA about fixing it. Sadly I ran up the back of a car 2 years later and it was not a viable fix so it went. Fast forward to 1996 and I saw a very nice original 90 Deluxe in black. The price was silly but I wanted the bike so after some haggling I bought it, 12,000 miles on the clock and totally original except for the front brake cable. I changed the chain but other than that it is as I bought it all those years ago. Yes, even has the original Bridgestone tyres on it. The oil tank window has developed a very light weep but am hesitant to replace it.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: RayK on September 16, 2013, 06:28:24 AM
Does this bring back memories? From a 35mm slide taken 1968-69
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Mopar340 on December 01, 2013, 11:20:10 AM
1965 Bridgestone 50 Sport, Can't even find one to replace it. Miss that little Bike, even rode it in the winter, didn't have a car.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: dcr on December 02, 2013, 12:15:08 PM
Mopar340, are you really looking for a 50 Sport? I have one I am restoring for all the wrong reasons.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: oldbikeguy on January 29, 2014, 03:32:11 PM
My 1ST Bridgestone was a 1967 50cc ( Homer/Step-Thru).
I was 14 & bought it on a payment plan from J.C. Penny Automotive Center in Weatherford, Texas. I think it cost around $220 new, & I made monthly payments of about $15 per month. I washed all the family dishes (the old way) for 2 years to make payments!!
My Brother-in-law let me put the bike purchase on his J.C. Penny charge card, as my parents had no charge cards. I got it all paid off & really enjoyed that little Bridgestone until I eventually outgrew it... I got my 1st Drivers License riding that little bike at age 14....
Now I have  many vintage  Japanese, British & Italian bikes, including 10 various model Bridgestones, mostly resto projects for the future, since I just retired last year.
Sorry for rambling on!!!
Dale the Oldbikeguy  in Washington State, but relocating to my home State of Texas in 2015 ( with all my bikes of course!!)  :)
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: jaubuchon on April 08, 2014, 11:59:21 PM
Bs7/d Up in here
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: davis on May 21, 2014, 09:05:19 PM
In college, brand new 350 GTR (around 1971). Brother totaled the front end so I installed Ceriani road racing forks. (Took it up to 110 mph gage indicated). Within a year I was building a 175 road racer. Was a Honda and four-stroke guy, but I was attracted to the advanced technology and sharp looks of this two-stroke. Still love it.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: BRT-GTR on June 07, 2014, 11:25:42 AM
Having ridden an Aermacchi 250 Ala Verde (European version of Sprint) from 65-69 in my teens, like Disc Valve I saw an ad for the GTR in the US 'Bike' magazine and thought 'WOW'  best looking bike I'd ever seen but didn't know they were available here in the UK. No internet then. Imagine my surprise when a few months later, I saw one advertised in the local paper at a nearby dealers. Had to have it, couldn't afford it but got it anyway in 69, 12 months old (courtesy of bank of Dad). Rode it for 2years then needed a car for work and sold it to a guy in London. Like all, Wish I'd never sold it. Can't remember what I had for breakfast these days but does LUN 274F still exist in the UK ?  Then 12 months ago I came across one and a half GTR's  (US imports) and bought them from a guy in Newcastle with a view to putting together one good one. Even now, there's probably no more than 30 -40 GTRs here in the UK, a similar number to the 30+ imported by Bill Smith , Chester way back in 1968. When I sit on the bike or handle the parts those 45 years disappear. Happy Days.
Brian The Brit
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: bskingus on July 06, 2014, 03:36:17 PM
My Dad was a dealer. Approaching my 14th birthday [legal license age in TN], he told me we could not afford a new bike but I could merge some trade-ins to make a good one. I chose a BS7 Deluxe. I tore it down to restore and painted it gloss black. Got the idea from a competitor Western Auto dealer who had Surfrider brand. Finished it just before my birthday [July] and family vacation to Florida. The morning we left was my birthday and a new '69 blue 100TMX was in the den. They let me ride it down the street and then put me in the car to Florida. We landed on the moon and a dream came true for me that week. He sold the 7. Wish I could track down that bike - it was bullet proof. My Junior High
included the 9th grade [14 yr olds]. We had around 15 Bridgestones that were ridden to school daily. We even had our own separate area where we parked.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Harry on September 15, 2014, 03:33:13 PM
Hi Stoners,  I bought my 67 350 GTR in 1973 as a second "car". The engine was frozen and the entire bike cost me $125.00.  I was the second owner.  It had just 2000+ miles on it.  I still have it today and it's back on the road after 35 years.  I just had a great ride today and really enjoy the bike.  Thanks to all of you who helped me with my restoration questions.  Harry
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Platinum on July 27, 2016, 06:02:14 PM
Mine is a BS50 that I bought off of eBay from s individual in Florida. It's actually in pretty good original condition. I need a key for it and have not taken time to get it running and ride it. My second one is s Sport 60 that is also in pretty nice original condition. Bought it last year at the swap meet at the Barber Motorsports Vintage weekend. It runs well however I need a fuel valve and rear brake shoes for it.
 
 
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: mental on July 28, 2016, 05:56:08 PM
This is my first Bridgestone.   She is a Bridgestone 175 Dual Twin.  I had admired her every time I went to volunteer at the University.  She was part of a static still life display for artists to draw and paint from.  When the art professor was retiring she called me up.  She asked if I wanted the motorcycle.  My question was, "How much?"  Turns out because of my working with her and her need to move it she just gave it to me.  At the time I had not given her a really good look over.  In fact I thought she was a small BSA.  I went in to assess what condition she was in.  To my surprise she was in fairly good shape.  A little oil weeping out the carb cover and a few missing rubbers.  She had a busted brake level and a busted clutch level but the cable were moving and I attributed it owner abuse .  That's when I got to here her story.  Turns out she was delivered to the University back in 1976.  When she was delivered she was sat on the still life stage and that is where she had sat for 40 years.  I was astounded.  She was never prepped for storage but then she never left an air conditioned art studio either.  Tires were flat but everything was like she had just been sitting in a showroom.  I opened the tank and the faint smell of gas filled my nose.  She was a little maintenance away from being ridden.  Not wanting to take chances though I was going to take the restoration slowly.  So I trailer-ed her to her new home and gave her I more thorough once over.  A few more things turned up but nothing completely devastating.  The motor turned and had compression.  I have no keys for her but I found a guy online that helped me get the correct keys.  I made a parts list as well as a list of gaskets to do a tear down and inspection.   Now I sit awaiting parts.  My restoration adventure is just beginning.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: rwgibbon on July 30, 2016, 07:55:14 PM
Mental,

Enjoy your adventure and best of luck
getting the 175 back to life.

Your going to have a great time and feel
a great deal of satisfaction once you have
it running.

Any chance you can post some pictures?

Randy

Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: rwgibbon on July 30, 2016, 07:59:19 PM
Mental,

Are those the pictures you posted of the 175?

If they are you have a good base to start from.
The bike looks great for setting for so long.

Randy
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: AlanJohn on May 27, 2017, 12:24:47 PM
1969 hurricane scrambler in 1971

Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: AlanJohn on May 27, 2017, 12:49:13 PM
My first Bridgestone was a 175 hurricane in 1971 a 1969 model in flamboyant candy red on which l very nearly lost my life l had a very nasty accident with a Lorry which turned right in front of me l had no time to grip the brake lever which saved my life and  threw me over the cab The bike was mangled under the Lorry and written off all the Lorry wheel studs were ripped off l still remember the Lorry
 registration no to this day it was a whiteways cider artic RTA 85H all witnessed by a police car
Always told my grandkids about it and then came the Internet and l bought the blue one pictured in the gallery as a memory it then became addictive and l bought more
Last week l went for a cruise on my hurricane followed by my son on my 350gto doing no more than 28mph into a 30mph zone and a learner driver pulled straight out in front of me my rear wheel poured smoke for 15mtrs and l somehow stopped in 22mrts after going at that terrible side angle when you know your coming off but somehow l managed to control it right now l'am unsure if l will ride it again and may mount it on the wall of my bike room as a ornament that's twice maybe the third would get me all be safe it's dangerous out there
Alan John






Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Kenneth Pagel on September 01, 2017, 01:04:49 PM
'67 used Sport 90 in VGC . Purchased in 1968, I think, with only about 500 miles on it. Bulletproof!
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: rwgibbon on September 01, 2019, 03:19:54 PM
Went from a 1968 Sears 124 5V to a 1968 BS 350 GTR in just three months. There was a big difference. Still don't know how I didn't end up killing myself.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Mike Anderson on September 01, 2019, 05:51:54 PM
Hey Randy,
My first Bridgestone was a 350 also. The kart shop I drove for was a Bridgestone dealer so I always had a new one to ride. Was a lot of fun. Still is.
Later Mike
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: BRT-GTR on September 02, 2019, 06:28:59 AM
         How did any of us survive those years  :o, some didn't  :'( , can distinctly remember a few times when I got''lucky'' or did the GTR come to my aid, 1 time YES. Scares me now to think of it.   iagree, still great fun after a 47 year break.

  ADMIN, Some of the emoji's aren't working. (Cry for one)
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Old BS Guy on September 05, 2019, 12:27:23 PM
1965 90M
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: scott demauex on April 13, 2020, 03:58:58 PM
Which was your first Bridgestone?



Sport 60
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: badpaddler on July 15, 2021, 05:29:25 PM
Just got a 69 100 TMX, and a 66 175DT to work on. Starting with the TMX.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Shakett on May 21, 2022, 05:38:53 PM
My first was a 1968 350 GTR i bought new in 1968.
I am currently doing a complete resroration on a 1970 350 GTR
John H.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: CL-100 on May 22, 2022, 06:25:25 AM
My first Bridgestone was a new 1969 100 GP.  I lived in Florida at the time and the state allowed a 15 yo with a Learner's Permit to operate a motorcycle under 5 brake horsepower during daylight hours.  At that time Honda and Bridgestone actually altered bikes to meet the restriction.  I can remember the bikes having a "5hp" decal on them.  Bridgestone did this by fitting a sleeve inside the rotary cover spigot that limited the amount of fuel that could move into the combustion chamber.  Down the road from me was an older gentleman that repaired motorcycles from his home garage and he removed the sleeve for me.  It was like being on an entirely different bike!
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: OldSwartout on May 23, 2022, 08:10:23 AM
'66 175DT bought new from a Bridgestone/Hodaka shop run by a couple of friends when I was 22. A friend and I later bought the shop and ran it for a couple of years.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: cknight on May 26, 2022, 11:31:54 AM
After riding a classmate's 350 GTR in 1968, I knew I had to get one "someday". Well, someday came four years ago, and after a 2-1/2 rear restoration, I've got one. Worth the wait, very pleased with everything, other than folks saying, "A Bridgestone, guess it's a British bike".
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: jgrulison@yahoo.com on August 16, 2022, 09:23:36 AM
My first Bridgestone was a 1966 175DT (prior to that I had a 150 Honda and a Rabbit 90 scooter (the latter also made by Fuji).  I had it all thru college and rode it my first spring break from Lincoln Nebraska to Denver to Phoenix and back to college thru New Mexico and Kansas.  I still have a 175BT (not my original bike), a 90 Sport and a 1968 350 GTR- all up and running with the 350 actually licensed last year in New York State.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: Keetowah on March 25, 2023, 05:28:17 AM
100 Deluxe was 12 yrs old bought it from my cousin road it off road. Swingarm broke & my buddy had a mini bike frame which we put the motor on
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: mike1948 on March 28, 2023, 03:27:54 AM
Back in the 70s I worked in a Suzuki motorcycle dealership in central Queensland.  On the side they took on Norton, Ducati, and for a while had sold Bridgestones.  I got to ride most models from 90 to 350 - a beautiful bike - but this newly acquired 200 is the first one I've owned.  I did get to race a few, and they were very competitive in sand racing, the 350 could win the 500 class at that time. I'm really looking forward to trying out my 200, we only had the 175s in Australia, so engine parts are scarce.
When this one came up for sale only 15 minutes away, I had to have it.
Mike.
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: TMX_Maverick on March 30, 2023, 11:37:42 AM
Oops... I just skewed the poll results. I didn't realize this was a really old poll, and I already voted and replied to it in 2012.  :P
Title: Re: Poll - Which was your first Bridgestone?
Post by: rwgibbon on April 10, 2023, 03:23:03 PM
My first Bridgestone was a 1967 350 GTR. I was 16. It was my second motorcycle.
The first motorcycle I had was a Sears 124 5V.