CHROME OR NO CHROME ON A GTR OR GTO FUEL TANK.

[reed]

Fuel tank.
I use to like just one color on a GTR tank and no chrome.
But i have to tell you, i have change my mind, i have come
Around to the chrome tank you are right it looks better.
So i will keep the chrome tank on my GTR anyway let
Me know what you think.
Thanks.
Steve.

[Bikenstein]

Personally, I think you made the right decision. I think Bridgestone got it best the first time, chrome and red. The odd shaped tank just looks strange any other way to all of us who owned one of the red/chrome bikes. Of course the same is probably true of those who had painted tank bikes. I think it was a good move not to adorn the tank with emblems or logo decals, giving it a factory custom look. The whole style of the bike and it's name along with the custom tank look confused many of the country of manufacture and still does. The distribution through Rockford Motors even made many believe it was an American made bike. I can't help to think it was a ploy by Mr. Ishibashi to somewhat conceal it's Japanese origin to better gain a foothold in the USA, British and other markets. At any rate, I love the original tank though I'm not opposed to customizing any bike. For some reason I just can't see the GTR any other way than basically stock factory finished.

[Mopar5426]

 Always Thought The Painted Tanks Were When Rockford Took Over It Was Cheeper And Most Were Crome Under The Paint     I Know When I Was A Kid That Candy Apple Red & Crome Was The Greatest    GENE

[Skinny]

Steve,
I agree with you on the liking chrome. My local BS dealer
(in 1970) rode a GTR - of course it was candy red and chrome.
His name was Paul Degray. He sold BS, BMW and Norton.
I was impressed that he seemed to prefer the BS for his
rider.
In my nostalgic, living in the past fogged mind, GTR's need
To be candy red and chrome.
Lonnie

[Bikenstein]

Always Thought The Painted Tanks Were When Rockford Took Over It Was Cheeper And Most Were Crome Under The Paint     I Know When I Was A Kid That Candy Apple Red & Crome Was The Greatest    GENE

I know that exports of Bridgestones to the US began in 1963 through Rockford Scooter Co. It was later renamed Rockford Motors. I am not sure if it was renamed before or after the GTR came out. It would seem to me they would have renamed it before the GTR or even the 175 because these bikes wouldn't be classed as scooters. Bridgestone stopped production in 69. Comments anybody?

[moonpup]

"Bridgestone stopped production in 69. Comments anybody?"

They may have stopped production of the Red & Chrome GTR in 69, but they were still making 350's up until March of 71.  

Source info here.......

http://bridgestonemotorcycleparts.com/index.php?topic=152.0

[Bikenstein]

Rockford Motors bought the rights in 69 and partnered with Tanaka Toyogo Ltd. in Japan to produce Takas, Toras, and Chibis. Does anyone really know if they actually manufactured the rest of the line there? Or were they just selling a surplus of Bridgestone manufactured bikes?

[paul]

Richard or Kotaro might know. I suspect Tanaka Toyogo assembled the bikes,possibly welded up the frames, etc. I think Tanaka built simple pipe frame -lawn mower engine minibikes before the Rockford deal. Tanaka  Probably used the Bridgestone engines that were left over at first for  the Tora, Chibi and Taka.