Bridgestone Motorcycle Parts Discussion Board

General Category => Members: Introduce yourself => Topic started by: noj on February 05, 2019, 05:11:02 AM

Title: New Member in UK
Post by: noj on February 05, 2019, 05:11:02 AM
Hi, my name is John, I have just acquired a BS 90 Sport and a TMX 100, both complete and low miles with their original (but perished ! ) Bridgestone tyres on and the 90 came with a never opened tool kit ! I'm not going to restore them, just get them up and running in original condition, I am missing  2 vital parts though, that is the carb cap rubber (same on both) and the TMX air box rubber, being a retired engineer I can make the connecting tubes, so that's not a problem
I have sent Richard an e-mail about these parts over a week ago but haven't had a reply, is he away ?
I have always wanted a Bridgestone as they are a rare sight in the UK, and when you talk to 99%, or more, of bikers in the UK they are not aware Bridgestone used to make bikes ! and these will go nicely with my '66 Hodaka Ace 90 (that nobody over here apart from real enthusiasts have heard of!) and a '64 Kawasaki B8s
Thanks
Title: Re: New Member in UK
Post by: steve on February 05, 2019, 01:20:36 PM
Hi John and welcome, I'm sure you'll find this a really useful site to help with your new acquisitions. Whereabouts in the UK are you based? I'm in south Bucks...there's a few others on here also, but we're pretty spread out.

Apart from your Bridgestones, it's also unusual to hear of anyone else in the UK who owns a Kawasaki B8...I have a '66 B8T

Cheers,
Steve
Title: Re: New Member in UK
Post by: noj on February 05, 2019, 02:41:15 PM
Hi Steve, I'm in Chesterfield, that's an excellent B8, I have a '65 B8s that is unrestored but looks 3 yrs old, had to get the speedo restored though as the "idiot light" tubes had collapsed, and replace the original "ohutsu" tyres (which I've kept) also took me a while to figure out how the forks came apart to do the fork seals  :)
The '64 B8s I'm currently doing the engine top end as it had seized, and sorting a few bits out on it, it is badged as an "Omega", has the chrome front mudguard, but isn't plated as "Ken-Kay" ? it is missing the fully enclosed chain guard and half of the carb cover !  I then have another B8 (rough) that is plated as Ken-Kay, with a brass plate frame tag, as per yours, but my 150 is just stamped on the headstock, so i'm a bit confused ! did they only do the 125 as Omega or the 150 B8s as well ? but you don't know what's happened over 50 previous years, maybe someone just replaced the tank, ? weirdest thing is all these 3 bikes were bought at separate times from different places and the ignition No's are 3 consecutive No's !!
Would be good to talk to you
Cheers John
Title: Re: New Member in UK
Post by: steve on February 12, 2019, 03:40:57 AM
Hi John,
Three B8s...you are a glutton for punishment! I finished restoring mine over 5 years ago and finding parts was hard going...took a good 4 years overall I think. I've noticed however that a few more have been coming onto the market in the past couple of years along with more parts, so hopefully, it will be a little easier for you, assuming you will be restoring both bikes. Your original B8S example sounds great.
In answer to your question, I'm not sure if any of the 150s were Omega badged as well, like you, I am only aware of the 125s. The little brass ID plate on mine is Kawasaki and not one of the Ken Kay bikes. I've kept the original Ohtsu tyres on the bike, only because I don't ride it.
If you want to send me any pictures, my email is tommo903@yahoo.co.uk. I have a few spares left, one or two of which you may find useful.

Steve
Title: Re: New Member in UK
Post by: rwgibbon on February 12, 2019, 06:59:39 AM
John,

Richard, because of his different businesses may take a little while before
he contacts you. But he is probably your best source for the rubber parts
you are looking for.

Welcome to the group.

Randy
Title: another new member
Post by: anotheroldtrailrider on February 16, 2019, 12:42:42 PM
Hi - Art Astle from Claremore, OK, USA here - I've been riding since childhood (I'm 75) and riding remains my primary entertainment, on and off road.  I was a Suzuki / Can Am / Vespa dealer in Kansas in the 70's and I've collected several really fun vintage bikes in addition to the modern stuff and just added a Mach II RS to the shop.  It'll need a lot of attention but I have a very nicely equipped machine shop focused specifically on bikes.  I've never owned a Bridgestone - they were the competition when I was working my way through school at the local Honda dealer, so I have a lot to learn.  It's nice to find a group with similar interests...