Bridgestone Motorcycle Parts Discussion Board

Bridgestone Tech Talk => 350 Talk => Topic started by: moonpup on December 13, 2012, 02:21:34 PM

Title: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on December 13, 2012, 02:21:34 PM
That's right, sometimes talked about but seldom if ever seen !  :o

The 1970 350 GTO in Sequoia Green is Bridgestone's mystery machine. It's there listed as an option on the 1970 factory sales brochure as one of 2 colors being available for the GTO, yet I see no reference to this color anywhere in the parts manual. The side battery covers, for example, only list gold and white.

I wonder how many (if any at all) were produced. The subject of the mysterious Green GTO has been brought up here and there in various threads on the site with not one picture having been offered up as documented proof of their existence.

I dare say, these may be one of the rarest of the rare in the BS line up!  ;D  ::)

Anyway, here's a pic of another bike in the elusive color........
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Bikenstein on December 13, 2012, 06:27:21 PM
A Green 1970 GTO

Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on December 13, 2012, 07:05:51 PM



     ^^^FAIL^^^
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Bikenstein on December 13, 2012, 07:26:52 PM
Spotted in east Alabama :o
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: reed on December 13, 2012, 07:42:09 PM
That's the color i would like on my TMX 100 Bridgestone.
Thanks.
Steve
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on December 13, 2012, 07:59:40 PM
Spotted in east Alabama :o

HaHa, I like that Dave...... who knew you had so much talent!

Now that I've seen your photo-shopped green GTO, I'm really liking it. I may have to keep my parts bike and clone a green one after I finish the gold bike.  ;D
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Bikenstein on December 13, 2012, 08:08:10 PM
I could have done better (bein a master bs member now ::)) but I had to do it in paint. Ya know, I like the green better than the gold :)
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Mopar5426 on December 13, 2012, 08:20:16 PM
When I Retore Cars There Is Always A Fender Tag Which Tells The Factory Color    How Do You Prove The Color On Our Bridgestones  Does Any One Know    GENE
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on December 13, 2012, 11:11:57 PM
When I Retore Cars There Is Always A Fender Tag Which Tells The Factory Color    How Do You Prove The Color On Our Bridgestones  Does Any One Know    GENE

Gene, there's nothing on the bikes that would indicate what color it was from the factory. For some Bridgestones the question is moot as they were available in only one color. All the GTR's for example, up until the 1971 model, were red. That's the only color I've seen on official sales brochures that would have been available for them. Yes, there are a lot of blue GTR's out there, but I've never seen that color listed as an option like the green was listed for the GTO in 1970.

For all the other Bridgestones that had multiple colors as an option, you would need some other kind of documentation to be absolutely certain it was "as delivered". Maybe something like an original sales receipt that happened to list the color or maybe even a photo by the original owner when they brought the bike home. One could even look for original color on the backside of a side cover or possibly under the tank.

I guess the bottom line is, if someone were determined to deceive a potential buyer,  it unfortunately wouldn’t be all that difficult.

Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: coxy on December 14, 2012, 12:36:14 PM
i bought a nos side cover the back side is white
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Mopar5426 on December 14, 2012, 10:56:47 PM
 Thanks  For The Info    I Might Just Have To Paint My Next GTO Green    Is A Cool Color  GENE   
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: scrambler on December 14, 2012, 11:53:25 PM
I have a tank in that color. You can see it in the background of the picture hanging on the wall.

(http://www.scramblercycle.com/uploads/3/8/9/5/3895611/687598_orig.jpg)
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: disc_valve on December 15, 2012, 05:36:31 AM
Here's another Green TMX. I restored this bike back in 1999, so the paintwork has been re-done. Although it came with a knackered engine and no fuel tank, it did have the original Green paint on the oil tank along with several peeling period stickers. As the bike only had 516 miles on the speedo, it must have come in Sequoia Green originally.

My spray shop matched the green from asecond hand tank I bought for it (care of Jim Figgins in Iowa - some of you might know him). This tank had been badly resprayed blue at some time, but fortunately the original Green and Cream paint was still there underneath the blue to provide a colour match and to give size and position of the "BRIDGESTONE" lettering.

I always thought the Sequioa Green was a cracking colour, and there was no question that when I acquired and restord a TMX that it would end up Green.

Now... I wonder what a GTR would look like in that colour scheme?
 
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: paul on December 15, 2012, 10:20:25 AM
is the green on this TMX sequoia green? or is the green on the 100GP in previous posts .sequoia green?
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on December 15, 2012, 10:35:19 AM
Paul..... The bike in the first photo is practically an NOS bike that had something like less that a hundred miles on it with original paint.

Here's the text from the "article" I got the picture from.......

"Sure, we featured a Bridgestone 175 last week…  but hey, this 1970 Bridgestone 100 G/P was too good to pass up!  The seller states that it is brand new, and was never-ridden.  It was apparently a display piece that the former Bridgestone dealer kept for his own collection."

The second bike pictured was a color matched repaint.


So the difference in shade that you see could either be a result of that or just something as simple as photographic lighting differences.

Here's a pic from Bridgestones 1970 Sales brochure. It's a darker shade than the first pic, but who knows how many times this pic has been scanned and copied. However, based on the color of the model's blouse, I'd bet that the color would probably have been darker than the shade showing up in the first photo. ;D
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Bikenstein on December 25, 2012, 12:21:18 PM
Custom paint?
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on December 25, 2012, 01:48:02 PM
That's cool.... where'd you find that?
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Bikenstein on December 25, 2012, 01:59:43 PM
I believe it's on page 7 of the Tuning up for Competition book "Original Bridgestone Bible"
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on December 27, 2012, 02:55:03 PM
Dave... I've been doing a lot of searching on all the Bridgestone sites and the net and everything I've seen to date indicates that this color (sequoia green) wasn't available until the 1970 models came out, so I don't see how there ever could have been a green GTR unless it was a "special order" (if that was even possible) or a repaint.

That said, I still think it's a nice color for the 350's.  ;D
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: scrambler on December 27, 2012, 03:08:05 PM
No idea if this green tank was original to the bike and don't know if it was original paint but it is green.

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/Hahnda/Bridgestone/101_4913.jpg)
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Bikenstein on December 27, 2012, 04:54:25 PM
Scrambler, was there a big hairy guy there with that bike?
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: scrambler on December 28, 2012, 01:26:51 PM
Anything is possible here in Northern WI.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on December 28, 2012, 01:50:30 PM
Be careful Kevin, Dave appears to be obsessed with big hairy guys and tea!  ;D
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Bikenstein on December 28, 2012, 03:39:35 PM
Pay no attention to Mudpup, he spends too much time alone ;) Think I'll go 'ave me a spot uh tea ;D
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Kenneth Pagel on January 23, 2013, 01:05:47 PM
I see the Alabama Bigfoot travels in style! LOL!
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Kenneth Pagel on January 23, 2013, 01:09:55 PM
That green is a sharp color!
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Bikenstein on January 23, 2013, 02:31:30 PM
He's got a dirt bike too

Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: RayK on January 30, 2013, 01:12:10 AM
? Green GTR and Gold GTR on Australian eBay

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BRIDGESTONE-350-GTR-X2-SHED-FIND-RARE-VINTAGE-CLASSIC-MOTORCYCLES-/121059589257?pt=AU_Motorcycles&hash=item1c2fb6bc89 (http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BRIDGESTONE-350-GTR-X2-SHED-FIND-RARE-VINTAGE-CLASSIC-MOTORCYCLES-/121059589257?pt=AU_Motorcycles&hash=item1c2fb6bc89)

Maybe there were green GTRs!!

Ray
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Bikenstein on January 30, 2013, 08:25:44 AM
Good find Ray. That one does look similar to Scrambler's photo
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on January 30, 2013, 08:37:44 AM
I agree nice find for someone over there looking to get their hands on a 350 (or 2!) However, based on the 3 other covers laid out in the parts stash, I'd say somebody liked trying out different paint schemes.

I'd still like to see some kind of official factory documentation that showed something other than red was available for the GTR's.  ???

BTW: neither of the green's in the above pics look anywhere close to sequoia green.  :(
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: scrambler on January 30, 2013, 08:53:20 AM
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v199/Hahnda/Bridgestone%20GTR%20350/gtr.jpg)
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on January 30, 2013, 09:20:39 AM
Hi Kevin. These bikes are pictured as well in the "Tuning up for Competition" manual but were any of these colors or color combo's really available to the public.

Also wondering... were these bikes from the official factory team or are they pics of bikes from an independent factory sponsored team?
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: paul on January 30, 2013, 07:45:51 PM
I suspect the 350 was cobbled up in the race shop as they evaluated the modifications suggested in the book. I have never read of a factory 350 racer.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: reed on February 01, 2013, 09:54:14 PM
Picture of my GTR and you can see it was not red when i first got the motorcycle.
Thanks.
Steve.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Steve S. on February 02, 2013, 11:10:46 AM
Hi Steve,
Do you think that is the same gold used on the GTOs or a different gold?
Thanks.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: paul on February 02, 2013, 04:48:23 PM
The only racer with a speedometer cable
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: reed on February 03, 2013, 05:59:20 PM
Steve S,
No its not the same color, someone had just painted the tank and side covers.
I just put the picture on for a bit of fun that's the Bridgestone i started with.
Thanks.
Steve.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Steve S. on February 04, 2013, 03:10:31 PM
Steve R.
O.K. Gotcha!  I was thinking we finally have evidence that gold GTRs do exist! Lol.
Thanks.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on February 04, 2013, 03:24:58 PM
Steve R.
O.K. Gotcha!  I was thinking we finally have evidence that gold GTRs do exist! Lol.
Thanks.

Steve, gold GTR's did exist, it's just that they were only available for the 1971 models.  ;D  That's the only color they came in that year. It's also the year that the GTO's were switched from gold to white and both had fully painted tanks.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Steve S. on February 05, 2013, 03:14:54 PM
Hi Mike,
Yes, I know about the later model gold GTRs.  I guess I'm looking for a good reason or justification to paint my GTR restoration (1967) the GTO gold.
I realize it would not be correct for the early GTRs, but I can't get that gold out of my mind!
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on February 05, 2013, 03:46:36 PM
I say go for it. If you sell your bike later, it's not like you did something that's hard to undo. It's just cosmetic.



Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Richard Clark BS parts on February 05, 2013, 06:02:20 PM
Steve

I feel this MC collecting thing is a very personal, If you like GOLD I think you should have GOLD.

BTW: I think Gold ones are great looking too!

Richard Clark



Questions? or need Bridgestone parts? call:

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

Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Bikenstein on February 05, 2013, 06:39:01 PM
I'd like to see a GTR with a gold and chrome tank. I think it would look good. Steve, in 1967 it was common to customize your bike to suit your taste so paintin it gold would still be correct for the time period. ;D
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Mike Anderson on February 05, 2013, 07:06:18 PM
I have a gold and chrome GTR that will be assembled shortly in unrestored condition. I will post some photos when I get it put back together. It will look good setting next to my unrestored GTO which is also gold and chrome.
Later Mike
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: reed on February 05, 2013, 08:32:23 PM
On my red tank for my GTR i might have the Welsh Flag painted on the tank!!
Thanks.
Steve.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Mike Anderson on February 05, 2013, 08:47:33 PM
Too Coolllllllllllll
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Mike Anderson on February 05, 2013, 09:01:13 PM
Hey Steve,
Need a crank for your tank?
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on February 05, 2013, 10:33:16 PM
Hey Steve,
Need a crank for your tank?

Well Mike, I'm pretty sure that if he did, he would probably go out of his way to help a fellow member out!  :P
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Steve S. on February 06, 2013, 03:47:55 PM
Thanks for all the feedback guys.  I will admit I was a little gun shy discussing the color change.  I'm still not 100% sure I'm going to go with the gold, but that's defintely the color I am leading towards. 
Heck, I think most of you know I changed the color on my 175HS to candy orange.  So I have been known to do these color changes. LOL.
Does anyone have a paint code for the GTO gold they would be willing to share?  I researched the House Of Kolors website and I think the UK-14 "Spanish Gold" would be a really good match.  This would have to be applied over their BC-02 "Orion Silver" universal base coat.
Let me know.  Thanks again.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: disc_valve on February 07, 2013, 05:56:39 AM
Steve,

If you do paint the Welsh flag on your GTR tank, make sure you check it for Leeks afterwards!!

Graham
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Bikenstein on February 07, 2013, 11:55:55 AM
leeks will give him gas for his tank
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on February 07, 2013, 12:32:00 PM
Does anyone have a paint code for the GTO gold they would be willing to share? 

Steve,

I've seen some posts/info for the GTR red either here or on other Bridgestone sites, but never anything on the GTO gold.

I bought an NOS gold side cover from Richard both because I needed one and also to have something that could be color matched by my painter. I will certainly post the paint code when I have it, but based on my current situation, that could be a while.  :(

Hopefully, someone will fill us in sooner.  ;D
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Steve S. on February 08, 2013, 03:10:56 PM
Yes, I was hoping one of our members here could provide all of us with the paint code for the gold.  I went through all the old posts and the only paint information I could dig up was for the red. 
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on August 15, 2013, 12:15:42 AM
Alas, another little clue has turned up in the search for Sequoia......

Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on September 01, 2013, 02:42:47 PM
All cleaned up & some what de-wrinkled.....   ;D
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Bikenstein on January 31, 2014, 02:21:51 PM
This don't look like a Seekwoya Green to me but he claims it's original paint
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on January 31, 2014, 03:10:34 PM
Well waddya know.... Bikenfoot emerges from his lair and drops a golden egg on us!  ;D

I'm leaning towards more of a 1970 vs 1971 gold. However, what ever color it is, there doesn't appear to be a whole lot applied.  :o
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: slawsonb on January 31, 2014, 06:19:35 PM
The decal on the Golden Egg doesn't look too straight either or maybe I'm just havin' trouble focusin'...
Nice to see the goggles again!...
...bert
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Jeff Bar on January 31, 2014, 06:26:59 PM
I would not believe anything that seller tells, he is a low life who will take your money and ship you junk then yell at you telling you that you are stupid
he screwed me  just look at some of my other post.  I guess i am stupid for ever buying from hi  yes I did get money back from paypal. Jeff Bar
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Jeff Bar on January 31, 2014, 06:30:57 PM
sorry for my rambling on just want to warn everone about him >:( Jeff bar
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: dcr on January 31, 2014, 08:54:37 PM
Bought from him before with no trouble at all. Reasonable price and fast shipping.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on January 31, 2014, 09:00:25 PM
Let's just all agree to be careful with whomever we deal with on eBay and get back to the task of finding Sequoia...  8)
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Jeff McBrayer on February 01, 2014, 08:45:23 AM
Since the subject is back up. Here a message I posted some time back.  And to a point. I never got my money back
as Paul Ross must have pull with Paypal, since he convinced Paypal that since a package was delivered to me. Paypal would
not give my money back.  It did not matter that the item shipped was wrong.  So remember when dealing with Paul Ross
Paypal will not help you.   You guys that have not had trouble, I hope you never do.  I think you will get taken in time.

Here is my old message about this:

I wanted to tell the Bridgestone world not because of the problem as problems do happen, but the response is now the problem
I bought a 350 rear brake cable from Swapmeetman on ebay paid my money he sent me a 175 brake cable not 350 not a real
problem with me I just wanted him to send me the correct one  after many unanswered messages through ebay with no reply I got
his phone number and called him. He was rude and told me that I got want I ordered told me I was stupid and said #^@*# you and hung
up on me.
I am now filling out the paypal dispute forms  I just want everyone to know about this deal

Jeff McBrayer
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on October 06, 2014, 10:35:26 AM
Recently, I decided to put a post up on Facebook's Bridgestone page inquiring if anyone there had ever seen or had pic's of a true factory produced green GTO. Sadly, no pic's have turned up yet but one nice gentleman provided the following information....

"Mike, this was long ago. I am deep in Bridgestone history, maybe better than Jim Trader...lol. Two 350's were ordered by my old dealership friend in Bellefontaine, Ohio back in 1970. they never sold, deep emerald green, I remember the pair for year's, even rode one. That was a color option and my friend Barney ordered them, as I remember it described as " Forest Green "....the rummor was the color was intended for the 500 GTR which,
saddly never made real production."

There IS hope!  ;D

Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: slawsonb on October 06, 2014, 11:19:33 AM
Wow! Another of your grails solved!...A real account of a Sequoia sighting! How cool is that...you are the supreme motorcycle archeologist, Moonpup. Nice.
...bert
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on October 06, 2014, 11:22:05 AM
Wow! Another of your grails solved!...A real account of a Sequoia sighting! How cool is that...you are the supreme motorcycle archeologist, Moonpup. Nice.
...bert

A bit over the top don't ya think... hahaha  ;D
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on November 22, 2014, 02:23:08 PM
Sequoia green tank on a GTR?  Hummmmm.......
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on January 19, 2015, 10:42:20 PM
OH NO... was watching Pawn Stars the other day and someone had brought in a green Harley chopper to sell.

Of course, they brought in their "expert" to check it out and amongst other observations by him, he pointed out the "fact" that the color green was considered bad luck by a lot of motorcyclists!

Anybody else ever heard that? Maybe that's why I can't find any green GTO's!  :o  ;D
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: coxy on January 20, 2015, 03:26:39 AM
mike that answers the story of my life I have to wear green and yellow all the time .I cant win a trick maybe I will win the reverse lotto next year .a audit !
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: slawsonb on January 20, 2015, 09:46:42 AM
Round here they call the "expert's" opinion baloney!  ::) ;D ::)
...bert
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on February 08, 2015, 11:42:10 PM
Wow, looks like there's 5 350 GTO's all lined up in a row on this neat old dealer postcard and the last one on the left looks like it might actually be a sequoia green model!  :o

You can easily see the 4 gold GTO's towards the left end of the row of bridgestones but that last one on the left definitely ain't red.  ;D

This may be the first "period" sighting of one of the green GTO's and it's at a dealership!

Currently on eBay.....

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1960s-Bridgestone-BSA-OSSA-Motorcycle-Dealer-Bridgeton-NJ-Advertising-Postcard-/351305211969?pt=Postcards_US&hash=item51cb6c2041#ht_329wt_1161 (http://www.ebay.com/itm/1960s-Bridgestone-BSA-OSSA-Motorcycle-Dealer-Bridgeton-NJ-Advertising-Postcard-/351305211969?pt=Postcards_US&hash=item51cb6c2041#ht_329wt_1161)
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: dcr on February 09, 2015, 09:16:27 AM
A bit off topic Moonpup, but I have a 100 Sport from this place. I made a comment somewhere on another thread on how I came upon this bike and the conversation I had with the seller and a few of his friends regarding where my bike originated.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on February 09, 2015, 09:35:45 AM
That's cool dcr, this place looks like it probably sold quite a few "stones" back in the day.  8)

I'm still somewhat amazed to see so many GTO's lined up for display and not a single GTR in the bunch. 

Oh well... they must have sold out all the GTR's and just had these "fake dirtbikes" left that nobody wanted!   ;D ;) ;D
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: paul on February 09, 2015, 09:00:27 PM
Are we sure the last ones a BS? Wish we had a clearer shot.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on February 09, 2015, 10:42:40 PM
Are we sure the last ones a BS? Wish we had a clearer shot.

Yes, a clearer shot would sure be nice Paul, but it's the best guess I have using a picture of a picture on a postcard.

For me, it's all 5 headlights lining up at the same height, all the front fenders the same length and it looks to have the same tapered "bullet" shape  at the front end of the gas tank. Also, the fact that all the other bikes lined up on that side are Bridgestones, it seems unlikely that they'd stick something else there. (well besides the dune buggy... hahaha)

Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: BRT-GTR on February 10, 2015, 09:19:09 AM
Mike,
         It took me a little while to home in on it but that patch of tank colour to the top left of the headlight on next bike definitely has a dark green tinge to it, even to my old eyes.
   The fact there are no GTRs in the line up and the other four GTOs have the chrome/gold tanks would suggest the photo was taken early 1970, As far as I know, no GTRs were produced in the first batch of Rockford 350s(built late 69/early70). I'm sure someone will come back to say yes they did !! ;D
     I'm not too familiar with the smaller BS models. Is the bike to the top right of the post card a BS , is that sequoa green?.
 Brian.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on February 10, 2015, 09:32:54 AM
.....snip.....
I'm not too familiar with the smaller BS models. Is the bike to the top right of the post card a BS , is that sequoa green?.
 Brian.

To answer both of your questions Brian, yes & yes.

While my eyes also see a green tint on the last GTO, that could just be me looking at it through "rose colored glasses" and seeing what I want to see.  :o

I'm still also trying to figure out what's going on with the red bike that's second from the end on the right. It looks like it's a 175 but it appears to have both a seperate speedo & tach mounted and the casings painted to match the rest of the bike.

Was the dealer adding bits and doing custom paint jobs? Was the GTO also a custom paint job? Who knows, but I'd like to think......
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: BRT-GTR on February 10, 2015, 11:32:31 AM
Thanks Mike,
        That would be ''grass coloured glasses''  :D ;D :D but I don't believe you are looking through them.  Do you know when the green colour option was introduced, on any BS model?.
 Put yourself in the BS dealers position, a big move to trail (Fake or otherwise) biking at that time in the US, Rockfords develop the GTO to meet it, lets order 4 gold ones and maybe a green one to see how they sell. The gold option would be more attractive to younger buyers.  I think you've tracked down a genuine sequoa GTO, if only a glimpse but that's Bigfoot for you.
 
 You could be right with the twin clocks on the 175, again a big selling point at that time.        Brian
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: OldSwartout on February 10, 2015, 05:21:22 PM
To further the discussion, it looks to me like the second to last bike has the stance of a 350 (taller than the gold 175/200 directly behind it), twin gages, the pipes are splayed further apart than a 175 and the cylinder/head shape is 350.  However, it looks like it has a tank badge like a 175 (maybe it's a reflection?).
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on February 10, 2015, 05:39:05 PM
To further the discussion, it looks to me like the second to last bike has the stance of a 350 (taller than the gold 175/200 directly behind it), twin gages, the pipes are splayed further apart than a 175 and the cylinder/head shape is 350.  However, it looks like it has a tank badge like a 175 (maybe it's a reflection?).

Hey Karl, that bike had me a bit confused and I blame it on that darn tank badge!  :D I went with a 175 w/added gauges because of it, but you my be right on it being a GTR.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: slawsonb on February 10, 2015, 05:48:41 PM
The front fender also appears longer (a la GTR).
...bert
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on February 10, 2015, 05:54:48 PM
.... and now that I look closer, the taillight also has the shape of a 350.  ::)
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: paul on February 10, 2015, 09:24:12 PM
are we sure the second from right is a BS? Could it be another two-stroke with a tank badge? Has anyone ever seen a BS175 with dual instruments that looked this "professional". And is the last bike on the right , a BS? It has exposed spring shocks.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: slawsonb on February 10, 2015, 09:44:12 PM
The only thing I have really concluded from this discussion is that you guys have much better vision than I do! (or maybe better imaginations)...lol
...bert
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: BRT-GTR on February 11, 2015, 05:51:14 PM
Second bike from the right, the twin clocks have distinct silver top rims and a silver base mount.  Is it a Suzuki T500 Cobra, the clocks look right and sit high above the headlamp. Also has a circular Suzuki 'S' badge in the right place on the tank and the tank shape/knee grips seem to match. Not 100% sure about the downpipes/engine fins though.
     Brian.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: CL-100 on February 11, 2015, 06:54:57 PM
I thought those gauges looked familiar.  I think Bryan might be right about it being a Suzuki. Here's a pic of a 305 I used to own.

Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on February 11, 2015, 07:20:25 PM
Good job guys!

I see now that the 2 bikes at the end on the right side seem to be set further apart from the Bridgestones that are spaced in a tighter group. So much for me thinking they were all stones.

Oh well, my eyes were tired from the constant fight to get them unglued from the other end!  ;D
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: CL-100 on February 11, 2015, 07:46:45 PM
If those bikes are new, the Suzuki would be a 1968. The 305's were made in '68 and '69. Turn signals were optional in '68 but standard in '69.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: CL-100 on February 11, 2015, 07:58:29 PM
On second thought maybe those two bikes on the end are used, perhaps trade-ins, which might explain why they're separate from the Bridgestones.  If the Bridgestones are gold would that make them 1970's?
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Mopar392 on February 11, 2015, 08:31:49 PM
CL-100,

Your Suzuki 305 is a nice bike and fast...Thanks

Lee
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: CL-100 on February 11, 2015, 08:40:09 PM
Thanks. It is fast and is a smaller bike that handles well. 6 speed transmission and the best drum brakes of any bike I've ever had.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: slawsonb on February 11, 2015, 09:14:37 PM
My other bikes have been disc brake types, but I have always been impressed by the braking performance of a GTR. If you have the stones (pun intended) to grab a total handfull and footfull (is that a word?) a GTR will make your nose bleed. So since its very competitive with the disc bikes I've had, I'm surprised that the Suzuki would be better, I don't doubt the comparison since you've owned both. Guess it depends on how hard you grab/push and how progressive the brakes are, etc. Vely Intelestink! Always learning something on here. Thanks Roland.
...bert
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: BRT-GTR on February 11, 2015, 10:30:14 PM
     The downpipes on the 305 Suzuki do look a better match to the post card. The side fin shape on the head is very similar to the BS 350 as Karl pointed out above. What model name was the 305, not sure if we got those here in the UK.

     The GTRs brakes and handling once saved me from a very embarrassing situation.  When I marshalled at Oulton Park racetrack, we would sneak a few laps in when returning to the pits for lunch. I once came up out of a dip (Deer Leap) at high speed to find to find all the others had been stopped on the track right in front of me and a grand stand.... Oh S*^t !!!,.... I stood on the brakes for all I was worth and locked everything up, she snaked but stayed upright, just, and I stopped inches behind the others. I can still imagine the cheer I would have got had I thrown it up the track. Phew !! ::) ::)

   Brian
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: CL-100 on February 12, 2015, 07:36:48 AM
Suzuki made two versions of the 305.  The low pipe version was called the "Raider" and the scrambler (high pipe) version was the "Laredo".  As far as the drum brakes go on the Suzuki, in my experience they have no equal.  It is a physically much smaller bike than a GTR or GTO.  I still like my Bridgestones better though.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: BRT-GTR on February 12, 2015, 05:46:02 PM
Roland,
  Thanks for model names, don't remember those at all and found this   southwalessectionvmcc.co.uk/Library/Bike reports/Suzuki/Suzuki T305/Suzuki T305.htm (http://southwalessectionvmcc.co.uk/Library/Bike reports/Suzuki/Suzuki T305/Suzuki T305.htm)  which confirms they were not generally available in the UK.  Also confirms the good braking you mention.  You are reprieved on this forum by your final statement   :D ;D :D
     Am now 99% sure second bike from right is a 305 Suzuki, the splay on the downpipes look right..
  Brian.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: dcr on February 19, 2015, 03:55:01 PM
I bought the Ebay item since I have a bike from that place. Figured they would go well together. I scanned it on a digital scanner and enlarged it, but it is still not very clear when enlarged. I emailed a copy to Moonpup and he agreed it was too grainy when enlarged.

The seller picked it up at a flea market in upstate Pennsylvania.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: slawsonb on February 19, 2015, 09:08:47 PM
You might try taking a hi res photo of the postcard (I think thats the item). That might work better than scanning depending on your scanner's resolution. If you have a tripod that will help with capturing the image allowing you to get the framing and focus right before snapping.
...bert
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: OldSwartout on February 20, 2015, 08:57:54 AM
Photography makes very good copies of old B&W photos, also.   

Another tip; when scanning a print item like a newspaper or postcard, set the software to "descreen". You'll find it under image adjustments somewhere.  That makes a significant difference in the results. Of course, if the original isn't clear, there isn't much you can do.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on March 15, 2015, 10:12:25 AM
Thought I’d toss out one more thought and delve into a bit of speculation based the new GTO’s pictured on this great postcard.

First off, here we have a a fairly large dealership carrying the Bridgestone line, unlike a lot of the bikes being sold through smaller shops that might carry one or two at a time. With GTR production halted to introduce and promote the “New for 1970” GTO’s, this dealer got his hands on 5 of these, with one that appears to be a Sequoia green model.  That’s 1 out of 5 or 20% of his GTO order in the Sequoia color.

This is the point where the speculation begins.  ;D  Now, knowing that the production numbers for the 1970 GTOs are estimated to be 1000 units and if we go with the 20% figure, that means that AT BEST, Bridgestone might have made 200 Sequoia green GTOs. However, I’m pretty sure that since most of the smaller shops were probably unable to afford inventorying a wide selection of the different models, if they did carry a GTO, it was more likely the gold model which would mean even smaller numbers for the green bikes. No wonder these things are so hard to find!
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: BRT-GTR on March 17, 2015, 11:38:50 AM
Mike.
         Thinking about the green production numbers from a different angle. If we accept there were about 500 white GTOs made, many of which are now owned by forum members, I believe the number of green GTOs could not have been as high as 200 (mores the pity) otherwise, surely, there would still be many more about. Based on the number of 350 green'uns we know about (almost zero), the number produced could be as low as 10 or 20. Maybe a trial batch for Rockfords, who would have specified the colours and numbers they wanted.

   In our, lets say 'more mature' eyes, it is an appealing, attractive colour but would it have sold to younger buyers in the early 70s. I probably wouldn't have gone for a green one as an alternative to the gold in those days (not that I had the option :'( :'( :(.
  Keep searching Mike, they're out there somewhere.

 Brian.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on March 17, 2015, 12:17:31 PM

....snip...  Maybe a trial batch for Rockfords, who would have specified the colours and numbers they wanted. ....snip....

 

That sounds about right Brian, it's as good a theory as any I could come up with!

All I know, is that after several years of trying to document an actual example, I've only gotten 1 testimonial from a BS Facebook member of two bikes he saw back in the day and a possible sighting on a vintage postcard. It's been like trying to find the Lost Dutchman's Gold Mine or worse yet, a green Easter egg in the Amazon! ;D

Oh well, I'm having fun and it keeps me entertained.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: BRT-GTR on March 18, 2015, 09:24:50 AM
Quote
Oh well, I'm having fun and it keeps me entertained.
   Mike, That's what it's all about, Good hunting,   Brian.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on May 26, 2015, 11:13:38 PM
When pictures are added to listings in the classifieds and they are too large, the result alters the colors and can be disappointing.

Not the case with Steve S's beautiful GTR he recently listed..... I kinda like the result!   ;D
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: slawsonb on May 27, 2015, 11:38:35 AM
if it were only so!  ::)
...bert
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Mopar392 on May 27, 2015, 12:09:39 PM
Nice Job DM, it almost portrays an optical illusion of days gone by.  ;D
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on June 11, 2019, 03:34:48 PM
If there ever was a 1971 Sequoia green GTR.... it might've looked like this.
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: Jeff Bar on June 11, 2019, 05:35:51 PM
Yes, it might have. Looks great, thanks for posting it Pup.  Jeff Bar
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on June 30, 2019, 01:04:40 PM
Might have to get me a set of these grips if I ever find Sequoia.... hahaha

http://yahoo.aleado.com/lot?auctionID=x580392561
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: BRT-GTR on July 01, 2019, 05:44:12 AM
            Buy them, get them framed and hang them on the wall. Might be the closest you ever get to a sequoia. You'd kick yourself if you missed these and then found the elusive beast   >:( :o
            On the other hand they may be for a BS cycle not a motorcycle but who's going to know.
        Go for it, you know you want to.................. banana
Title: Re: Sequoia... Bridgestone's Very Own Bigfoot
Post by: moonpup on July 01, 2019, 09:08:21 AM
Them's some mighty strong words of advice that I just might have to take you up on!  ;D ;D ;D