Bridgestone "Checker" ?

[Richw]

Hi ,this is my first post ,apart from my intro.I'm about to start restoring a 200SS MK2,but I'm after a bit more information,namely what's with the Checks on the decals and lack of chrome on the tank?.Was this model an economy model,or just a short run?.
As you all will know Bridgestones are something of a rareity in the UK,so I'm hoping to find out more about it via the forum.The bike itself is fairly complete.The right hand pipe and the chrome exhaust guards are the main  parts missing,and I expect these will take some finding,though I did find a pair of pipes on this ebay link http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/400218143762?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649,(item number 400218143762  if the link doesn't work) but the bloke's not too keen to ship to the UK,anybody near Belfast.Maine ?.
Anyway here's a picture or two of the bike,coments and advice will be very gratefully received

[moonpup]

Welcome to the site Richw. 

I'm sure someone here will be able to help you with the parts you're seeking.

Your bike is a 1971 model and as such, has the solid painted tank with decals and the grab handle behind the seat that the earlier bikes didn't have. It's not an "economy model" but probably fits more in the "short run" category if anything, as 1971 was the last year of the Bridgestones here in the U.S.

[slawsonb]

Nice Bike Richw...!!! It'll look like new in no time. This site is awesome for all things BS. Good for moral support, too...
Enjoy...
...bert

[Richw]

Thanks for the quick replies chaps,I may well need some moral support .I've rebuild quite a few bikes over the years,but never a disc valve,never a bike that wasn't imported into the UK and never a Bridgestone,which is sort of why I wanted to do one.
I did wonder if the checker was as it was to save money on badges and chrome if production was coming to an end at Bridgestone ?.
As I get stuck into it I'll post some restoration pictures,and no doubt plenty of pleas for help,I think the exhausts are going to pose a problem.

[disc_valve]

Hi, Richw,

Don't despair about the exhausts. They are identical to the chrome ones on the 175 Hurricane Scrambler and all earlier model BS200s, except that they were painted instead of being chromed  (my guess is that that was done to cut manufacturing costs). Scrambler pipes are, I believe, a bit harder to find than normal low pipes but you shoudl be able to track down a used set that can be restored without the expense of preparation and re-chroming.

Good luck!

Graham Weeks 

[Richw]

Thanks for that Graham ,signing up on the forum is paying off already .So the 175 pipes and the low pipe RS fit too.Are the175 pipes the same diameter then? and would they have the same mounts for the heat guards ?,if so I guess I could dechrome a 175 pipe and job done.

[disc_valve]

Hi, again,

Yes, the header pipes, mufflers, inner pipes and all the shields are interchangeable between the 175 and the 200. If you check out the 175 and 200 parts book, you'll see that all the exhaust part numbers are the same for both bikes, apart from the black finish mufflers on the late 200. Find a good, undented set of 175 Hurricane exhausts and you're sorted.

Glad to be of help,

Graham

[ddog71]

Looks like mine except mine has the heat shields. Now I just need a "workshop" to work on my 5 Bridgestones.!!   Tim

[ddog71]

 The front muffler protector on the Bridgestone 90 & 100 is the same P/N (6332-3210) as for the Bridgestone 175/200. The part number for the rear protector on the 90 & 100 is the same P/N (6333-5010) as for the 175/200. Additionally, the part number for the muffler "rubber joint" or "muffler joint rubber" is the same P/N (6362-5000) as for the 175/200.....  Tim

[Richw]

All good info,thanks.I would think in a month or two I should be in a postion to make a starts on the 200SS,I've got to finish a Honda SS125 first though