Posted by Polar Pilot on August 10, 2000 at 15:33:54:
In Reply to: Re: Bridgestone 175 posted by Hogryder on August 09, 2000 at 15:14:43:
Bridgestone made a lot more than just those three engine sizes - they had a 350 cc screamer with a rotary drum shifter - you just kept shifting up or down 1-2-3-4-5-6-1-2-3-4-5 etc.
They also had a a very interesting carburation system using rotary valves on the ends of the crankshaft instead of the normal porting for a 2 stroke of down through the cylinder barrel . With their carb positioning the engines wound up rather wide for the engine size.
Bridgestone in Western Canada at least had a rather exoctic reputation - the bikes were strong fast and good looking. Unfortunately like Hodaka and Marushu ( Lilac) and a few other Japanesse brands corporate decisions in Japan meant the demise of the marquis.
I agree that the bike is only worth a hundred bucks - running or not and parts - whooeee - I think that they stopped manufacturing in about 1972 so 28 years have passed - and the brand wasn't very common - soooooo a wonderful project - but don't decide that an old Bridgestone is your bike of choice for daily riding. It is to be expected that even the spark plugs will be obsolete and difficult to find - exoctic stuff like the rotary valves - well = that is the joy of a project!
Keep the rubber side down
Polar Pilot