Rockford Motors was the American importer for Bridgestone, but when the Japanese firm stopped selling bikes in 1971, Rockford had a bit of an issue. They made a deal with Bridgestone to take over manufacturing rights for the 3 smallest bikes – two 60cc models called the Tora and the Chibi, as well as the 100cc Taka you see in front of you here.
The Taka obviously used Bridgestone’s rotary valve induction 100cc motor, paired with a 4-speed transmission. Production lasted until 1975, when Rockford shut down their motorcycle production experiment. This example (VIN: C46814248) has seen better days cosmetically but it’s said to run great and these don’t come up very often. The odometer shows 1,244 miles and the sale includes the original title. I’ve featured a prettier one before but that seller was asking for $10k…
Find this Taka for sale in Madison, Wisconsin with a BIN of $2,499 or best offer here on eBay.
Following up on the Bridgestone Hurricane also available today, it seems appropriate to mention Rockford Motors. They were the American importer for Bridgestone, but when the Japanese firm stopped selling bikes in 1971, Rockford had a bit of an issue. They made a deal with Bridgestone to take over manufacturing…
Post Sale Update: This Tora sold for $3,000 after 20 bids on eBay - but it keeps getting relisted... Rockford Motors of Rockford, Illinois was the final chapter of the Bridgestone Cycle Company, which eventually morphed into today's Bridgestone Corporation, the well-known tire manufacturer. The history we're concerned with began…
Rockford Motors was the American importer for the wonderful Bridgestone motorcycles that occasionally dotted US roads. In '71, Bridgestone stopped selling bikes, leaving Rockford with a bit of a hole in their product portfolio. They decided to take over manufacturing rights for the tiniest Bridgestones, specifically the 100cc "Taka" and…
