In the 60s, Bridgestone was making some of the best motorcycles in Japan. However, their tire manufacturing brought in much more money, and the ‘folk tale’ is that the big 4 in Japan told Bridgestone that they’d stop using BS tires if motorcycle production continued. Truthfully, Bridgestones were just expensive and didn’t have a great dealer network. Still, it’s a good story! For more detail into the Bridgestone story, check out this write-up by Graham Weeks.
Here’s a couple of bikes at the smaller end of Bridgestone’s range.
First we’ve got a 1968 Home 50, a step-through scooter that has just 2,800 and looks to be in fantastic original shape. It placed third in the vintage motorcycle category at the Forest Grove Concourse, and it runs ‘perfectly’. Find it here on Craigslist in Portland, Oregon for $1,750.
If a step-through ain’t your style, and you’re willing to put in a little bit of work, we’ve also got a Bridgestone Surfrider Deluxe – the Deluxe signified that you got 12V electrics and an electric starter. This Surfrider (VIN: KB099486) is all original but will need some work, as it only has run on starter fluid for a few seconds at the moment. It also unfortunately has a salvage title, but if you’ve been looking for a Surfrider, you won’t find many options out there. Find it for sale in Kerrville, Texas with an opening bid of $375
This bike-uriousity brought to you by Bob K!