1968 Bridgestone GTR Pictures
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A stunning 1968 Bridgestone GTR on display at the 2013 Bristol Classic Bike Show. I spoke briefly to the owner to congratulate him on such a great restoration. The bike had only just been completed in time for the show, with a predictable struggle to find parts etc.
I’m the owner of the above 1968 Bridgestone 350 GTR and thank you for posting the photos and for your comments.
The GTR was the only Bridgestone at the show, it’s a total nut and bolt restoration and 99.9% original and cost a small fortune with all the parts needed coming from the U.S.A., regretably Bridgestone no longer produce a classic tyre to fit this bike so I used Avons.
Speaking to many of the enthusiasts who attended the show it came as no surprise that the majority never knew Bridgestone actually manufactured motorcycles and most of those that did never having seen one.
Bridgestone was seen by the ‘big four’ as a serious threat and by buying their tyres they were actually putting money into a competitor. Production ceased in 1971 when under pressure from the ‘big four’ they were persuaded to concentrate solely on tyre production.
A favorite among respected restorers and members of the public at the show to pick up some kind of award we were quite surprised when it got nothing, we could only conclude that the judges on the day were not familiar with the marque.
All the best
Lee
Following the Bristol 2013 show the GTR was exhibited at a further seven classic bike shows and won an award at every single one.
Stafford (Oct) is known as the biggest and best classic bike show in Europe where the best of the best machines are on show, the GTR came second in the best of the sixties group.
Having done so many shows word was put about that the bike could be for sale, it was quickly snapped up by a collector.
I bought a 350GT new in 1969. It was really expensive but it was so beautiful I couldn’t resist. I had previously owned a number of bikes but mostly rode a 750 Royal Enfield which was fast and powerful but also kind of big and dumb. The GTR was a thoroughbred. Light, supple and quick. It had amazing power. In good tune it would do 110 MPH in the quarter. Visually it was the motorcycle version of that small,gorgeous, slender girl you once knew and loved. But here’s the good part: I rode that puppy from Chicago to San Francisco, to LA and back with numerous side trips through what was then hippy America. Had my backpack, sleeping bag and tent on the luggage rack and I lived well and free. The little rascal ran like a swiss watch the whole way. I cruised at 75 MPH all day through the boring places like Nebraska and when I hit the mountains she threaded through the canyons like she was on rails. An amazing machine which brought me great happiness.RIP Bridgestone 350GTR.
hello iam french canadien and i speak a litel beet in anglis .
J’ai eu deux moto Bridgestone une de 175 cc et une de 350 cc et j’ai adoré ces moto .avec L’âge ( 67 ans ) j’y pense encore à ces bolide du temps . merci de pouvoir voir ces photos
ITS BEATIFUL wow
Hi Rejean, thanks for the positive comments.
In 2014/15 I restored a second GTR that won ‘Best Japanese Bike’ at Stafford Oct 15. This is the biggest classic bike show in Europe where only the best of the best are displayed.
You can view all my classic Japanese motorcycle restorations on my website
http://www.angelfire.com/retro/roadster/index.html
Lee Doxey