1969 Bridgestone 350 GTR...worth it?

[Muddy Beast]

So my dads friend (who happens to by my friends dad) picked up a Ducatti recently, and it encouraged my dad to finish the rebuild on his Kawasaki 900 ('80s something bike I believe, maybe later '70s)...this got me thinking, what about the other bikes we have. So I have permission to rebuild the '69 Bridgestone 350 GTR we have (well, actually we have two) but I'd like to get opinions of those of you who know stuff about bikes, is it worth it?

The catch is, although we have two bikes, the condition as far as rebuilding and what needs to be done to get them running/pretty again is unknown. They've been covered all their life but sitting for 20+ years. If those of you in the know with the motorcycle world think its a worth bike of a rebuild, I'll probably just rebuild this bike rather than buying a sport bike for myself sooner(as you may remember I wanted to buy one this winter, till the whole flop thing).

~Scott

 

[CherBear]

Sexy bike. I approve.

 

[Muddy Beast]

FYI, That picture is not one of MY Bridgestone, it's just one I found on the internet. It would take a lot of work to make mine look like that I think.

~Scott

 

[kujito]

I say go for it. Def. a secksie machine.

 

[Shorty]

any time you can freshen up a classic and do it yourself, it's worth it. If it's your blood, sweat, and tears on the bike, you'll enjoy every aspect of riding it more than if you just buy a complete bike. Half of the fun is knowing every nut and bolt works because you put it there (sort of like building a rig vs. buying someone else's) Just take your time and remember that shortcuts can kill you-- literally.

Here's my $600.00 turd- she sat outdoors (sans cover) for the better part of 15 years and still managed to clean up well enough to be daily transportation

PS- lets see the Kawi that your dad is playing with:yelclap:

 

[nysz1b]

If you decide not to rebuild the 350 & want to sell it, let me know, as I'm looking for one. My 1st bike was a '67 Bridgestone 90 Sport, & always thought the GTR was a great looking bike. Thanks!


nysz1b

 

[garr]

If you decide not to rebuild the 350 & want to sell it, let me know, as I'm looking for one. My 1st bike was a '67 Bridgestone 90 Sport, & always thought the GTR was a great looking bike. Thanks!


nysz1b

Most of the Older bikes were great looking,
it's amazing how most of the new Bikes are ugly as hell, Especially the on/off road & dirt bikes.
What Happened?

 

[Muddy Beast]

Anyone know if it's hard to find replacement parts/seal kits/ etc for these?

~Scott

 

[ILLXJ]

Anyone know if it's hard to find replacement parts/seal kits/ etc for these?

~Scott

Send a PM to Prepmech, his Dad restores old bikes & might be able to get some info for you. JIM.

 

[Prepmech]

Anyone know if it's hard to find replacement parts/seal kits/ etc for these?

~Scott

We do mostly british bikes, and don't have a good supplier for the older jap stuff.

Those things are definately worth restoring, the market isn't what it used to be, but unlike cars you make money on a motorcycle restoration.

For seals, we usually try to cross refrence them or find something the same size that works through NAPA. Ebay is a good place for some parts.

 

[97XJ2]

Sweet! Go for it. I hang out with a group of guys that do that sort of thing. Most times they build new frames for them but others its a resto job. Its fun stuff.

Speaking of Jap bikes, these guys find it no big deal to find a bike that has been sitting for 20+ years (most recent was one found behind a barn) and have it running in the course of a Friday night.