The Bridgestone Group is the world’s largest manufacturer of tires and other rubber products such as industrial materials and sporting goods, but for a couple of decades they also made motorcycles. They started building bikes in 1958 and were highly successful on the race track thanks to several features that were ahead of their time. So why did they stop making bikes? Well, their Japanese motorcycle competitors were also their customers when it came to tires, and the dramatic (but unconfirmed) rumor is that companies like Honda and Yamaha made it clear that they wouldn’t supply their products with Bridgestone tires if they continued to build motorcycles.
In 1967, Bridgestone introduced the 350 GTR at Daytona Bike Week. As the biggest model in the brand’s lineup, it had a lot to prove with regards to its competition. The middleweight displacement market was crowded, and Bridgestone opted to distinguish their offering by way of its rotary disc valve induction system, dry clutch, and six-speed gearbox, which helped it dust several 650cc four-strokes in the quarter-mile. The 350 GTR also featured an interesting quirk – riders could use either their left foot or their right foot to change gear, and the shifter and rear brake pedals could be swapped accordingly. They also made a scrambler version called the GTO, which was differentiated by a high exhaust and braced handlebar.
The GTO was the much rarer variant of an already rare bike. An article on Motorcycle USA said, “there are some motorcycles which, even when static, produce a tingle in any motorcyclist. The Bridgestone GTO is one of these bikes.”
This example is VIN: NA107153.
The odometer shows 2,006 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection and detail the bike. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Ok (DIY Liner)
Engine Oil Level: High
Engine Oil Quality: Ok (Age Unknown)
2T Oil Level: Empty
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Ok
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: N/A
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: Drum
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: Drum
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 10/09
Tire Date Code Rear: 17/09
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 0 PSI Flat
Tire Press. Rear: 0 PSI Flat
Battery Standing Voltage: 2.3V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: Unknown
Running Condition: Crank No Start On Jumper
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Notes:
-Petcock missing
-Dead Battery
-Oil injection System is dry
-Both Tires are Flat
Recommendations:
-Battery
-Petcock
-2T oil and Verify system functionality
-Front and Rear Tires and Tubes
-Carburetor Work
-No Start Diagnostic
-Etc.
Modifications:
This bike appears to be stock.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Bridgestone tires with date codes of 1009 and 1709.
The sale includes one key and a spare used petcock.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Bridgestone is offered on a clean Minnesota title. Have any 350 GTO stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
