Vintage small bike (50cc) Pron!: Sprockets forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

Subscribe get a full year for only $23.95 Sample Free Test Drive—no strings attached

Sept. 5, 2009 12:47 p.m. valiant171 New Reader

Well my friend needed some quick cash and I am a sucker for old things that you cant get parts for so... I bought this!

For all of those that dont know what it is, Its a 1962 Bridgestone 50 Step Thru It runs great but needs some tranny work and a title to drive (which is pretty easy here in WI)

I dont know much about this for there is not much out there, I know they have a cult following and it is a neat little MOTORCYCLE! Contrary to the looks it is not a moped, its just a baby motorcycle.

But if you guys have any info on this I sure could use it especially on how to get it into gear, the shifter works and feel the gears but no go...and since there is no clutch where do I start and any other information would be great!

Thanks and enjoy!
Sept. 5, 2009 12:49 p.m. BoxheadTim New Reader

That looks like a cool find. Looks like it's missing something over the frame rails (tank/leg guards?) or are they supposed to look like this.

Nevertheless, certainly worth preserving IMHO[1].

[1] But that's how I end up with a garage that's constantly overflowing with E36 M3.
Sept. 5, 2009 12:51 p.m. valiant171 New Reader

In reply to BoxheadTim:

Yeah there is supposed to be some sort of fairing but for now get it running and find a pith helmet and bomber goggles and cruise!
Sept. 6, 2009 9:05 a.m. minimac Dork

Great buy! I wasn't aware that Bridgestone made one, but I did have a Honda 50 that looked just like it in 1965. It was a gas to bomb around town on, and a conversation piece everywhere I parked.
Sept. 6, 2009 9:08 a.m. 16vCorey SuperDork

Looks like a Super Cub copy. A friend of mine has a '62 (I think) Super Cub and there's not a lot of visual difference.
Sept. 6, 2009 10:18 a.m. stuart in mn SuperDork

Bridgestone motorcycles were pretty technologically advanced in their day. Parts are pretty hard to find these days, though.
Sept. 6, 2009 12:17 p.m. mistanfo Dork

Didn't Peter Egan have one of these as his first motorcycle? I think that he recently found another.
Sept. 6, 2009 12:21 p.m. stuart in mn SuperDork

mistanfo wrote:

Didn't Peter Egan have one of these as his first motorcycle? I think that he recently found another.

I believe he had the 'sport' model - it looked like a regular motorcycle, without the step through frame.
Sept. 6, 2009 4:10 p.m. subrew New Reader

Right on.

I have a BS7 Surfrider, along with two 90s, a Sport and Trail. I almost picked up a Homer last year.

Chris H.
Sept. 9, 2009 8:44 p.m. xci_ed6 Reader

I would guess that it has a centrifugal clutch, probably the standard drum/swinging weights deal. I'd start there.
Oct. 3, 2009 9:30 p.m. pugsley

OMG!? I just fished one of these out of the garbage today! I don't know the year, I'm sure somewhere between 63 and 67. It is in great shape, original paint, seat has just a little rip, the fairing which is supposed to be white by the way is in great shape also. The rear tire will have to be replaced and I'm sure the carb has to be rebuilt but I'm psyched! Live in Illinois so any info/parts leads you come up with with would be appreciated. I would of course reciprocate. Will send pictures if your interested. Just joined so I don't know how to contact you off board. Good Luck!
Dec. 18, 2009 2:46 p.m. valiant171 New Reader

Bump for being for sale... check the $2009 board... not looking to get rich.... sorry if this breaks the rules in this area!
Dec. 24, 2009 3:06 a.m. valiant171 New Reader

Bump for almost "free," make my christmas yours!
Jan. 18, 2010 9:32 a.m. confuZion3 SuperDork

Did you ever get it working?