04 November, 2008

Surf's Up!

On the way home from our 4-day vacation in Oregon this past weekend, we swung by Sean's place to pick up a 1963 Bridgestone BS7 Surfrider that he's been watching over for well over a year now. He's even more cute in person! Both Sean and the bike. This was another random craigslist find. That's what I get for surfing the internets while the Mrs watches Dancing with the Stars.

The BS7 is an early model Bridgestone. Yes, the same Bridgestone that makes tires. They made motorcycles through the 60s and into the early 70s, and this little 50cc model has some unique features, including rubber mounts for the engine, and a "fan cooling" system that is essentially a small fan blade on the flywheel that draws air over the finned cylinder head.

I have the bike at work for now, until I can do a bit of cleanup in the garage this weekend. I'm right in the middle of two other projects. Here are a few pictures:

Overall condition is pretty good. Mostly original, and the chrome is decent condition


Note the shrouding up and around the cylinder head. Air is pulled through the side vent on the left side engine cover and across the cylinder head.


Unique rear tailight and turn signals set the BS7 apart from the 50cc competition of the day


Chris H.

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