LOT 518

Offered from The Robert Lusk Motorcycle Collection, 1968 Bridgestone 175 Dual-Twin Registration no. UPH 838F Frame no. TA1-24987 Engine no. TA1-25098

Sold for £1,495 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve

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Lot 518

Offered from The Robert Lusk Motorcycle Collection,, 1968 Bridgestone 175 Dual-Twin

Motorcycles Online - The Winter Sale|15 December 2025, 12:18 GMT|Online, Milton Keynes

Offered from The Robert Lusk Motorcycle Collection,
1968 Bridgestone 175 Dual-Twin
Registration no. UPH 838F
Frame no. TA1-24987
Engine no. TA1-25098

Best known as one of the world's largest tyre manufacturers, Bridgestone of Japan also produced a fascinating range of motorcycles during the 1960s before withdrawing from the market in 1970. Among the most advanced of their day, Bridgestone's machines were built to an exceptionally high standard, reflecting the company's engineering expertise and access to cutting-edge materials technology.

The smallest of Bridgestone's twin-cylinder models was the 175, available in two versions: the Dual-Twin roadster and the Hurricane Scrambler, the latter equipped with high-level exhausts. Powered by a 175cc two-stroke parallel twin producing a claimed 20bhp, both versions were capable of exceeding 80mph, while features such as rotary-valve induction and a six-speed gearbox placed Bridgestone's designs at the forefront of small-capacity engineering.

A model rarely seen in the UK, this Dual-Twin was purchased by Robert Lusk in 2006. Accompanied by a V5C, the original 1968 logbook (date of first registration in the UK: 7 June 1968) records only four private keepers, the last being D. Warren, who is also named as the previous keeper on the V5C. A Commerfords supplier's sticker is present on one of the side panels, with two Commerfords stamps in the green logbook. The odometer currently records 16,853 miles, and the machine appears to remain in largely unrestored and original condition.

Documentation with the machine includes the aforementioned original logbook, an owner's handbook, service manual, and technical handbook, together with a copy of a Cycle World road test and a selection of contemporary newspaper cuttings relating to Bridgestone motorcycles.

Rare, well documented, and from one of Japan's most innovative yet short-lived motorcycle manufacturers, this 175 Dual-Twin represents a distinctive and unusual addition to any collection of classic Japanese lightweights.

Prospective buyers should please note that whilst Robert actively started and maintained his collection, all machines are offered as requiring recommissioning to a greater or lesser extent.
Offered with key

Footnotes

BUYER'S PREMIUM
The Buyer's Premium for this Lot is 15%+VAT on the first £500k of the Hammer Price, and 12%+VAT on the balance thereafter.

All lots are sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.

CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS
Please see the 'CONDITIONS OF SALE, AUCTION INFORMATION & GUIDE FOR BUYERS' at the top of the main sale page (Motorcycles Online - The Winter Sale) for all pertinent information regarding bidder's obligations, viewing, bidding, payment, post-sale collection & transportation.

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Saleroom notices

Please note that the kickstart does not engage. The engine will turn over when the bike is pushed with a gear selected, but the gears do not engage as smoothly as expected. Therefore, the machine is sold strictly as seen.

Additional information

This auction is now finished. If you are interested in consigning in future auctions, please contact the specialist department. If you have queries about lots purchased in this auction, please contact client services.
Buyers' Obligations
ALL BIDDERS MUST AGREE THAT THEY HAVE READ AND UNDERSTOOD BONHAMS' CONDITIONS OF SALE AND AGREE TO BE BOUND BY THEM, AND AGREE TO PAY THE BUYER'S PREMIUM AND ANY OTHER CHARGES MENTIONED IN THE NOTICE TO BIDDERS. THIS AFFECTS THE BIDDERS LEGAL RIGHTS.
If you have any questions about the Conditions of Sale, please contact your nearest client services team.
From 28 June 2025, the import into the EU of non-EU property of a certain age (and in some categories above a certain value) is subject to additional requirements. Under the relevant EU Regulation, it is the Buyer's sole responsibility to assess whether any Lot meets the criteria for import into the EU. The refusal of any required Import License or Importer Statement, or any delay in obtaining such License or Statement shall not give rise to the rescission or cancelation of any Sale, nor allow any delay in making full payment for the Lot.
Buyers' Premium and Charges
Like the vast majority of auctioneers Bonhams charge a Buyer's Premium on the Hammer Price of each Lot purchased and this is subject to VAT. Some lots may also be subject to VAT on the Hammer Price and these lots will be clearly marked with a symbol (†, Ω, *) printed beside the lot number.
For Automobilia the Buyer's Premium is 28% on the first £40,000 of the hammer price; 27% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £40,001 up to and including £800,000; 21% of the hammer price of amounts in excess of £800,001 up to and including £4,500,000 and 14.5% of the hammer price of any amounts in excess of £4,500,001.
For Motor Cars and Vehicle Registration Numbers the Buyer's Premium will be 15% on the first £500,000 of the hammer price of each Lot, and 12% on the balance thereafter.
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Shipping Notices
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