Description
This motorcycle is Lot 518 of Bonhams Motorcycles Online – The Winter Sale; open for bidding 5-15th December 2025.
Please see the Bonhams website for full details.
Auction Timings:
Bidding on all Lots commences Friday 5 December, 12:00 noon.
Bidding closes Monday 15 December, 12:00 noon, starting with Lot 501.
Each subsequent Lot will then close one minute apart unless bidding remains active.
Public Viewing:
Lots 501, 519 & 525 only:
Friday 12 December, 9am - 5pm
All Remaining Lots:
Wednesday 10 December, 9am - 5pm
Thursday 11 December, 9am - 5pm
Please email using the button below with your availability to schedule an appointment.
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
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.
£2, 000 - 3, 000
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. Visit the Bonhams Motorcycles website for all pertinent auction information.
