17 WHEELS AND TIRES

As the first sign reads:

This Tora motorcycle, by Rockford Motors, was found in Michigan in its' original crate.

The other sign reads:

The History of Rockford Motors and Motorcycles

In addition to the more familiar tire manufacturer nowadays, Bridgestone started producing motor bikes starting in 1958. Motorcycle exports to America began in 1963, via Rockford Scooter Company of Rockford, Illinois (later renamed to Rockford Motors). While production and profits were doing well, the motorcycle production was more of a sideline to the tire manufacturing. Profits earned didn't stay within the division, but were absorbed by the tire division. Unconfirmed rumors spread that other Japanese motorcycle manufacturers made it clear to Bridgestone that if they pursued their competitive behavior in motorcycles they would find themselves with no OEM market for their tires.
It soon became apparent that corporate interest in continued motorcycle development was waning. Late sisties "new" models were merely warmed over variations of earlier ones. Dealerships began bailing out and Bridgestone closed the motorcycle division. When Bridgestone stopped motorcycle production in 1969, Rockford Motors purchased the rights to the Bridgestone 60 & 100 motors and went to the Japanese company Tanaka Koyogo, LTD., and formed a partnership to supply Rockford Motors with a 100 c.c. Enduro model known as the Taka and two 60 c.c. mini bike models known as the Tora & Chibi. The partnership agreement allowed Rockford Motors the exclusivve rights for the United States market and Tanaka the exclusive rights to the Asian market, with the Tanaka line up marketed as the brand name of TAS Motors. The partnership ended in 1975 when Rockford Motors ceased business.

Former British Supersport champion Stuart Easton, who took the team to a win at the Macau GP at the end of 2008, had a consistently strong season in his first year with the Muir's squad which saw him finish the year as the top Honda rider and third in the overall standings. He secured both his and the team's maiden BSB race win at the squad's home round of Croft which he followed up with a sensational victory at the Oulton Park final round.

In 2010 Muir re-signed Easton for a second consecutive season following another victory at the Macau GP at the end of 2009. Easton was joined by James Ellison who returned to the team in 2010 with the newly-liveried Swan Honda. It was a challenging season for Muir's team; Ellison's title hopes were dashed after he sustained a broken femur in practice at Thruxton and he was only able to return for the final rounds. He was still able to lift the Riders Cup, whilst Easton finished a further two places back in ninth overall.

The team have made the switch from Honda to Yamaha machinery for 2011 as they bid for a maiden BSB title with a two-strong rider line up with Swan remaining as title sponsor for a second season. The team have signed Tommy Hill and Michael Laverty for 2011 after finalising a deal that will see the team receive manufacturer support.