Classic & Vintage - Nishiki step-thru (ladies type!)

Just picked up a Nishiki Model FFS Tourist, ser# KG 16034, in good shape. Needs lot of clean up. I bought it to part out. Shimano 400 RD, uniglide Front , stem shifters, oh, 3 dork disks!!!! old style crank set. Believe it or not, the seat post came out with very little trouble, someone was smart enough to have greased it. Any ideas how old this bike may be. Nice lugs.

The date codes on the components should pin it down. Do some searches on that and you can likely figure it out.

I need some help here! After stripping the frame, I see the chain ring is stamped SHIMANO FF system. Does this mean the "400" deraileurs, shifters and the crank set have to be used together? I think I read somewhere that this system could be shifted while NOT pedaling. If this is true, I'll just put all back together and make a shopper out of it as the pinned crank arm set probably wouldn't fit anything else. Did I make myself clear? Thanks guys. oglala

I'm wondering if the rear derailleur is original. Normally, the FFS was used with Positron derailleurs. This is not not mandatory, but it certainly helps, as it ensures the derialleur, when properly adjusted, is in line with the cogs. For the front freewheel system to work, all you need if the friction freewheel. Try to turn the freewheel cogs backwards by hand. If they do not turn or have high resistance, then it is the friction freewheel.

The system works on the principle that the resistance in the rear freewheel is higher than the front. Consequently, when one is coasting, the crankset freewheels while the rear cogs continue to turn, driving the chain and permiting shifting. Provided it has not gummed up too badly, the rear cogs wishould freewheel in an emergency situation, like getting your pant leg caught between the chain and chainwheel.

Based on the serial number, your Nishiki was manufactured in 1977 and should be either a 1977 or 1978 model. There was a 1978 step-through (not mixte) model equipped with FFS called the FFS Tourist. It had a 400 front derailleur but was spec'd with Positron II on the rear.

Hey T-Mar, have you ever made sense out of Nishiki serial numbers? Here we have KG 16034, evidently a 1977 or 1978. Mine, KS 78091, and purchased in March 1971, was either a very late 1970 or a very early 1971.

Hey T-Mar, have you ever made sense out of Nishiki serial numbers? Here we have KG 16034, evidently a 1977 or 1978. Mine, KS 78091, and purchased in March 1971, was either a very late 1970 or a very early 1971.

John, so far I've identified at least four different serial number formats for Kawamura built Nishiki. Those old, pre-1973 American Eagles used a different format and I just don't have enough data to form a conclusion or even a suggestion. Sorry.

Thanks T-Mar, your info is what helped me decide what I have! A pile of junk!! I would guess someone rebuilt the power system and sprayed any movable part with oil and rode it or stored in a dusty place as there was a lot of oil/dirt build up on the working parts. Frame was clean. I reckon it's dumpster material. I may put back together and give it to St. Vincints.