Classic & Vintage - What year is myold nishiki

Found it in a metal scrap yard that has been great at finding old bikes for 10 or 20 $ it has a Sugino super maxy crank diacomp bar shifters and brakes suntour deraillers .The frame lugs are very decorative. It also has a metal Nishiki badge on the front stem .Ser. num.KJ16899 on bottom of frame under crank.Bike overall is in good condition but needs tires and cables.I got it rideable and took it out today .It rides sweet I specially like the bar shifters.Any help would be mutch appreciated.

Circa 1980/1981. Please post pics.

Decorative lugs and bar shifters? Sounds like an International.

Decal on top tube says Royal I will try to have pics tonite

I bought a brand new Royale in 1981. I think it might have been a 1980 model. Charcoal metallic with burgandy trim, little pinstriping around the lugs etc. I think it said "Kuwahara" down by the chain stay, but can't be sure. Had bar end shifters & sidepulls.

Was a better touring bike than the 1984 Trek 620 that I foolishly replaced it with.

The guy I sold it to in 1985 still has it, and every once in a while I think about trying to buy it back. Only partly for memory's sake.

Circa 1980/1981. Please post pics.

YES it is,itcould be a 1978 or 79,probably '80 or so.The shifters keep it from being earlier,the over-all component mix and the decor keep it earlier that '84.I was in a shop back then that sold Nishiki as well.

... I think it said "Kuwahara" down by the chain stay, but can't be sure. ...

That would be Kawamura, which built most of the Japanese-made Nishiki frames.

Dear Moooo it appears I have the same bike .Mine also is gray / red .When I get done updating it (seat cables rims tires barwraps) I am going to paint it either a dark red or a midnight blue .I havent decided yet

Also thanx everybody for your help.