Classic & Vintage - Panasonic DX-5000

I picked up this Panasonic DX-5000 this week and I know nothing about it. Searched the forums and found that this was one of Panasonic's high end bikes. It is a luxurious ride, light as a feather, indexed shifting, complete Shimano 600 group. Checked Sheldon B's article about Japanese bikes, which had a formula for interpreting the serial number which would make this a 1975 bike. Seems newer than that, maybe 80's? Does anyone know how old it might be? You folks are a font of knowledge. The only thing that makes me nervous is the seat, which is silver and says "Turbo" on it 4 times. I'm not that fast.
Thanks so much.

This should help:
http://panasonicbikemuseum.info/

A silver turbo saddle? That sounds pretty cool, do you have any pictures of the bike?

I have a Turbo copy made by Vetta and think it is really comfortable (even more than my brooks...{duck**)

Thanks for all the valuable info! I knew I could count on the Forum. Sorry I'm slow with photos. They should be attached to this post. I think you'll like the color on the bike, sort of silvery lavender. It seems to have come out of a time capsule. The only work it needed was washing, a bit of rust removal, the usual adjustments, and air in the tires.

Wow, that does look really nice. That is one tall frame too!

1985 to 1987, maybe 1988.
Panasonic's offerings were generally about a year behind the bikes they made for Centurion, as far as components.
I.E. a year after Centurion's rolled on 600 tricolor, Panasonic did, so it could be as late as 1988 for the 600EX, but I doubt earlier than '85.

Great bike.

Nice looking bike.

Did Panasonic/Matsush(i)ta Electric ever use Ishiwata tubing in their branded or contract bikes?

Checked the Panasonic Bike Museum site and it looks like my bike is an '86. And that is one of the tallest frames I've ever ridden.

Thanks for all the advice! I'll be doing the bearings soon.
The seat stay caps on the DX-5000 are flat with a "Panasonic" decal on each side, not wrapping around the seat post as in the photo. The brake levers are clearly marked "Shimano 600." From all I can see, the bike has a complete Shimano 600 group.

Very nice bike! I ride an '85 Dx-4000. This is mine:http://panasonicbikemuseum.info/?cat=58

The cool thing about the 1986 DX-5000 is that it shares the paint scheme with the 1985 Team Europe II model. Not many "Grape Dust" colored bikes out there. :-)