Bridgestone Kabuki
08-08-13, 10:31 PM
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Bridgestone Kabuki
I just scored a nice blue Bridgestone Kabuki for $15. As I understand it the Kabuki was an entry level Bridgestone line from the 70's or possibly 80's. I'm not expecting a lot but for $15 I figured I can't really lose too much. I'll get it tuned up maybe update a few things. Been wanting a Japanese bike.
08-09-13, 06:20 AM
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pics?
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08-09-13, 08:47 AM
#4
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kevistopheles, Yeah, photos. 
They have a pretty cool head badge, eh?
Brad
They have a pretty cool head badge, eh?Brad
08-09-13, 08:56 AM
#5
The Left Coast, USA
Turned a stainless steel Submariner into a single speed; very cool bike. Kabuki's have a fan club, albeit a small one.
08-09-13, 09:00 AM
#6
Wrench Savant
They made some high end stuff as well. I have a VERY Nice '82 Diamond Formula D with full Superbe. I have only every seen one other of these. I wish i could get someone to reproduce the decals as the ones I have are peeling off. I have found very little information on them though. After three years of looking, I did find someone with an '82 catalog who was willing to scan it for me. I sent the scans to VeloBase and Sheldon brown over a month ago, but they have not posted them.
08-09-13, 10:00 AM
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These are from the CL ad...I'll take better ones when I get home from work today. The badge is definitely cool and I figure for the cost of a pizza it was worth the risk.I think at the very least I'll upgrade a few of the components. We have a couple of great shops locally where you can get some nice used bits.
Better saddle, maybe build some wheels (I'm learning to build wheels so it'll give me good practice).
Last edited by kevistopheles; 08-09-13 at 10:06 AM.
08-09-13, 03:01 PM
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Okay here are some better shots and first impressions...
The bike is heavy but I quite like it. The paint is chipped here and there but as I said for $15 I wasn't expecting much so I feel like I got the best of that deal. It's got a combination of Suntour and Shimano parts, center pull brakes. The frame doesn't have damage other than the scrapes and scratches and my first thought was to swap out a few bits and it might make a fun commuter.
I think a dynohub and change the location of the gear levers. The fork width looks more standard than that of my Raleigh so I should have a lot more options with regard to wheels and hubs.
I'm happy with it. Of course now I have 2 project bikes...I can see where this can get addictive.
The bike is heavy but I quite like it. The paint is chipped here and there but as I said for $15 I wasn't expecting much so I feel like I got the best of that deal. It's got a combination of Suntour and Shimano parts, center pull brakes. The frame doesn't have damage other than the scrapes and scratches and my first thought was to swap out a few bits and it might make a fun commuter.
I think a dynohub and change the location of the gear levers. The fork width looks more standard than that of my Raleigh so I should have a lot more options with regard to wheels and hubs.
I'm happy with it. Of course now I have 2 project bikes...I can see where this can get addictive.
Last edited by kevistopheles; 08-09-13 at 03:08 PM.
08-09-13, 03:08 PM
#10
Still learning
Okay here are some better shots and first impressions...
The bike is heavy but I quite like it. The paint is chipped here and there but as I said for $15 I wasn't expecting much so I feel like I got the best of that deal. It's got a combination of Suntour and Shimano parts, center pull brakes. The frame doesn't have damage other than the scrapes and scratches and my first thought was to swap out a few bits and it might make a fun commuter.
The bike is heavy but I quite like it. The paint is chipped here and there but as I said for $15 I wasn't expecting much so I feel like I got the best of that deal. It's got a combination of Suntour and Shimano parts, center pull brakes. The frame doesn't have damage other than the scrapes and scratches and my first thought was to swap out a few bits and it might make a fun commuter.
The best thing about the Kabuki is the headbadge. And the best day I had with it was the day I sold the frameset.
I feel they are heavy and about as dynamic to ride as a Schwinn Continental.
Also, it had the quill seat post, which the OP's has and GB's does not.
But I hope you have a torrid love affair with yours!
Last edited by oddjob2; 08-09-13 at 03:15 PM.
08-09-13, 03:15 PM
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It doesn't need to be a torrid affair...a friends with benefits arrangement would suffice.
Last edited by kevistopheles; 08-09-13 at 03:19 PM.
08-10-13, 12:22 PM
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The best thing about the Kabuki is the headbadge. And the best day I had with it was the day I sold the frameset.
I feel they are heavy and about as dynamic to ride as a Schwinn Continental.
Also, it had the quill seat post, which the OP's has and GB's does not.
But I hope you have a torrid love affair with yours!
I feel they are heavy and about as dynamic to ride as a Schwinn Continental.
Also, it had the quill seat post, which the OP's has and GB's does not.
But I hope you have a torrid love affair with yours!
Last edited by Grand Bois; 08-10-13 at 12:40 PM.
08-10-13, 01:03 PM
#15
Still learning
In your bike stand photo it appears you have a bolt behind the seatpost. The OPs nor my Kabuki do not have the "ears" to retain the bolt.
08-10-13, 03:45 PM
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Mine has a bolt hole behind the seat post. It's there to mount a hanger for center pull brakes and for no other reason. There are no "ears". It's solid with no split.
08-12-13, 09:52 AM
#17
incazzare.
When I was a kid in the 80's, we sold these in my grandfather's toys and sporting goods store. I remember thinking the headbadge was super cool. I never actually had one myself--grandpa was too cheap! 
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1964 JRJ (Bob Jackson), 1973 Wes Mason, 1974 Raleigh Gran Sport, 1986 Schwinn High Sierra, 2000ish Colian (Colin Laing), 2011 Dick Chafe, 2013 Velo Orange Pass Hunter
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