TheEnthusiast

I found a Japanese 1984 Maruishi RX-4 Sport 12 speed yesterday at a pawn shop for $92.50. The owner said all he knows is that they are rare and its worth well over $600. But from what I've read, they are low end. The front and rear wheel are both out of true, loose bearings, break cables need replaces due to rust along with the chain, freewheel, and the tires are dry rotted and flat. The Shimano derailleurs do shift properly. Well I need more info and opinions. He didn't really want to negotiate and told me he'll go down to $85. It's white in color and the handle bars are a pretty blue silk string kind of texture.

RaleighSport

A previous thread about the quality and ride..
https://www.bikeforums.net/archive/in.../t-783460.html
Some good info
https://www.bikeforums.net/archive/in.../t-248767.html

Hope that helps.

Antieverything

depends on what you are planning for it. does it fit? is it something you want to ride? are you planning to flip it? i can go on and on so more info is necessary. i promise i will not give the standard "its not worth fixing because its a lower end bike" answer that some others will. i can also point you in a general direction if you have a budget in mind for a keeper/beater/flipper.

TheEnthusiast

I like to restore and ride. I don't sell. I'm 5'5" but the bike is probably a 63cm. I like those taller bikes though.

Antieverything

damn! i dont think i could get the seat down low enough on a 63 and im 5'6. but hey whatever you like is your choice. in that regards there are decent price (under $120/set) 27" and 700c wheels in alloy rim/sealed bearing that will give you better braking and longevity. maybe even something on the classifieds here. i think if you like the oem spec parts then just replace the cables, brake pads, and chain. you are probably better off using a new set of wheels and building those to oem spec or better on the side. thats easy and low cost enough if you can true wheels. theres a chance that you can true the existing if the nipples can turn and dont crumble. i would suggest a splash of wd40 or similar to all the nipples, derailleur pivots, etc basically anything that has threads or needs to move freely. #000 steel wool and wd40 does wonders at rust/oxidation removal. i just saved a 86 centurion from the scrap heap or from some kid stripping down for a fixie recently and is pb blaster on everything, a few hours sit time and some elbow grease and everything works perfectly! even the 6 speed index shifting

cooperryder

Perhaps this catalog link will help.

There is one listed locally as well and I did a search and found the catalog link.

https://www-hsc.usc.edu/~rpinder/Maruishi2.pdf

auchencrow

Maruishi's mid-eighties RX4 was very nicely finished and a very good rider.

- That being said, your pawn shop owner is either disingenuous or delusional to say it is worth "over 600 dollars". (Why then is he selling it for $85?) - Even at that lower price, you should expect the bike to be in excellent mechanical and cosmetic condition (in part because Maruishi is a relatively obscure marque and for that reason not much sought after).