Originally Posted by
Pompiere
I got this Fuji S12-S from my local bike shop after they hosted a vintage build-a-bike clinic. It has been repainted and has homemade decals, but most of the original parts are there. I went through it enough to do a test ride before I tear it back apart for fresh paint and decals. Serial number FL012798. Database indicates late 1980, but several parts have 1981 date stamps, so I'm going with 1981 model.
Typically, Fuji started building the new models for the upcoming calendar year around September or October. Given that your frame was manufactured in December 1980s, I'd expect it to be a 1981 model.