Originally Posted by raverson
T-Mar, here are pics of the Centurion Masters and also the LeMans. You had asked about the LeMans fork blade, it is cromoly steel.
Thank-you, the pics do help.
The green/white Master is 1986 or 1987. Based on my current understanding of the serial numbers, the frame was built in 1986, but it was fairly late in the year, so it's probably a 1987 model. This would also be more appropriate for a 1988 purchase date. The LBS would have been more likely to have a left over 1987 Master than a 1986 Master.
The Master, with the purple smoke finish that fades to white, is definitely a 1988 model. This is my 2nd favourite of the all Centurion finishes. My favourite is the pink with yellow seat and head tubes.
Just kidding, it's the blue marble marble that fades to white. In the very late 1980s Centurion was very avante-garde with their paint schemes. In my opinion, during this period Centurion had the most attractive paint schemes of all the Japanese bicycles.
The LeMans is a 1989 model.