I stumbled across this photo on eBay and was intrigued by the engraving; however, I can't seem to find any other pics on the internet. It appears to have the date 1978 engraved in the RH logo. Also, in the background, the headset appears to be the older Shimano 600 or Dura Ace headset which could possibly date the handlebars. Can anyone identify these?

SR Japan handlebars.jpg

Late 1970s into the 1980s. They are not a one year bar. Roger

978 is the model number, not the year. They are SR Royal 978, 3rd from the top of the line. Shimano's scalloped headset locknut was introduced in 1978 and used through 1987, depending on the group. That just about matches the timeline of the handlebar.

Thanks guys. That was fast responses.