Nishiki Serial Number Database
07-16-10 | 03:49 PM
#476
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
From: fairfax CA
Bikes: 2
still can't seem to get it....
ok so I've been working on repainting this frame I bought used that some one painted over with house paint. Still can't nail down the date.
serial is KS116341 and here is a photo.
serial is KS116341 and here is a photo.
07-16-10 | 04:36 PM
#477
Bike Junkie
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 9,625
Likes: 40
From: South of Raleigh, North of New Hill, East of Harris Lake, NC
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Specialized Roubaix, Giant OCR-C, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Stumpjumper Comp, 88 & 92Nishiki Ariel, 87 Centurion Ironman, 92 Paramount, 84 Nishiki Medalist
One of your pics has a model name. It looks like "Safari", but I can't be sure. I'm not familiar with any "Safari" model.
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07-16-10 | 04:46 PM
#478
Bike Junkie
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 9,625
Likes: 40
From: South of Raleigh, North of New Hill, East of Harris Lake, NC
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Specialized Roubaix, Giant OCR-C, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Stumpjumper Comp, 88 & 92Nishiki Ariel, 87 Centurion Ironman, 92 Paramount, 84 Nishiki Medalist
Here are a couple of pics of my run of the mill 83 Nishik Century. Does anyone know what they call this color or where my best source for finding something similar would be? I was too anxious and should have taken it by my LBS to investigate the surface rust, instead I did a serious hand sanding job over the worst areas of rust to reveal that the frame is very solid. In the short term I wouldn't mind doing some simple touching up, though I may just wrap the top tube in camo bar tape and put some stickers on the seat tube area.
Presently I don't know if I'm going to keep it as is since I live in NYC having it look beat will make it of less interest to a thieve though part of me may end up giving it a full restore. I think what I do will be determined by just how well the frame actually fits me.
Presently I don't know if I'm going to keep it as is since I live in NYC having it look beat will make it of less interest to a thieve though part of me may end up giving it a full restore. I think what I do will be determined by just how well the frame actually fits me.
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07-16-10 | 07:49 PM
#479
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 10
Likes: 2
From: fairfax CA
Bikes: 2
According to this database, you've got a pre-1975 Nishiki which pretty much makes it a 1973 or 1974 because they were American Eagle before that.
One of your pics has a model name. It looks like "Safari", but I can't be sure. I'm not familiar with any "Safari" model.
well my neighbor brought over his american eagle 3 speed, and it has the same heart welded on to it and the same W under the serial. This is why I'm still wondering what it really is especially with the safari logo you mentioned.
and the old bike pump holder. So strange......
07-17-10 | 11:02 PM
#480
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
I have been commuting on a 12 speed Nishiki Olympic for a few months now. My serial # is CB803355 made in Taiwan. I just had to replace the Shimano index derailleur and could not tell if it was original, but the front derailleur and brakes are Shimano. I can not figure out the serial code with the figures on page 1, I didn't think it was that old. Any help?
*edit- It has a black and white Nishiki decal on the front
*edit- It has a black and white Nishiki decal on the front
Last edited by ASUDeadhead; 07-17-10 at 11:09 PM.
07-18-10 | 07:42 PM
#481
Banned
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 582
Likes: 0
From: NYC
Bikes: Giant Rapid 3
hmm, it's definately got a reddish hue to it, but too late, I already took the flat black rattle can to it for a temporary fix to get a solid uniform color on it. As for not spending a lot of money on it, too late, I'm already almost $500 in on it, but she rides like a dream!
07-22-10 | 01:18 PM
#482
New Guy
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 39
Likes: 0
From: Pacific Beach, Calif.
I do not have the serial number for this Nishiki - just that it is a 12-speed with alu rims; probably a "Nishiki Sport".
Based on this picture, does anyone know off hand the approximate vintage of this bike?
neto081..jpg
Thanks!
Based on this picture, does anyone know off hand the approximate vintage of this bike?
neto081..jpg
Thanks!
07-26-10 | 01:41 PM
#483
Thrifty Bill
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,645
Likes: 1,109
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
To the above, look up the component codes, they all will be marked. Looks like early 1980s to me.
I picked up three Nishiki Internationals yesterday. Two of the serial numbers are just nine numbers apart. Sugino cranks are marked September 1972, Suntour RD is marked April 1972, freewheel is marked August 1972, stem is just marked "72", so I am calling these bikes 1973 models. All have cromoly frames, alloy rims, alloy cranksets. They could be late 1972 bikes.
I picked up three Nishiki Internationals yesterday. Two of the serial numbers are just nine numbers apart. Sugino cranks are marked September 1972, Suntour RD is marked April 1972, freewheel is marked August 1972, stem is just marked "72", so I am calling these bikes 1973 models. All have cromoly frames, alloy rims, alloy cranksets. They could be late 1972 bikes.
Last edited by wrk101; 07-29-10 at 08:32 PM.
07-28-10 | 07:17 AM
#484
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 633
Likes: 1
From: Pittsfield, MA
Bikes: Motobecane Fantom Cross 2008 Schwinn Super Sport 1972 SS. Surly Pacer Rando bike
07-29-10 | 08:43 PM
#485
Thrifty Bill
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,645
Likes: 1,109
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Yep, a mid 70s Olympic. Check date codes to narrow it down. You can see your serial number is over 100,000 higher than mine above, so I am guessing it is a 1974. (KS = pre 1975 serial number). I had a 1974 Olympic myself in a step through frame style, serial number KS 286901. If I still had it, I would check some component codes to validate it.
Last edited by wrk101; 07-29-10 at 09:18 PM.
08-01-10 | 09:37 AM
#486
Thrifty Bill
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,645
Likes: 1,109
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Another tip on dating a Nishiki. I pulled the front fork off the blue International above, it is coded: "2 K". Based on everything else on the bike, I am guessing this stands for November 1972. So I am sticking with my "1973" estimate.
08-01-10 | 11:14 AM
#487
senior earthling
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
From: Layton Utah & Mesquite Nevada
Bikes: changes often
Nishiki International Serial Number KJ21789
I bought this bike new in 1980, so no question as to date or history. It is original, no changes or modifications. Even the tires and tubes are original (and still hold air). I think I paid about $325 or $395? By the time we paid off the credit card- it was more like $900!!!
I can't recall what the original handlebar tape was like, but I have found some original style gum brake hoods. Any info on the correct tape would be appreciated. I plan to keep the bike original, just for the memories.
Lots of pics- good reference for a 1980 model:
I bought this bike new in 1980, so no question as to date or history. It is original, no changes or modifications. Even the tires and tubes are original (and still hold air). I think I paid about $325 or $395? By the time we paid off the credit card- it was more like $900!!!
I can't recall what the original handlebar tape was like, but I have found some original style gum brake hoods. Any info on the correct tape would be appreciated. I plan to keep the bike original, just for the memories.
Lots of pics- good reference for a 1980 model:
Last edited by markmontana; 08-01-10 at 03:07 PM. Reason: spell
08-01-10 | 01:37 PM
#488
Thrifty Bill
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,645
Likes: 1,109
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
Good comparison of a 1980 International versus a 1973. Awesome condition!
Here's the first 1973 finished. It moved to a new home yesterday.
Went with aerolevers and DT shifters on this one. Next one will get the stock stem shifters, and yellow bar tape.
Before picture on this bike:
Here's the first 1973 finished. It moved to a new home yesterday.
Went with aerolevers and DT shifters on this one. Next one will get the stock stem shifters, and yellow bar tape.
Before picture on this bike:
Last edited by wrk101; 08-08-10 at 06:45 AM.
08-07-10 | 11:27 PM
#489
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
refurb
I am working on fixing up my 1982 Nishiki Olympic. I have replaced the cables, rear derailleur, and chain, and I am looking to replace the freewheel, chain ring and maybe cranks. Are there any suggestions on what to replace them with on a limited budget?
08-08-10 | 06:40 AM
#490
Bike Junkie
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 9,625
Likes: 40
From: South of Raleigh, North of New Hill, East of Harris Lake, NC
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Specialized Roubaix, Giant OCR-C, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Stumpjumper Comp, 88 & 92Nishiki Ariel, 87 Centurion Ironman, 92 Paramount, 84 Nishiki Medalist
Nishiki International Serial Number KJ21789
I bought this bike new in 1980, so no question as to date or history. It is original, no changes or modifications. Even the tires and tubes are original (and still hold air). I think I paid about $325 or $395? By the time we paid off the credit card- it was more like $900!!!
I can't recall what the original handlebar tape was like, but I have found some original style gum brake hoods. Any info on the correct tape would be appreciated. I plan to keep the bike original, just for the memories.
Lots of pics- good reference for a 1980 model:
I bought this bike new in 1980, so no question as to date or history. It is original, no changes or modifications. Even the tires and tubes are original (and still hold air). I think I paid about $325 or $395? By the time we paid off the credit card- it was more like $900!!!
I can't recall what the original handlebar tape was like, but I have found some original style gum brake hoods. Any info on the correct tape would be appreciated. I plan to keep the bike original, just for the memories.
Lots of pics- good reference for a 1980 model:
BTW, seriously beautiful bike in show room condition. Wow.
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08-08-10 | 06:47 AM
#491
Thrifty Bill
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,645
Likes: 1,109
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
New freewheels are cheap. I would go to Niagara Cycle and pick up a six speed freewheel of your choice. For the crank, a donor bike or a used crankset off ebay is your cheapest option (should cost less than what replacement rings will cost you). Most of my cranksets come from donor bikes.
08-08-10 | 07:07 AM
#492
senior earthling
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
From: Layton Utah & Mesquite Nevada
Bikes: changes often
08-08-10 | 08:03 AM
#493
senior earthling
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 50
Likes: 1
From: Layton Utah & Mesquite Nevada
Bikes: changes often
Took it out for a short ride last night- just perfect...
08-08-10 | 10:03 AM
#495
Thrifty Bill
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 23,645
Likes: 1,109
From: Mans of NC & SW UT Desert
Bikes: 86 Katakura Silk, 87 Prologue X2, 88 Cimarron LE, 1975 Sekai 4000 Professional, 73 Paramount, plus more
On lever hoods, I always mount them with the levers off the handlebars. I find if I try to force them on with the levers on the bike, I rip about a third of them. Feed them up from the bottom and it always goes better.
That red tape looks great! I am going to use yellow tape on the next blue International I rehab. I wanted to use red housing as well, but I was out. I do have yellow housing, but it might be too much yellow.
That red tape looks great! I am going to use yellow tape on the next blue International I rehab. I wanted to use red housing as well, but I was out. I do have yellow housing, but it might be too much yellow.
08-17-10 | 07:57 PM
#496
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 12
Likes: 0
From: Granville, OH
Bikes: 1987 Nishiki Custom Sport - 1986 BCA Azzuri 12 SIS - 19?? Concord Gran Fury
Here is a Nishiki Mixte that I believe to be a 1976. Decals are gone, but the headbadge is present. Serial number is KF29984. The components - Shimano 600 FD and RD, Stem shifters. Dia Compe brakes. Shimano hubs on steel wheels. Champion pro cycle handle bars. They are the drop down, but have a slight bend across the top until they cur ve and drop down. Manufactured that way, not accidentaly bent.
Sugino Maxy cranks - 165mm. Pedals are aluminum, which seemed odd, but aren't compatible with clips, they are the style of pedal that are one sided, one sided bear traps I suppose.
Looking to find out the model?
Sugino Maxy cranks - 165mm. Pedals are aluminum, which seemed odd, but aren't compatible with clips, they are the style of pedal that are one sided, one sided bear traps I suppose.
Looking to find out the model?
Last edited by jarogerson; 08-17-10 at 09:14 PM. Reason: added a line
08-25-10 | 11:19 PM
#497
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Hey everybody,
I just dug an old Nishiki custom sport out of my parent's garage and was looking for info on the bike when I came across this thread. The initial post mentioned that there are no reported examples of giant-produced frames outside of the 1980-1986 date range, so I thought that it was pretty neat that the bike I dug up has the serial number G1279 :-)
So there ya go; a pre-1980 Giant-produced Nishiki, albeit by only a month.
edit:
p.s. your bikes look great! Don't know if my 1979 heap will look as nice but I think I'll take a shot at some minor restoration
I just dug an old Nishiki custom sport out of my parent's garage and was looking for info on the bike when I came across this thread. The initial post mentioned that there are no reported examples of giant-produced frames outside of the 1980-1986 date range, so I thought that it was pretty neat that the bike I dug up has the serial number G1279 :-)
So there ya go; a pre-1980 Giant-produced Nishiki, albeit by only a month.
edit:
p.s. your bikes look great! Don't know if my 1979 heap will look as nice but I think I'll take a shot at some minor restoration
Last edited by glacial boulder; 08-25-10 at 11:21 PM. Reason: p.s.
08-30-10 | 01:28 PM
#498
Ellensburg, WA
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3,791
Likes: 706
From: Lewiston, ID
Bikes: See my signature
My friend's Nishiki Competition. It looks to be a 1970's model to me. He's excited to be picking it up this weekend. And, yes, I'll be fixing the seatpost and saddle for him.
Serial # K5189739 with a W underneath that.
Serial # K5189739 with a W underneath that.
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1984 Gitane Tour de France; 1982 Nishiki Marina 12; 1984 Peugeot PSV; 1993 Trek 950 mtb; 1991 GT Karakoram, 1983 Vitus 979; Colnago Super, 1989 Spectrum Titanium,
1984 Gitane Tour de France; 1982 Nishiki Marina 12; 1984 Peugeot PSV; 1993 Trek 950 mtb; 1991 GT Karakoram, 1983 Vitus 979; Colnago Super, 1989 Spectrum Titanium,
09-02-10 | 05:08 AM
#499
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
Hey guys what a great thread! Ok Im still looking and reading around but I checked the serial number and my Nishiki says KS171108 so it looks like it was for the US market pre 1975! I just did a 160km leisure cycle on it and a guy said that my bike must have been old, I thought yeh maybe the eighties but I didnt think it'd be seventies.. could it really? Ill take some good pics, its not in its original state, I have it as a commuting racer.
nice one for the thread!
nice one for the thread!
