Nishiki Serial Number Database
#601
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Hi Everybody,
I just purchased a Nishiki International, SN CJ01491. It has 700c wheels(40o rear % 36o front), cantis, 3 water bottle bosses, low-rider boss on fork, bar-con shifters. Everything indicating it is a full-on touring bike. Component-wise, it has Suntour XCE 7-speed indexed shifters, derailleurs, with the DiaCompe XCE cantis. Sansin sealed bearing hubs. It is made in Japan from Tange 1 cromoly tubing. According to T-Mar`s database, the SN indicates that it was made for the Canadian market in 1990 or 1980, but with the 7-speed components 1990 seems more likely, I think.
I just purchased a Nishiki International, SN CJ01491. It has 700c wheels(40o rear % 36o front), cantis, 3 water bottle bosses, low-rider boss on fork, bar-con shifters. Everything indicating it is a full-on touring bike. Component-wise, it has Suntour XCE 7-speed indexed shifters, derailleurs, with the DiaCompe XCE cantis. Sansin sealed bearing hubs. It is made in Japan from Tange 1 cromoly tubing. According to T-Mar`s database, the SN indicates that it was made for the Canadian market in 1990 or 1980, but with the 7-speed components 1990 seems more likely, I think.
#603
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I have 2 Nishiki Internationals. Both 54cm frames:
1983-'84? - Tange 2 - Suntour Cyclone M-II - # KB17706






...
1983-'84? - Tange 2 - Suntour Cyclone M-II - # KB17706






...
Last edited by realestvin7; 01-19-11 at 12:47 AM.
#605
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To be on topic of the thread, thanks T-Mar, I used your info months ago when I bought a mid 70's Nishiki International.
#606
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Location: North Carolina
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Bikes: 1985 Nishiki Sport 12 speed /1971/ 1977 Raleigh Grand Prix
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Hello all,
I have a 1985 Nishiki Sport, burgundy and tan, nice bike. Picked it up this past weekend at a flea market for $25.00. I am looking for a site where I can purchase decals. Anyone know of a place? I am new to this site as of today.
Luke66
I have a 1985 Nishiki Sport, burgundy and tan, nice bike. Picked it up this past weekend at a flea market for $25.00. I am looking for a site where I can purchase decals. Anyone know of a place? I am new to this site as of today.
Luke66
#610
Full Member
Great thread!
Going by the chart at the beginning here, it appears that my two Nishiki Sport models are from 1981. G0581, and G0381. I was originally thinking that they both came from 1977 in that the majority of components were date coded from 1977. It also means that my burgundy Sport had a far rougher life in a far shorter time before I found it. I've owned it since 1985, and it was a total wreck when I found it, complete with a folded back fork, lots of rusted chrome, and two badly rotted tires. I salvaged the frame, but not the fork, and the rest came from a small frame 1984 mixtie Sport model I picked up which had a crushed bottom frame tube.
My blue one is all apart now getting redone, it was a dumpster find at a car swap meet several years ago.
Going by the chart at the beginning here, it appears that my two Nishiki Sport models are from 1981. G0581, and G0381. I was originally thinking that they both came from 1977 in that the majority of components were date coded from 1977. It also means that my burgundy Sport had a far rougher life in a far shorter time before I found it. I've owned it since 1985, and it was a total wreck when I found it, complete with a folded back fork, lots of rusted chrome, and two badly rotted tires. I salvaged the frame, but not the fork, and the rest came from a small frame 1984 mixtie Sport model I picked up which had a crushed bottom frame tube.
My blue one is all apart now getting redone, it was a dumpster find at a car swap meet several years ago.
#611
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New member
I just joined.
I have a Nikishi bike, not sure of the year.
Serial #G0778
I've owned it for about 30 years.
Attached are some photos.
Approx. value?
I have a Nikishi bike, not sure of the year.
Serial #G0778
I've owned it for about 30 years.
Attached are some photos.
Approx. value?
Last edited by BMWE34M5; 01-20-11 at 07:42 PM.
#612
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Bikes: Specialized Tarmac, Specialized Roubaix, Giant OCR-C, Specialized Stumpjumper FSR, Stumpjumper Comp, 88 & 92Nishiki Ariel, 87 Centurion Ironman, 92 Paramount, 84 Nishiki Medalist
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#613
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That Serial number is indicative of a very early "g" Giant manufactured frame, from "07" of '78.
- Is there some model name on it?
Typically, Japanese bikes with high-ten frames and steel-cottered cranks and rims do not command high prices. Your old steed appears to be in nice condition though, and IMO it would be worth your while to replace the old tires and cables and repack the bearings and and enjoy it.

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#614
Thrifty Bill
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Best bet is to replace the consumables, and enjoy it. Appears to be in really good shape.
#616
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#617
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Bikes: Giant TCR C2, Quatto Assi Team 2000, 1971 Falcon, 1984 Falcon
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Try VeloCals. He is out of California, has some already made for Nishiki from the 80's and the 70's. If you don't want to spend $40 on decals you can always go the home-made route from a local decal company. You may be able to get something similar made.
I should post pics of the Nishiki I just finished restoring. (Well more of a restore/modern) I used VeloCals, they do look good.
I should post pics of the Nishiki I just finished restoring. (Well more of a restore/modern) I used VeloCals, they do look good.
#618
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Hey everyone. I apologize this won't have pictures. My computer seems to be not working but I am curious about this Olympic I just picked up so I am posting from my phone and attachments are a hassle. Might put some up from work. A little internet searching on the bike lead me here. So hello. Here's the bike in words:
Frame is red with white seat tube, head tube and form. Simple head badge/sticker with and N and nishiki in black lines. From other info on the internet I think this frame was the '87? The interesting part is the serial number (which I triple checked) - GC846365. CG would make sense, right? Maybe someone at the factory stamped the letters backwards?
Anyway, rest of the bike: Shimano STI shifters and derailleurs - friction front, 6 speed index rear. Shimano cranks with biopace rings. Shimano brakes and levers. Doublebutted 4130.
I really like the coloring of this bike. Looks real nice with a white zefal frame pump and white bar tape also. And the fit and the price were right. I am going to enjoy riding this one.
Frame is red with white seat tube, head tube and form. Simple head badge/sticker with and N and nishiki in black lines. From other info on the internet I think this frame was the '87? The interesting part is the serial number (which I triple checked) - GC846365. CG would make sense, right? Maybe someone at the factory stamped the letters backwards?
Anyway, rest of the bike: Shimano STI shifters and derailleurs - friction front, 6 speed index rear. Shimano cranks with biopace rings. Shimano brakes and levers. Doublebutted 4130.
I really like the coloring of this bike. Looks real nice with a white zefal frame pump and white bar tape also. And the fit and the price were right. I am going to enjoy riding this one.
#619
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Maxima
I have been lurking in the shadows for a while and have learned a lot from these forums. I think it's time to come into the light and participate a bit. I have a Nishiki Maxima frame. Similar to other Maxima posts there doesn't appear to be a serial number stamped anywhere that I can find.
There is a 'Made In Italy' sticker, but the BB shell measure 68MM on my low budget micrometer. If I can provide any other helpful information please let me know.
There is a 'Made In Italy' sticker, but the BB shell measure 68MM on my low budget micrometer. If I can provide any other helpful information please let me know.
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#620
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Nishiki Salvage Project
This frame was given to me with 2 coats of 'rattle can' paint, had to use paint stripper to uncover the manufacturer, and model. Cleaned up at powder coater, with removal of old paint, and other old debris.
Wanted to create an every day rider, with some vintage and some new components.
It does ride quite well. A bit heavy compared to more modern bikes, but fun to ride, and gets interesting comments from other riders.
Better on the road than in a 'land fill'!
1986 Nishiki Modulus Frame
(Braze repair on right seat stay prior to powder coating, pin hole gap in outer cap.)
Used NOS Shimano 600 hubs laced to Sun M13II Rims.
New Sugino Cranks, and chainrings from Velo-Orange
New Velo-Orange Headset (very well made)
NOS Suntour Black Line Rear and Front Derailleurs
Suntour 6-speed freewheel (lightly used)
Suntour Accushift braze-on Shifters
Modern Tektro dual pivot Brake System
Brooks B-17 Seat
Cannondale Bottle Cages
Sealed Shimano bottom bracket, square taper
Vintage Nitto Bar and Stem
Decals from VeloCals
Wanted to create an every day rider, with some vintage and some new components.
It does ride quite well. A bit heavy compared to more modern bikes, but fun to ride, and gets interesting comments from other riders.
Better on the road than in a 'land fill'!
1986 Nishiki Modulus Frame
(Braze repair on right seat stay prior to powder coating, pin hole gap in outer cap.)
Used NOS Shimano 600 hubs laced to Sun M13II Rims.
New Sugino Cranks, and chainrings from Velo-Orange
New Velo-Orange Headset (very well made)
NOS Suntour Black Line Rear and Front Derailleurs
Suntour 6-speed freewheel (lightly used)
Suntour Accushift braze-on Shifters
Modern Tektro dual pivot Brake System
Brooks B-17 Seat
Cannondale Bottle Cages
Sealed Shimano bottom bracket, square taper
Vintage Nitto Bar and Stem
Decals from VeloCals
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#621
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I have been lurking in the shadows for a while and have learned a lot from these forums. I think it's time to come into the light and participate a bit. I have a Nishiki Maxima frame. Similar to other Maxima posts there doesn't appear to be a serial number stamped anywhere that I can find.
There is a 'Made In Italy' sticker, but the BB shell measure 68MM on my low budget micrometer. If I can provide any other helpful information please let me know.
There is a 'Made In Italy' sticker, but the BB shell measure 68MM on my low budget micrometer. If I can provide any other helpful information please let me know.
#622
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Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: South of Raleigh, North of New Hill, East of Harris Lake, NC
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Another 1988 Nishiki Olympic. This bike was a significant upgrade from the next level down, the Sport. The Sport had a chromoly main frame, the Olympic is double butted chromoly. The Sport had stem index shifters and 27 inch wheels. The Olympic had 700C Arayas with downtube index shifting. Both were 12 speed. I don't know the price difference, (T-Mar has that info), but to me, the Olympic is very similar to the mid level Nishikis while the Sport is a nicer entry level model. Good luck with it.
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I have what I believe to be an ONP that I acquired in 1984. It is a sweet frame with original Sugino Mighty crank and DuraAce headset. I'm thinking that I ought to get it in the hands of someone who grooves on vintage Nishiki frames.
The serial number perplexes me --
NP W
7Y4 0002
Any advice about what I'm dealing with here?
The serial number perplexes me --
NP W
7Y4 0002
Any advice about what I'm dealing with here?
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#624
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I have what I believe to be an ONP that I acquired in 1984. It is a sweet frame with original Sugino Mighty crank and DuraAce headset. I'm thinking that I ought to get it in the hands of someone who grooves on vintage Nishiki frames.
The serial number perplexes me --
NP W
7Y4 0002
Any advice about what I'm dealing with here?

The serial number perplexes me --
NP W
7Y4 0002
Any advice about what I'm dealing with here?
#625
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Nishiki Competition
Recently someone gave me (!) a 10-sp Nishiki Competition, sn KS 328022, which apparently is pre 1975 (per the 'S'), but judging by the high number, I'm guessing it is not much before 1975 (1974? I haven't taken the time to go thru all the many pages here to find if there is a higher number KS previously posted.)
Double-butted ChroMo frame, Dia-Compe center-pull brakes, Sugino Mighty Competition crankset 52/46, bar-end Suntour shifters, fd Suntour SL, rd Suntour V-GT Luxe, cogs 14-26, Rigida 27" French rims, hubs say 'Phil.' Even came with a Quick Stand. Cool.
Some guy handed it over at an LBS, said he didn't want to throw it away, and would they find a good home for it. A co-worker bike-talking buddy who moonlights there at the LBS knew I was looking for an old bar-end bike as a project, so he put it aside for me. Whoa! And the ratty old 1" tires/tubes, which were flat, still hold air.
Don't know the history, if all components are original.
I had to replace the rd (wouldn't take up the chain slack), but I found its brother on e-Bay.
It is a tad tall for me (62cm c-c); I plan to use it for an occasional joyride. And now if this South Jersey snow ever goes away, I'll get to try it out!
Thanks, T-Mar, for starting this, and everyone else for keeping this thread alive.
Double-butted ChroMo frame, Dia-Compe center-pull brakes, Sugino Mighty Competition crankset 52/46, bar-end Suntour shifters, fd Suntour SL, rd Suntour V-GT Luxe, cogs 14-26, Rigida 27" French rims, hubs say 'Phil.' Even came with a Quick Stand. Cool.
Some guy handed it over at an LBS, said he didn't want to throw it away, and would they find a good home for it. A co-worker bike-talking buddy who moonlights there at the LBS knew I was looking for an old bar-end bike as a project, so he put it aside for me. Whoa! And the ratty old 1" tires/tubes, which were flat, still hold air.
Don't know the history, if all components are original.
I had to replace the rd (wouldn't take up the chain slack), but I found its brother on e-Bay.
It is a tad tall for me (62cm c-c); I plan to use it for an occasional joyride. And now if this South Jersey snow ever goes away, I'll get to try it out!
Thanks, T-Mar, for starting this, and everyone else for keeping this thread alive.

Last edited by NJgreyhead; 01-30-11 at 11:00 AM. Reason: Corrected crankset numbers, added cogs numbers