The Olympic Royale was introduced in 1978 as a deluxe version of the Olympic 12. Basically, it was an Olympic 12 with aluminum rims versus steel and bar end shifters versus stem shifters. Like the Olympic 12, the main triangle was plain gauge CrMo with hi-tensile forks and stays. It's arguable as to whether the bicycle should be classified upper entry level or lower mid range.

Thank you very much for the information! Low end or not does not matter at all to me, I fell in love with the frame while working on it, I like the simplicity. Some years ago I had a Nishiki and it was one of the smoothest bikes I had. Maybe I will look for a good original for my collection. If I may ask yoi one more question...which model and tear would you advise me to look for? Thanks again.

That is a very difficult question to respond to, without knowing yourself, your riding habits, preferences and budget. Generally, the most collectible bicycle are the high end, racing models, which would be the Professional, ONP, Maxima Cervino or Carbon

I have a 1972 model with serial number KE22827 that I bought in 1974 without most components except a Sugino crankset. I use it to commute by train to a part time job.

A May 1972, Katakura built Professional by the looks of it. Thxs for posting.

Just acquired a 1985 Riviera GT, s/n WE 07661.

I realize these serial numbers aren't inherently significant like some serial numbering schemes, yet I do suspect there's patterns in the numerical portion. Here's why: the importer orders various quantities of bikes with certain specs, for example a quantity of 125 blue Riviera GT's with a 53 cm frame size, another 125 red Riviera GT's with the 53 cm frame size, perhaps 100 blue Riviera GT's with a 50 cm frame size, etc etc for all the various models that are being completed under that order. So the manufacturer isn't going to randomly make exactly (a quantity of ) one bike of one size/frame/color, then another completely different size/frame/color, then hey the next minute let's make yet another size/frame/color. That would not be efficient from a manufacturing standpoint. The tubing cutter is instead going to cut all of the downtubes for one particular frame size at one time, rather than changing back and forth to cut different random lengths; the welder/brazer is going to set up a jig and weld a whole bunch of the exact same frame, rather than randomly changing back and forth between different setups. The paint booth also likes to paint with the same color for as long as possible. So I suspect that the serial number sequence is still random--but possibly in chunks according to whatever was on the production ticket for that day or week. Of course, they may have had multiple lines bringing completed bikes through for serial number assignments, so you might have one or two numbers in a row for type A (line #1 's production for a few minutes) then one or two numbers for type B (line 2's production for a few minutes) then back to type A for a few more sequential numbers...then back to type B...Still sort of random but within the constraints of producing a large numbers of similar bikes in roughly the same time period.

Not sure if my s/n fits any of the formats listed. It is KI07620 . Can anyone help identify it.

I posted this in the 'Saved From the Dump' thread but thought I would post the serial number here. It is WF13 313. Here is what was posted in the other thread:

I picked up this '87 Nishiki Cresta GT recently and just finished up a complete overhaul. I had picked this up with the intention of turning it into my wife's work commuter however it is too bike so I will pass it on to someone else. It is a touring bike that had flat bars when I got it. I put on rando bars and swapped the 5 speed freewheel for a six speed. I have $41 into it. I apologize for the bad picture but it is too late to take a picture in the wild.

Yes, that is how production would occur. However, it appears there is nothing in the serial number to designate the production line, colour, model, size etc, The numbers aren't random but appear to be a sequentially assigned number based on the order they come off the line(s) and enter the serialization station.

Welcome to the forums. It was manufactured by Kawamura for the USA market, in 1979. It is probably at least upper entry level, as most of the bottom of the line models were being manufactured by Giant by this time. It's not a top of the line ONP. Beyond this, we'll need pictures to identify the actual model. Pictures should include one good overall picture taken from the drive side and details pictures of any tubing decal and major components, such as the derailleurs, crankset and brakes.

Thxs for posting. Nice job. As stated it is definitely a 1987, based on the downtube logo and what appears to AccuShift levers, though the serial number indicates 1986 manufacture.

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Picked this up the other dayoff of craigslist as you can tell from the picture. I doubt it has 50 miles on it as the drive gear looks new.
Parts with date codes I've found and looked up are
SN- KC35810

Sugino GS Crank - GC - March 1983

Sunshine Hubs-
Front 5345 - L unknown date
Rear 5345 - K unknown date

Suntour Cyclone M-II Derailleurs
Front - ZG - July 1983
Rear - AA - Jan 1984

So far have gone thru all bearings and re lubed free-wheel which is a 6 speed 14/28
and replaced the brake hoods and cables, still waiting on newbaum's yellow tape and 27 x 1 1/8 pasela tires. Calling it a 84 since the rd is stamped as a 84 model.

Hi there, I have a Nishiki American Eagle (pre-1975) with the serial #KS37788W . I have posted some pictures and would love more info of you have any!

I acquirer this bike back in the early to mid '80s. I was wondering if anyone knew what year it was manufactured. The serial number is KG08705. There are no indications on the bike of what model it is. I hope someone can help me out. Here are a couple pictures of the bike including the serial number.

The last year for American eagle appears to have been 1972. Another member has a 1971 American Eagle with a serial number higher than yours, so supposedly yours should no newer than 1971 and possibly slightly older. You might be able to gfind some two letter codes on the backs of the derailleurs, if they are SunTour.

I'm not familiar with all the AE models but most of the names were carried over to Nishiki for the first first year. The least expensive first year Nishiki 10 speed with a female frame option was the Olympiad (later to become the Olympic), so this may be what you have.

The serial number indicates it was manufactured in 1977 but it could be a 1977 or 1978 model. The crankset in conjunction with top tube cable clips and side pull brakes suggest an International. Are the rims 27" or 700C?

The rims are Araya 27". Thanks for your response.

Then it should be a 1977, as the 1978 version was spec'd with 700C.

Just joined the club with a 1983 Cresta. Really stoked to pick it up for 130, put a cheap bar wrap on and rode it 10 miles no problem. Can't wait to start fancying it up.

This appears to be a 1984 model manufactured in late 1983. If you're particular about knowing the exact model year you may want to check some component date codes. If you find anything from the latter half of 1983, it is almost certainly a 1984 model. See the Vintage-Trek website for the locations and codes of the different component manufacturers..

The front mech is for sure 1983, but I need to get a toothbrush out and clean off some of the other parts if I want to get the date locked down. What makes you think it's an 84 model?

I'm going to put on a set of Panaracer Paselas, some SKS Longboard p45 if they'll fit, and put some miles on.

Hi everyone! I'm new to this forum. I have an old Nishiki Rapier Mountain Bike with the serial number 7XD0802566. I tried to check on many website to find out when and where it is made but couldn't see any information. Anyone can help me please?

stormmusic2503, your bike isn't really very old. That 7 at the start of the serial number may stand for 2007.

As I know is this Nishiki bike doesn't exit since 2001 ><.

A stated in the previous post, the '7" is probably the frame manufacture year, which would make it 1997 or 2007. Given the level of the bicycle and the presence of a suspension fork, I would also suspect 2007. The rear derailleur appears to be a Shimano Tourney TX series with the large pulleys, which would fit this time frame. There will be a two letter date code on the back of the derailleur which you can use to date it, using the information on the components page of the Vintage-Trek website. Let us know what you find. BTW, welcome to the forums.