That is right [MENTION=469944]Pollster[/MENTION]. You should not believe what any body else tells you about Nishiki serial numbers.

All that stuff I told you about your serial number not being "186-42-0119" and that the real serial number was found elsewhere on the bike, well I just made all that up.

And if you think you found a serial number on the seat tube, well that could be anything, put there by anybody or mischievous fairies, elves, leprechauns, or whatever little phantoms there are in Taiwan.

Your real serial number is as you originally quoted and you should accept the expert analysis of that serial number that was given previously.

Dumpster find 85 "Prestige" coffee bike is coming along
 

Still can't decide on pedals. Vintage/new/weird/colorful....also getting the courage to finish the harlequin wrap.

[MENTION=245488]Londonsworld[/MENTION] vintage for regular shoes. Harlequin wrap... be a winner! Sure to be a conversation starter at your favorite coffee shop. Just remember exactly how you did it so I can follow.

edit... as a side note, can you believe how heavy those problem solver caps are for the shift braze ons?

Saved another one......
 

(Pre 75?) A bit rusty, but I just love the old Nishiki bikes.

Pre-1975 Nishiki time capsule find
 

Hello - I ran across your post looking for a Nishiki serial number registry, and I think you've got it! I picked up one very orange Nishiki serial number KS27331. From your registry, it would appear to be either a pre-1975 Kawamura, or a 1972 Katakura. Is there a way to know the difference? Is there a simple way to send you images? I have taken a complete series of photos.

Welcome to the forums. It's definitely Kawamura. The 2nd character in the Katakura format is a month indicator, so you don't get up to 'S". Also, KS= Kawamura Sangyo.

We might be able to narrow the model year using component date codes. Please refer to the link for location, format and interpretation of the codes. Please post what you find. TIA.

Date of Manufacture of Bicycle Components can be used to date a bike: component dating

If the photos are on a hosting site you can post the link. However, since you have less than 10 posts, you will have to disguise it, to prevent detection by the URL auto-censor. The easiest way is to arbitrarily insert one space, which members can then remove.

Hello zootticus,

The Nishiki Custom Sport model start in 1974 or 1975.

I would suggest that the serial number of your bicycle has another digit at the end, six digits. If so, your bicycle fits in with the early Custom Sport models.

If the serial number does not have another digit, only 5 digits, then the serial number places the bicycle in 1970 or 1971 and it should have an American Eagle headbadge.

From the photo I posted, it does have an interesting head badge, but it that's an American Eagle, then I just ate a Pterodactyl for dinner last night. I'll check to see if I missed a digit for the serial number.

On the Orange Nishiki Custom Sport the components and decals and head badge place it as 75-77. The American Eagle head badge was essentially the same with a different rocker.

Hi! Not sure if this is a correct place to ask, feel free to destroy me if I'm not welcomed here. I'm a total noob and I'm looking for a road bike. I've been looking for a vintage steel bikes cause they seem to be cheaper and I like how they look.

Theres someone near me, who has two Nishiki bikes from 80s, should I buy one of them or not?

Bike 1:
Nishiki Trim Master 1981.
Drivetrain: Cranks Shimano Dura-ace AX aero (50-42), rear derailleur 600 AX, front derailleur D-A EX, 7-speed freewheel (UG).
Pedals: Shimano Dura-ace AX.
Brakes: Shimano Dura-ace AX.
Stem and handlebars: Sakae.
Saddle: Kashimax Aero.
Rims: Wolber TX profil, 600 Tricolore hubs, Vittoria Corsa SC 25mm tires.
He says the frame is in good condition and doesn't have dents.
Price: 230USD.

Bike 2:
Nishiki Road Master 1981.
Drivetrain: Cranks Sakae, derailleurs Suntour ARX, 6-Speed (UG).
Pedals: Sakae.
Brakes: Dia-Compe.
Stem and handlebars: Sakae.
Saddle: ?.
Rims: Mavic rims, Shimano hubs, Panaracer Pasela tires.
He says the frame is very good condition.
Price: 200USD.

Neither Trim Master (are you sure it'snot Tri Master?) or Road Master are USA models, so I'm not familiar with them beyond your info. Since both are the same year, the Trim Master sounds higher end based on the components and presumably a better frame, possibly with aero tubing, Both sound like frankenbikes with replacement wheelsets. The Dura-Ace AX crankset requires dedicated pedals with 1" axles or use of an adapter. The matching AX pedals use non-standard toe clips, so ensure the pedals are in good condition and have toe clips.

The Trim Master is the better performance oriented bicycle and also the better value, assuming equivalent cosmetic and mechanical condition and proper fit. However, the Road Master might be the more satisfying bicycle for casual, general purpose riding.

Yes, I'm located in Europe. He calls it Trim Master, I'm not sure. They are both same size and the owner is about my size. He says he has adapters for 9/16 pedals. So Trim Master is probably better but I should still get the Trim Master?

The standard response on this Forum: get both!😀

Picked up the Sanki Pacer
 

Rides great! Nothing special component wise, but its a nice survivor. Kinda digging the big rear reflector....

Dia Comme 610 brakes
SR handlebar, stem and cranks
Ukai rims
Arai QR
Unk hubs
Suntour V-Luxe RD
Suntour SL FD
MKS pedals

Thxs for posting. I've been wondering who that S-format was associated with.

Thanks~Yes, I missed a digit in my photo - the serial number is KS273311.

Correct, sir!
 

Yes, I missed a digit. The serial number is KS273311.

A few more photos....
 

Now that I've realized that I missed a digit in the serial number posted earlier - the serial number is KS273311 - it's easier to accurately date this tangerine dream. Here's a few more photos - and another question: I can't say I have a present personal use for this one (well, with 28 bikes in the garage, there's always room for one more), so after the clean-up, what's the right way to vend and send this to a new home? (My wife's in love with her Trek Lime, and I tend to either trail-ride the Trek Y-job or road the Cannondale). I do have to say that I'm digging the funky tiny aluminum fenders and all the original reflectors on this model. The components all appear to be original to this bike, but the tires have clearly been updated (those are not 40-year-old tires) - strangely, the tires had clear plastic stickers attached to them reading "Made in Japan", but the tires themselves are molded otherwise. Makes one wonder...

Based on the serial # KS273311 it would be a 1975 model with a fame set manufactured in late 1974 or early 1975.

Thanks for checking and getting back with the information.

My 1985 (?) Nishiki Riviera GT has this serial # WE12990.

Based on other serial numbers that I have seen, the 12290, would suggest that you have a 1986 model year.

If there is a "Frame Geometry" decal then it is 1986 model year.

In 1985 there were Riviera and Riviera Eurotech models.

Thanks Hummer, I was guessing about the 1985 date - but it does have the decal on the base of the down tube.

Just picked up this gem for $10 - I couldn't find the serial number range in this thread, can you help?

I'd place it circa 1983-1984 based on what appears to be Shimano Z-series derailleurs. Did you check the drive side dropout?