From the serial number the frame was manufactured in year 1988, month 09. Probably made in Taiwan.
Probably model year 1989.

It's definitely a 1989 model, as that was the 1st year for the Cunningham designed Nishiki bicycles and the Ariel was upgraded to elevated chain stays for the 1990 model year.

86? Nishiki Prestige 61cm

Yes, it's a 1986 Nishiki Prestige manufactured by Kawamura of Japan for the USA market.

I wonder how that serial guide holds up for their BMX?

I have a 1980? Nishiki BMX I just snagged in mostly OG condition to restore.

It's the same format, except the Kawamura manufactured road models didn't start using the W prefix until 1985. A J-code would indicate 1980,unless 1990 was also a possibility.

Thanks! Its definitely an early 80s model. The 90s where a whole different style.

I just picked up a 60cm 1985 Prestige with waaaay too short of a stem and too short of a seat post for me at 6' 1" for $85. This is my first post so I guess I can't post photos yet. Lots of little rust areas but in seemingly good shape. Not quite certain what route I'm going to go but I'm going to try on a 100mm stem with flat bars and see how I like it before making more permanent changes. At the very least it'll be my beater bike so I can lock it up in Seattle without having to worry too much, as opposed to my Gunnar Fastlane...

(Since I can't post a pic, serial number is WE08736 - dark, sparkly blue)

Here's my contribution. It's a very original specimen of a 1976 Nishiki International with a chrome moly frame. I'm new to this vintage bike game. I don't know what a double butt is, so I don't know that stuff.

^ I believe this is actually a 1977 model manufactured in late 1976. The 1976 still used the pencil point seat stays and a frame mounted cable stop for the rear brake cable housing. It also did not have a rear droput with integral derailleur hanger. A 1977 model is further supported by the September 1976 date code on the Sugino Maxy II crannkset.

I'm new here, but I can already tell who the experts are. Thanks for the information. Do you know anything about the CrMo frame? is that real?

What you're showing in your pictures is a typical Nishiki tubing decal from that era. Chrome Molybdenum is a high strength steel alloy used for lightweight bicycle frames. There was also Manganese Molybdenum (Reynolds 531). Double butted tubing has a thinner wall in the middle for lighter weight and thicker at the ends to withstand heat from brazing. This is the CrMo Double Butted Tubing decal in my Nishiki Ultimate.

Yes, chrome molybdenum (properly chromium-molybdenum and often abbreviated CrMo) was original spec on the 1977 Nishiki International. As noted, yours is not double butted but a plain gauge version, with consistent wall thickness along the entire length of the tubes. The tubeset is almost certainly Tange Champion #5 , as Tange was Kawamura's prime source for CrMo tubesets.

I have a circa 1983 Nishiki International, which I have owned since it was new and currently use as a city commuter. Was trying to figure out hold old it was when I bought it and came across this thread. Unfortunately, the board won't let me post photos. Even though they are being uploaded from my computer, I keep getting an error saying "You are not allowed to post URLs until you have at least 10 posts"

This is the International from my 1983 catalogue.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4A...ew?usp=sharing

This is my first Nishiki and I couldn't be more happy about it. I don't know a lot about them, but I know I have an Olympic 12 speed. The Serial number is KH11022. Does anyone know what year it is?

I believe it to have nearly all original parts besides bar tape, pedals, and possibly saddle/seat post. It is in pretty good shape. The rear cassette is worn and the chain slips so I will probably have to replace it. I replaced the chain so I know it's not the chain.

What other maintenance should be done to make sure it stays in working order? I paid $60 for it, was that too much?

It looks like it has:
Sugino RT crankset
Suntour drivetrain
Suntour Supurbe brake calipers
Dia-compe brake levers
Araya wheel set

Any thoughts on it?

(sorry the pictures aren't the best. I was in a hurry.)

Your frame was manufactured in 1978 but it could be a 1979 model manufactured in late 1978. SunTour Superbe brakes would not be original and alone justify the price. Unless the previous owner has recently done work on the bicycle, it's forty year age justifies a complete overhaul with new bearings and grease, new cables and new brake pads. Unless you can do the work yourself, this will get expensive,very quickly. The pictures, well, they just just aren't....

Here are the pictures. I wasn't able to post them earlier.

Hello,
I have a Nishiki Custom Sport (serial number KC 40603), manufactured by Kawamura. I wanted to see if someone could tell me some more information about it-- e.g. what year it is, how much I would sell it for if I did etc.?
Thanks!
Sarah

Your bicycle was manufactured in 1983, so it could be a 1983 or 1984 model. The Custom Sport was an entry level model. We' need pictures to determine the exact year and a meaningful value but assuming good ready to ride ride condition, in an average market, I'd value it at ~$125.

I saved the cranks off an old Azuki and cleaned them up for my daughters Nishiki Olympic. The old rusty crank set (cotter pins) needed to go. Popped on a new freewheel and chain after servicing the rear hub and nastiest BB i've ever seen. Also purchased a better lock to keep the crooks at bay. Her Matsuri was recently jacked while attending her summer math class ;-(



Lived a previous life on a decent Azuki...