I am looking to buy a vintage road bike and I came across a nikishi royale on craigs. Can anyone tell me about those bikes? Google didn't have much to tell me!

I like Nishikis but I must confess I'm not familiar with their lineup. I just remember the Olympic 12 I had was a great bike. If there is a picture in the ad, you might look to see if it has forged dropouts (as opposed to stamped). Stamped look like they were stamped out of a flat piece of metal; forged looks more like it was formed in a mold. Also if you can see what kind of derailleur it has on the back you can look it up on Disraeli Gears to see if it is a higher end or lower end part, and about how old it is. You may also want to search Bike Forums for "Nishiki Serial Number" and look at the serial number database thread; there are a lot of Nishikis and associated discussion there.

I found a Royale out for trash and drug it home. I think I herniated a disc while lifting it. It's a heavy bike, but I sold it very quickly for $75 this past fall. It all depends on what you want it for, racer NOPE, cruiser around town for fun, go for it if it fits. All in all, it's a low end bike that would be fine for recreational riding

I just picked up an old Fuji Royale Mixte, the other day. I plan to offer the bike on Ebay very soon. I do like the attention to detail and all of the Fuji pantographed and embossed components.

Fuji_Royale_M_53_Full_Side_L_1..jpg Fuji_Royale_M_53_Full_Side_3..jpg Fuji_Royale_M_53_HeadBadge_1..jpg

Fuji_Royale_M_53_Cranks_2..jpg Fuji_Royale_M_53_Derailleur_R_2..jpg

Looks like a nice bike Randy. But, the OP was asking about a Nishiki.

Post pictures. Most models went through dramatic changes over the years, so the same model may be something great, something average, something mediocre. Also condition is everything.

Yikes! All I looked at was the word "Royale" and likened it to a gentle criticism sent my way regarding how I spelled Tourist. Sorry for the confusion and my apologies to the OP.

+1, Seriously, as someone who collects and has tracked some Nishikis, the changes over the years is substantial. The Olympic went from a 27" wheeled hi-ten frame to a double butted steel chromoly frame with 700C arayas, aero levers and downtube index shifters.
I know I've seen the Royale, but I can't remember where if fit in the line-up and I'm not at home to see if it's in my literature. AS I recall, it was at least better than entry level.

Thanks! Good info! Here are a couple pics from the ad:

Disregard my post about level of quality.... That bike is infinitely better than the one I had. Mine had the FFS and weighed about 35lbs. Looks nice, get it if it fits

Depends on the price. That is a fairly low end bike, but not the bottom for sure. So if the price is right, it fits, and is what you are looking for, go for it.