Hello all, this is my first post here, and I look forward to learning. I have an older Hon folding bike (classic?, convertible?, not sure what the name is. I believe I have the black canvas bag as well. The serial number I found was A406-030 so if I am correct it was made in Taiwan on June of 1984 and was 30th off the line (that year, or that month?) I believe it is a pretty early one and pretty complete and original (seat and tires too) from what I can find. I would be interested in learning more about what I have and if there is something I should do for maintenance. I haven't cleaned it up much, and just not really sure what to do with it. I tried to post some pictures, but I got an error: "Your submission could not be processed because a security token was missing." I'll try to get it sorted out and get some pictures posted soon.

Thanks,

Jeff

You need to have 10 posts to post pictures. So do 9 more posts and then do the pictures and you will get better answers. One of our members Thor might give you the serial number answers as he is a Dahon dealer. Roger

If it's three speed, a year/month date stamp will be on the Sturmey-Archer hub. These were shipped from the UK to Taiwan so the bike will have been assembled many months after the hub.

Thanks for the comments

Post 3

I will get pics of the hub and post asap

Post 5

go speed racer

One of my favourite bikes, I love mine. At a minimum I would repack the headset, front hub and bottom bracket. Replacing the tires makes a big difference, and I couldn’t tolerate the original saddle. Another thing I would do which is little but I think important is if you fold it a lot, cut off the little pegs on the pedals with a sharp knife or they will scrape up the top tube. Also, you will find an adjusting screw for the folding clamp, you can fine tune it so theat the bike clamps tight, which is very important. Enjoy your new bike! I love mine and have ridden 3 centuries on it so far.

I'm trying zebede... limited to 5 posts in 24 hrs.

Looking forward to seeing some pictures of your bike. These old Dahons have a fan base. You can find some groups on the web that have re-stored or modified and have meetings.

I have re-built/restored a handful myself. Primarily because I could buy them cheap and give them to family members or sell them. They are typically not worth a lot of money even in museum shape, unless its a stainless steel mariner. They are fun, friendly bikes that bring conversation and invite people who normally don't ride to try them out, because of the step thru frame and small wheels. IMO they are not ideal for fast or distance riding.

As far as Maintenance, old folding bikes like this need a thorough safety inspecting. Every moving part inspected, lubricated and adjusted. What I usually find is that the bikes have seen very little use and most of the wear is due to corrosion. A few drops of oil in the SA hub, maybe a new chain, tires, and cables. inspect and lubricate hubs, bottom bracket and headset and hinges. Check to make sure that you understand how the hinges works and the safety latch and they are working properly. no missing cotter pin on stem hinge.

There is sometimes play in the stem truss from a worn plastic insert, this can be corrected with shoe goop and drill. See image borrowed from internet.

It is stainless, and I believe it it old as "DAHON" is no where on the bike... only "HON CALIFORNIA"

I found "83 11" stamped on the hub. I have the original bag as well.... if that means anything?

Post 7....

Post 8... getting closer to be able to upload pictures...

9...

Pics...

You can always put your images at a free place such as photobucket, and then post IMG links.

Jur phot buckect basically does not work any more unless you are willing to pay a lot for it. At least in the USA. Roger

"83 11" Engraved on the hub
"T406030" engraved on the frame
3-speed
Stainless
Have original bag
I think everything is original, a few dings and markings, but pretty clean overall (it does need a good cleaning, but just dust and mostly over the parts that were lubricated.

Let me know if anyone wants me to post more pictures. Again, I'm not sure what I am going to do with this thing, but it is kind of fun to ride in the driveway. I really do appreciate all the comments so far.

Thanks!

Jeff

That's a clean little piece of history. Keep it!

A very nice stainless example. Definitely a keeper. If you ever want to move it, try to ensure the far east markets see your sale - they are sought after.

Wow, I wasn’t expecting that. That’s one of the rare ones, with the original orange fenders and chainguard. I take back everything I said. If I were you I would clean it with a rag and sell it on eBay. Super, super cool.

I wonder if David Hon has even one of these himself. They might want it for their museum assuming they have one. Thor?

got 3 :-) in original box .... besides many other old things cluttering up my warehouse ..lol

Thanks for the comments, does anyone know approximate value? Or would anyone here be interested in it?

I'm located in Iowa, too bad Thor already has a few

Thanks again,

Jeff