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Classic Kuwahara MTB's

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151K views 107 replies 78 participants last post by  MattiThundrrr  
#1 ·
I've only seen one Kuwahara MTB from the mid 1980's, I was wondering if anyone had any pics they could share?
 
#3 ·
Thy're out there and they are pretty nice. Usually chrome... and it seems like they are always in great shape. They made some great trials machines as well. They are below the radar of most collectors, but I'd snag one in a second. Too bad they didn't stay in the game.. what a missed opportunity with the name they had from BMX.

-Schmitty-
 
#9 ·
Here's mine..

Ringer said:
I've only seen one Kuwahara MTB from the mid 1980's, I was wondering if anyone had any pics they could share?
http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=304648

Unfortunately the SS conversion was killed by some a_hole road rage driver, lucky for me the original stock '86 is still here.

I have been away a while, glad to see lots of threads...

cheers

dmc
 
#14 ·
I purchased this Kuwahara Sierra back in (about) 1987 or 1988 -- purchase price at the time was about $950 if memory serves me correctly (the Sierra XT model was a bit over $1100). I saved up for months and then waited for several weeks after ordering it before it arrived at my LBS. Ironically, I thought that this would be the last bike that I'd ever purchase (there's about 3 more bikes that I'd currently like to get).

The bike featured a quad-butted chromoly frame, Tange fork, Rolls seat, and full Shimano Deore components (at the time, Deore was a knotch up from LX -- Deore XT was at the top of the heap).

The bike is virtually stock except that I shortened the handlebars, added a Hite-rite (a popular accessory at the time), a Blackburn rear rack, and I changed the hand grips. It also used to have Specialized toe-clips. The bits of rust that have accumulated on the frame and components weren't stock either.

I rode (pounded) this bike hard for several years on and off road but it's been hardly ridden over the past 15 or so years. I've recently got back into cycling (bought a Kona Dew FS) and am currently planning to clean this old Kuwahara up a bit, add slicks and fenders, and convert it into a rainy weather commuter. The bike is still amazing solid and rides great.

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#19 ·
I just bought a Kuwahara trials bike on Craigslist (24-inch wheels). The ad said this....

"...very rare factory prototype designed by Kevin Norton who was the only American star (that I know of) in the world of observed trials in the 1980s... Despite being a prototype the bike has the level of detailing and finish typical of production bikes. The only clue to the contrary is the skid plate which is obviously band-sawn out of solid block of nylon..."

I've asked the guy for more info, like how he knows that it is a prototype, etc...

Here is my blog post about it: http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/i-got-this-rainbow-bike/

 
#20 ·
daverham said:
I just bought a Kuwahara trials bike on Craigslist (24-inch wheels). The ad said this....

"...very rare factory prototype designed by Kevin Norton who was the only American star (that I know of) in the world of observed trials in the 1980s... Despite being a prototype the bike has the level of detailing and finish typical of production bikes. The only clue to the contrary is the skid plate which is obviously band-sawn out of solid block of nylon..."

I've asked the guy for more info, like how he knows that it is a prototype, etc...

Here is my blog post about it: http://www.velotopia.org/archives/entry/i-got-this-rainbow-bike/
Very cool find. Good to see it getting used as intended too! :thumbsup:
 
#23 ·
I have a vintage kuwahara mountain bike from 1985,the frame numbers tell you the year just like the bmx bikes,mine is black with a grey headtube will post pics very soon,mine must be the US model,in canada they were identical apart from have an apollo badge on the headtube check flickr:kuwahara 84 and someone has the canadian version,if anyone has the catalogue I would very much like a scan.would also like to know the model.thanks.
 
#24 ·
OldRustyChain said:
I purchased this Kuwahara Sierra back in (about) 1987 or 1988 -- purchase price at the time was about $950 if memory serves me correctly (the Sierra XT model was a bit over $1100). I saved up for months and then waited for several weeks after ordering it before it arrived at my LBS. Ironically, I thought that this would be the last bike that I'd ever purchase (there's about 3 more bikes that I'd currently like to get).

The bike featured a quad-butted chromoly frame, Tange fork, Rolls seat, and full Shimano Deore components (at the time, Deore was a knotch up from LX -- Deore XT was at the top of the heap).

The bike is virtually stock except that I shortened the handlebars, added a Hite-rite (a popular accessory at the time), a Blackburn rear rack, and I changed the hand grips. It also used to have Specialized toe-clips. The bits of rust that have accumulated on the frame and components weren't stock either.

I rode (pounded) this bike hard for several years on and off road but it's been hardly ridden over the past 15 or so years. I've recently got back into cycling (bought a Kona Dew FS) and am currently planning to clean this old Kuwahara up a bit, add slicks and fenders, and convert it into a rainy weather commuter. The bike is still amazing solid and rides great.

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ORC that looks great:thumbsup:

I have a Shasta which appears to be from the same era though I'm having difficulty finding any info on it. Looks like it may be a lower end model but does share some of the design cues as yours.
 
#26 ·
Kuwahara Alley Cat II

I bought this Kuwahara Alley Cat II back in the late 80's. At the time it was called an All Terrain Bike. This one has the SunTour components. I've replaced the tires, grips, seat, rear cassette and added clipless pedals. I have since broken the left crank arm and will probably have to replace both the left and right along with the axle since I can't find a crank arm that will fit it.

I still ride this bike and have really enjoyed it. I was glad to come across this forum and share some photos of my 'beater'.
 

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