For enthusiasts and collectors of vintage bicycles, Nishiki Bikes hold a special place. Known for their quality and craftsmanship, determining the age and model of a Nishiki can often be achieved through understanding their serial number system. This guide aims to provide a comprehensive breakdown of Nishiki serial numbers from the 1970s to the early 1990s, helping you unlock the history of your bicycle.
Based on extensive data collection and analysis spanning several years, this article focuses on decoding Nishiki serial numbers primarily from the 1970s to the mid-1980s, with some information extending into the early 1990s. While data for the late 1980s and onward remains limited, this guide offers substantial insights into earlier models.
To further expand this knowledge base, we encourage Nishiki owners to contribute to the ongoing research. Sharing pictures and specifications of your Nishiki bike, particularly a drive-side view, is invaluable. Key information includes the model name, year of manufacture (if known), frame material, and details of major components, including their make, model, and date codes. Resources like Date of Manufacture of Bicycle Components can be used to date a bike: component dating can assist in deciphering component date codes.
This guide will be updated with general developments in the database as new information becomes available.
Kawamura Manufactured Nishiki Frames (1972-1987*)
Kawamura Cycles was a primary manufacturer of Nishiki frames during this period. Their serial numbers typically follow a specific format: XYZZZZZ.
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X (Market Indicator): This letter designates the intended market for the bicycle:
- A: Australia
- C: Canada (pre-1987*)
- E: Europe
- K: USA (pre-1985) and non-ferrous frames (1986-1988*)
- W: USA (1985-1987*)
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Y (Year Indicator): This letter represents the last digit of the manufacturing year. A = 1, B = 2, C = 3… J = 0. Notably, the letter S was used for all frames manufactured prior to 1975.
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ZZZZZ (Sequential Frame Number): This five or six-digit number appears to be a sequential count of frames manufactured within that specific year (or era for pre-1975 frames).
Examples:
- KA24587: This serial number indicates the 24,587th frame produced in 1981 for the US market. (K=USA, A=1981)
- CG231117: This denotes the 23,117th frame manufactured in 1977 for the Canadian market. (C=Canada, G=1977)
- WE54612: This represents the 54,612th frame made in 1985 for the US market. (W=USA, E=1985)
It is important to note that while this serial number format is primarily associated with the 1972-1987 period, there is a possibility it extends beyond 1987, although confirmed examples are currently lacking.
Giant Manufactured Nishiki Frames (1978-1986*)
Giant Bicycles also manufactured frames for Nishiki, and their serial numbers from this era are typically found stamped on the drive-side dropout and consist of two parts. The first part is the date code: Gmmyy.
- G: Designates Giant as the manufacturer.
- mm: Represents the month of manufacture, where 01 = January, 02 = February, and so on.
- yy: Indicates the year of manufacture, with 80 = 1980, 81 = 1981, etc.
Example:
- G0384: This serial number signifies a frame manufactured by Giant in March 1984.
While this format is characteristic of the 1978-1986 period, it’s worth noting that a different format emerged in 1987. Formats preceding 1978 exist, but no Nishiki bicycles with those earlier formats have been reported to date.
Giant Manufactured Nishiki Frames (1987-1989*)
In 1987, Giant introduced a new serial number format: Gfyxxxxx.
- G: Still indicates Giant as the manufacturer.
- f: A letter representing the “fortnight” or two-week period of manufacture within the year (A = weeks 1-2, B = weeks 3-4, … Z = weeks 51-52).
- y: The last digit of the calendar year of manufacture (7 = 1987, 8 = 1988, etc.).
- xxxxx: Likely a sequential manufacturing number assigned during that specific fortnight.
Example:
- GD706959: This serial number suggests the 6,959th frame manufactured during the 4th fortnight of 1987.
This serial number format appears to have started in 1987 and is known to continue beyond 1989 on Giant-branded models. However, concrete examples on Nishiki bicycles from after 1989 are yet to be documented.
Derby Manufactured Nishiki Frames (1989-1992*)
Around 1989, Nishiki was acquired by Derby International, which also owned Raleigh. Some Nishiki manufacturing subsequently took place at Derby’s Kent, Washington facility. The serial number format for these frames is: Rydddyxxxx.
- R: Indicates Raleigh, Kent, Washington as the manufacturing location.
- y…y: Represents the year of manufacture.
- ddd: The day of the year (e.g., 035 is the 35th day of the year).
- xxxx: A sequential manufacturing number.
Example:
- R9035167879: This serial number decodes to the 7,879th frame built on day 35 (February 4th) of 1991. (Assuming 91 is represented as two digits). Correction: Based on the example provided in the original text, ‘9’ represents 1991 and ‘035’ is day 35, so it should be 1991, not 1989 as initially inferred from “Circa 1989”. Example year is 1991.
While this format is associated with the 1989-1992 period, it’s possible it extends beyond this range in either direction. However, documented examples outside this timeframe are currently unavailable.
Katakura Manufactured Nishiki Frames (1971-1973*)
Katakura Silk, another manufacturer, produced Nishiki frames primarily in the early 1970s. Their serial number format is: Kmyxxxx.
- K: Designates Katakura as the manufacturer.
- m: A letter indicating the month of manufacture (A = January, B = February,… L = December).
- y: A number representing the last digit of the calendar year (1 = 1971, 3 = 1973).
- xxxx: A four-digit sequential manufacturing number within that month.
Example:
- KI20182: This serial number indicates the 182nd frame manufactured in September 1971. (K=Katakura, I=September, 1=1971)
Other Manufacturers
Over the years, various other serial number formats have surfaced, some pointing to known manufacturers and others remaining unidentified. These instances likely represent smaller, subcontracted production runs and constitute a minor portion of overall Nishiki production volume. This guide does not cover these less common formats in detail. However, we encourage users to share information about these unique serial numbers on relevant forums to contribute to the collective knowledge base. Individual forum responses can help identify and categorize these less common formats as they arise.
Conclusion
Decoding Nishiki serial numbers is a valuable tool for dating and understanding the history of these classic bicycles. This guide provides a framework for interpreting the most common serial number formats from major manufacturers like Kawamura, Giant, Derby, and Katakura. However, the ongoing research relies on community contributions. By sharing information about your Nishiki bike, you contribute to a more complete and accurate understanding of Nishiki’s rich history and model timeline. Your input is crucial in expanding this resource and helping fellow enthusiasts unlock the stories behind their Nishiki bikes.
