Nishiki (bicycle) - Serial Numbers

Serial Numbers

Serial Numbers for Nikishi bikes were decoded by Tom Marshall, Canadian engineer, racer and runner, using a trial and error database methodology.

Kawamura manufactured frames (1972–1987): These frames used a serial number XYZZZZZ format where:

  • X is the market (C = Canada (pre-1985) K = USA (pre 1985) W = USA (1985–1987)).
  • Y is the last digit of the manufacturing calendar year (A =1, B = 2, C = 3… J = 0. Exception is letter S, used on all frames prior to 1975).
  • ZZZZZ is a five or six digit number, possibly representing a sequential frame manufacturing number for the year (or era in the case of pre 1975 frames).
Example 1: KA24587 is the 24,587th frame produced in 1981 for the US market.
Example 2: CG23117 is the 23,117th frame produced in 1977 for the Canadian market.
Example 3: WE54612 is the 54,612th frame produced in 1985 for the US market.

Giant manufactured frames (1980-1986*): With a date code generally stamped on the dropout on the drive side of the bike, these frames used a two part serial number in a G MM YY format, where:

  • G = Giant.
  • MM = month (01 = Jan, 02 = Feb, etc.).
  • YY = year (80 = 1980, 81 = 1981, etc.).
Example: G0384 is a Giant-manufactured frame from March 1984.

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