My project: Kuwahara KZ1 replica build (1981)

[aussieidiot]

After seeing Justin Fox's re-build of a old school Kuwahara, I got thinking about my old BMX I had in 1985 and then when I saw a frame at Blackmans in Parramatta, I got really inspired. I started looking around while my arm was busted and found a lot of info and parts for this kind of project.

So here's the start of my build. The KZ1 was from 1981.

The frame: KZ1 replica number 087.

and the detail and welds!

I'm yet to clean it up. its covered in dust and needs a polish.


these are the parts I've already got on the way.

Grips:

brake cables:

seat:

Seat post branded Kuwahara!

and disc:

This is what I hope to have when I finish although I'm thinking Skyway tuffs in black would look sweet. They wouldn't be true to original but then I won't be able to get every part NOS or original.

 

[will...]

Well they've gone under since last year so get all the Kuwahara parts you can!!

Looks like a sweet oldschool build man keep us posted

 

[augo]

Yeah very nice, love the ol skool!

 

[aussieidiot]

Did they go under again!?!?!

Since most of the parts are NOS or available through e-bay or bmxmuseum.com, I should be right.

I'm thinking I'll go with black Skyway II's as the rims are hard to get and more expensive. Plus I always wanted tuffs.

I've got a few more parts now and all I need now are brakes and wheels/tyres plus the bearings for the cranks.

I'll post up when I have all the bits and the finished product.

 

[will...]

Did they go under again!?!?!

Since most of the parts are NOS or available through e-bay or bmxmuseum.com, I should be right.

I'm thinking I'll go with black Skyway II's as the rims are hard to get and more expensive. Plus I always wanted tuffs.

I've got a few more parts now and all I need now are brakes and wheels/tyres plus the bearings for the cranks.

I'll post up when I have all the bits and the finished product.

Well last year Obama brought in this law that all toys imported have to be lead tested. And anything under 26inch was a toy. this was of great cost to BMX companies who had their stuff manufactured in Taiwan (pretty much everyone), and Kuwahara were one of the first to fold. Don't know if this is the one your thinking of though man.

Sounds good, post it up for sure!

 

[aussieidiot]

When I first bought my replica Kuwahara frame, the guy mentioned that Kuwahara released a limited edition Laserlite for the 25th anniversary of the E.T edition bike from 1982. I was told they only had three and they sold them as soon as they hit the floor.

So as I was building the KZ1 replica, I found more info on the brand and about the models of the bikes.

Then I found this still for sale at Belrose Cycles today.

I had to have it.

Very much an impulse buy. I doubt I'll even ride it!

My camera has a bit of trouble focusing in low light so i'll take better shots in the sun tomorrow.

Sorry to the guy from Lithgow who also inquired about the bike the same day I did. the sales guy said its been sitting there for ages and then in one day, two calls. I know its not a line because of the way he thought I might be the other guy who called.


better photos

 

[droctagon]

Beautiful replica mate, i always wanted one back in the day, Either a Kuwahara or P.K. Ripper, I think i'll polish up my old Mongoose Expert, thanks for the inspiration.

 

[tld_06]

Don't go for Skyway tuffs. They're over-used and look ridiculous on half the bikes they're on.

If you look hard enough on BMX Museum, evilBay, etc. you'll find an old school set of Arayas or something of the sort.

Unbelievably, I had a set of Kuwahara wheels, bars with gooseneck and pads that I threw out when we moved house 18 months ago. All needed work but Really regret it now.

 

[aussieidiot]

Beautiful replica mate, i always wanted one back in the day, Either a Kuwahara or P.K. Ripper, I think i'll polish up my old Mongoose Expert, thanks for the inspiration.

Cheers.

I was inspired by Justin Fox's re-build. I'm glad to have inspired someone else.
http://www.rotorburn.com/forums/showthread.php?t=158037

Don't go for Skyway tuffs. They're over-used and look ridiculous on half the bikes they're on.

If you look hard enough on BMX Museum, evilBay, etc. you'll find an old school set of Arayas or something of the sort.

Unbelievably, I had a set of Kuwahara wheels, bars with gooseneck and pads that I threw out when we moved house 18 months ago. All needed work but Really regret it now.

I always wanted the Tuff's and don't think they look too bad. Man never throw anything out! you may as well have thrown out $200-$500!

 

[aussieidiot]

Here's my work in progress.

I'm waiting on MX901's and a padset from the UK to arrive this week!

 

[Jordan!]

Looking really nice..

Post an update once the pads arrive.

 

[aussieidiot]

I think I'm finished.........

I need to get better photo's (and camera)

 

[Tazed]

That is fucking awesome. DO NOT change a thing on it, except the chainring if you can get a black one.
That's pure 80's porn. Love it.

 

[aussieidiot]

Thanks.

I was thinking of changing the chain ring. The cranks and ring are rare and are off a late 80's apparently. I picked this up as the originals are really hard to come by.

 

[aussieidiot]

Its been awhile but its finally finished.

NOS Araya 7X's, Comp III Repro's, Sugino Spider and chainring and a Suntour seat clamp.

Since this one I have acquired a few more. I'll post those in the "Post up your BMX" thread