1988 Kuwahara Lion

[KayOs]

I'm starting a thread about this bike because I think it's cool enough to get one, even though I've already posted a few pictures in the Kuwahara thread.

Recently I got an alert from my smartphone that a Kuwahara Lion was for sale. I took a closer look and the offer was too good not to take.
So 3 hours of fighting the local public transport chaos later, my Kuwahara collection was twice as big.



The bike is from 1988 and mostly in its original condition, only the tyres and grips have been replaced and it has been fitted with mudguards.

I was able to admire some of the details on the train on the way home. I am amazed at how well thought out, solid and lovingly crafted everything is.

 

[KayOs]

It has a complete Suntour XC 9000 groupset except for the Shimano FC-B124 crank with Bio Pace chainrings.
But what fascinates me most about the bike are the Suntour Rollercams in the front and the back.



I've never had a bike with brakes like this and I've also never ridden one before that had them.

And my goodness do they bite. I've never had a brake that felt comparable.
I can't describe it, but if a disc brake feels like a pair of tweezers and a V-brake feels like a pair of pliers, then the Rollercams are like bolt cutters. I really have the feeling they want to eat the rim.

The bike feels great so far, apart from a bit of squeaking here and there. However, there is a dull cracking sound from the bottom bracket with every turn.
But as I'm going to give the bike a complete service anyway, I know where to start.

 

[Tsundere]

It's a lovely bike, following to see how it progresses.

With the rollercams, just be wary that as the rubber wears the pad migrates towards the tyre, their one major failing.

 

[doctor-bond]

Sweet. That era K frames are so nice and crisp. Nice to have the double cam brakes too.

 

[KayOs]

It's a lovely bike, following to see how it progresses.

With the rollercams, just be wary that as the rubber wears the pad migrates towards the tyre, their one major failing.

Thanks for the info. I'll keep that in mind.

 

[Tootyred]

Nice score on the XC11 early 80s pedals too!

 

[PanoIgano]

Sweet find... Tuning in as well as usual...

 

[KayOs]

I went looking for the cause of the noise from the bottom bracket and I don't know who I have to thank more, the mechanic who put this bike together or the first owner who parked his car outside and his bikes in the garage.



I've never seen a bottom bracket area that can be dismantled after almost 40 years as if it had just been put together. Unbelievable.

The parts all look very good too. There must have been some play somewhere.



I started cleaning everything and will continue tomorrow.

 

[KayOs]

Nice score on the XC11 early 80s pedals too!

Missing one dust cap but the bearings work like on the first day. Maybe I'll find one somewhere other than blue lug...they cost more than I payed for the bike

 

[Tsundere]

That bb shell looks pristine, always a happy moment to see them like that.