Update 8-June-23
The original thread has been restored after the entire thread was deleted due to a hacker accessing a moderators account this week. Read more about that here. Sadly much of the thread content is lost, but we have the most important part: the front page!
Work to make this and all of the Kona serial number lists more accessible and easier to reference, with appropriate security, is underway.
Thank you to @MattWServices for working his magic and restoring the essential information.
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Pip is currently enjoying the great universal single-track. He had a great send-off which you can read about here: https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/phillip-pipmeister-mock-kona-guru-and-legend.443234/
His friendship is the greatest legacy he leaves us with but we must not forget the incredible resources and knowledge that he documented locally and shared here on retrobike, not least the Kona serial numbers and related information.
From today, I will administer the work he started. My current plan is to spend an hour a week updating the lists with any new entries or confirmed related data / information. The same criteria applies as before, so if you'd like to have your titanium Kona added to the list, please follow these steps before PMing with your details or questions:
1. Must be a titanium Kona Hei Hei, Hei Hei King Kahuna, Una, Score or Haole
2. Have an eligible serial number, found on the bottom of the bottom bracket
3. Provide photographic evidence, preferably as the current owner
4. Check the bike and serial number isn't already on the current list (note if the record was unconfirmed previously, new details are welcome)
Big thanks to John for helping configure this and as ever - a huge thank you - to all current and past Kona-heads including Pip. Without our collective knowledge, none of this would be possible ?
To make finding the lists and associated data a little easier, this first post will contain the master data.
Kona Hot: https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/kona-hot-serial-number-list-update-june-22.446740/
Kona Caldera: https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/kona-caldera-serial-number-list-update-june-2022.446749/
Kona Ku: https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/kona-ku-serial-number-list-update-june-2022.446754/
So without further ado...
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Kona Titanium Frame Serial Numbers.
Red - confirmed with picture, Blue - good source, but TBC, Black - only quoting from forum post or advert.
Hei Hei Frame Numbers 1990 - 1999:
1990:
The frames were welded at Merlin Metalworks Inc., but the Geometry was designed by Joe Murray and bikes were sold by The Bicycle Group. Listed as Kona Titanium in the 1990 Catalogue.
1345 - Built in January 1990.
1495 – c/w Merlin Head Tube, Down Tube and Seat Tube Decal with Titanium Top Tube Decal and Geometry by Joe Murray Decal on Chain Stay. Kona Top Tube and TBG Seat Tube Decal missing.
From 1991 to 2000, frames were welded by Titanium Sports Technologies (TST or Ti Sports) in Kennewick, Washington State. Historically, there has been much discussion regarding how the sequential serial numbers were issued over the different Kona sizes, or indeed other Manufactures. To date, I have one “B” prefix serial number repeated over two different sizes (i.e. serial number 14 used on a size 17” and a size 19” frame. Then one “B” prefix number repeated over the same size 18” frame (i.e., two 1995 frames with an identical serial number!), and nine post “B” prefix serial numbers that are repeated across different frame sizes or models:
1991:
B17001- Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing.
B17006 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete, original Decals.
B17009 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete.
B17010 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing, mix of ’97 / ’98 replica Decals.
Assured by e-Bay seller that the Serial Number is correct - they have previously posted twice on RB back in 2014.
B17014 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete.
B17021 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing, Blue solid Kona Decal. Verbal from former RB member.
B18054 - Verbal via farmer giles from e-Bay listing.
B19005 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing, Disc Tab, No decals.
B19010 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing, Oval ‘K’ Kona Headtube Decal.
B19013 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete, from archived e-Bay listing.
B19014 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete, Oval ‘K’ Kona Headtube decal – c/w original invoice.
B19024 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete, After Market Disc Tab, Replica 1994 Decals.
B19037 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing.
B19065 - Verbal via Anthony from e-Bay listing.
B19081 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube Extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete, Replica 1991 Decals.
B20030 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube Extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete, German model with K down-tube decal.
B20031 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete.
B20054 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete.
B21022 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete original Down Tube and Joe Murray Decal – c/w original Invoice.
1992:
B17319 - Verbal via another Hei Hei Facebook listing.
B17316 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing, Downtube Decals only, Panaracer sponsor decals on rear triangle. Potentially Cindy Devine's race bike.
B17320 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete.
B17329 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing, c/w 1994 Decals.
B19263 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete. Decals missing. Note duplicate SN##263.
B19281 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing.
B19294 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete, Headtube Decal only.
B19301 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete, original Headtube Decal, reproduction downtube decals.
B19318 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing, no original Decals.
B19342 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube, Rear Brake Noodle missing, Oval ‘K’ Kona Headtube Decal.
B19463 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete.
B19484 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete – bought new in May ’92.
B19486 - Pre-Bullet, Canit Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing, no Decals
B19493 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete, no Decals.
B19501 - Pre-Bullet, Canit Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension. Rear Brake Noodle missing, no Deacls.
B20367 - Verbal from Anthony’s records.
B20370 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing.
B20372 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube, Rear Brake Noodle complete, no Decals.
B20374 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle refurbished.
B20386 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing.
B20397 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete, complete original decals.
B20433 - Pre-Bullet, no Canti Bridge - seller says removed
, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing.
This is my understanding of how Kona altered their frame size measuring method for their catalogue listing and sales:
All models from 1988 to 1992 - Actual Seat Tube length from the Top of Bottom Bracket shell to the Top of Seat Tube.
With the introduction of the Hei Hei in 1991 however, newly commissioned manufacturer TST were stamping these Hei Hei frames with the length taken from the Centre of the Bottom Bracket to the Top of the Seat Tube. This explains the absence of any 16” and 18” Hei Hei frames on the Serial Number List until 1993, as Kona would have listed and sold the Centre to Top 16” and 18” TST stamped frame as 15” and 17” respectively, but 15” and 17” were not available for the Hei Hei in their ’91 & ’92 catalogues:
I have several sales receipts that demonstrate the discrepancy between TST’s Serial Number stamping, and Kona’s catalogue listing and sales measuring method: e.g. Serial Number B21022 stamped on frame and documented on the sales receipt as Ser# B21022, but also documented and sold as size 20” on the sales receipt.
1993 onwards – Kona altered their frame size measuring method to be taken from the Centre of Bottom Bracket to Top of Seat Tube – see page 15 of the 1993 Catalogue for supplementary dimension “A” added to the diagram of the Frame Geometry.
1993:
BG16007 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube extension! Verbal from 24pouces.
BG16012 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension.
B17347 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, genuine looking 1993 Decals.
B17374 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, no decals.
BG18011 - Bullet (with no triangle cut-out), Long Seat Tube extension? Awaiting pictures of frame.
B.G.18014 - Bullet (with no triangle cut-out), Long Seat Tube extension.
BG18024 - Bullet referred to, but pictures now deleted via Photobucket.
B16034 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, original headtube and tubing decals only
B18059 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, no original decals.
B18080 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, reproduction decals.
B18093 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, '93 name and headtube decals only
B18105 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension.
B18133 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension. Missing Kona custom seat-tube decal.
B18136 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension.
B19497 - Pre-Bullet, No Canti Bridge!?!, Long Seat Tube extension. Possibly ’93 transition.
B19510 - Pre-Buller, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension. No decals, unable to confirm brake noodle. Possibly '93 transition.
B19536 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension.
B19575 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension.
B19602 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, 1994 Replica Decals.
B19655 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, genuine looking ’94 Top & Down Tube Decals, Top Tube Cable Stop removed – evidence showing in picture!
B19666 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, 1998 Downtube Decal.
B19667 - Bullet, with RB member’s measurements confirming that this is pre-suspension geometry, which confirms 1993.
B19684 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, genuine looking 1993 Decals.
BG21025 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, no original decals.
BG21030 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, mixture of genuine looking 1993 & 1996 Decals.
1994:
B16054 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube Extension, added Top Tube Rear Brake Stop.
B16078 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube Extension,, ‘94 Kona Custom Decals, ’93 Headtube Decal.
B16090 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube Extension, pictures on file with original '94 Decals - now removed except Seat Tube Oval “K” 3-2.5 Titanium Tubing Decal.
B17403 - Short Seat Tube Extension, complete original '94 Decals; confirmation 95 Geometry.
B17409 - Short Seat Tube Extension, complete original ’94 Decals; confirmation of ’95 Geometry.
B17411 - Short Seat Tube Extension, Evidence of ’94 Silver Top Tube Hei Hei Decal, Orange and Silver ‘94 Headtube Decal, ’94/’95 3-2.5 Titanium Tubing Seat Tube Decal; confirmation of ’95 Geometry.
B18187 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube Extension.
B18196 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube Extension, '94 Seat Tube Decal & remainder '96.
B18203 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube Extension, '93 reproduction Headtube Decal and on Seattube. Cracked drive-side chainstay at bridge.
B18235 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube Extension, genuine looking 1994 Decals, confirmation of ’95 Geometry.
B18240 - Verbal only, awaiting pictures. Short Seat Tube extension, c/w ’93 “Designed by Joe Murray” Decal.
B18253 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube Extension, genuine and reproduction 1994 Decals, ’95 Geometry
B18263 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube Extension, were 1997 replica Decals, replaced with 1995 Decals; confirmation of ’95 Geometry. Note duplicate SN##263.
B18272 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube Extension c/w Kona Custom and Head Tube Decal only; confirmation of ’95 Geometry.
B18319 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube extension, Genuine 1994 Decals, but with a duplicated Serial Number of a frame in Milwaukee! (Seen both simultaneously in the different countries – this one in South of France)
B18319 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube extension, 1 off 1995 replica Hei Hei Top Tube Decal (Font too tall), this duplicate Serial Number in Milwaukee to a frame in South of France – see above.
B19692 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube Extension, ’98 Decals.
B19725 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube Extension, replica 1998/99 decals; confirmation of '95 Geometry.
B19740 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube Extension, replica 1994 decals
B19755 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube Extension, original 1994 decals; confirmation of '95 Geometry.
B19762 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube Extension, replica 1994 decals; confirmation of ’95 Geometry.
B19783 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube Extension, replica 1994 decals; confirmation of ’95 Geometry.
B20515 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube Extension, Headtube Decal only; confirmation of ’95 Geometry.
B20527 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube Extension, traces of ’94 decals; confirmation of ’95 Geometry.
The 1995 catalogue shows the Hei Hei with a flatter Top Tube / shorter Seat Tube extension geometry, while the previous year’s 1994 catalogue shows the more traditional sloping Top Tube Kona geometry. It seems however that the short Seat Tube extension version was available both years.
Introduction of 17” frames to U.K. Catalogue.
1995:
B16138 - Short Seat Tube extension, 1995 Gold Decals.
B16177 - Short Seat Tube extension, partial 1995 Blue Decals.
B16180 - Short Seat Tube extension, reproduction (possibly original Kona) 1997 Yellow Decals.
B16184 - Picture now deleted, but flatter Top Tube referred to on RB thread.
B17436 - Short Seat Tube extension, c/w ’94 Decals - formerly ’93 Decals.
B17444 - Short Seat Tube extension (no picture – but figured out from quoted measurements).
B17468 - tbc extension and decals.
B18328 - Short Seat Tube extension, 2002 Decals.
B18329 - Short Seat Tube extension, original 1995 Gold Decals.
B18340 - Short Seat Tube extension, partial 1994 replica Decals
B18347 - Short Seat Tube, Headtube Decal only.
B18404 - Short Seat Tube extension, Disc Tab – now removed, Top Tube Cable Guide drilled out, now c/w replica ‘94/5 Decals.
B19828 - Verbal only.
B19860 - Short Seat Tube extension, 1995 replica Decals.
B19901 - Short Seat Tube extension, c/w ’96 Decals (same 95/96 crossover as B20594?).
B19909 - Short Seat Tube extension, 1997 replica Decals.
B20529 - Short Seat Tube extension, 1995 Headtube Decal only.
B20538 - Short Seat Tube extension, No Decals.
B20545 - Short Seat Tube extension, genuine 1995 Decals.
B20559 - Short Seat Tube extension, No Decals.
B20594 - Short Seat Tube extension, c/w '96 Blue decals - it’s a 1995 build for the 1996 model year.
1996:
B17553 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, replica 1997 Yellow Decals.
B18440 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, no Decals.
B18442 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, original 1997 Yellow Decals. Seamus McGrath's team factory bike. Rasta flames livery. Mavic, RaceFace and Columbus sponsorship decals. Remains of Seamus' name (decals) on top-tube.
B18448 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, Blue Decals.
B18461 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, no Decals.
B18471 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, one Blue Decal.
B18527 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, replica 1997 Yellow Decals
B18555 – verbal only from Bike Index.
B19929 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, Blue Decals.
B19936 - SN only. Poster quoted with Blue/Grey Decals.
B19939 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, Blue Decals.
B19985 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, 1997 Blue Decals.
B19997 – Verbal from Anthony’s records.
1997:
B17577 - Early Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
B18571 – Early Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
B18581 - tbd, only SN picture
B18589 - Early Downtube Rear Mech Routing, 1999 Decals.
B18595 – Early Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
B18597 - Verbal only.
B18609 - Early Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
B18610 - Early Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Original Decals.
B19941 - Later Top tube Rear Mech Routing, Blue Decals – Sales Invoice 24th July 1997.
B191022 - Early Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
B191059 - Later Top tube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
B20636 – Later Top tube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
B20638 - Later Top tube Rear Mech Routing, Orange 1997 then 1998 Decals.
Una S.S.
Apparently raffled off at an Interbike Show with the proceeds going to IMBA, this one off Single Speed version of a Hei Hei Frame has a 1997 sequential Serial Number:
B18607 - Single Speed Dropouts, Single Top Tube Brake Stops front & rear, 1998 Decals, Top half painted Lime Green
1998:
KH17000 - Potentially stripped Headtube with re-used/moved top-tube decals. Original 2000 down-tube decals. Original seat-tube tubing decals. All other decals reproductions.
KH20012 – Verbal only from MTBR member, no picture.
KH19016 – Verbal only.
KH18022 - Original Decals complete.
KH18030 - Original Decals complete.
KH18031 - Original Decals complete, frame only.
KH18047 - Painted top 2/3 Lime Green, Original Decals complete.
KH18049 - 1998 Headtube, Seat Tube and "Handmade Made In U.S.A." Decals, with replica ‘95 Decals Down Tube and Top Tube Decals.
1999:
KH18012 - Evidence of Read Paint stripped from Headtube, Replica 1994 Decals, added disc tab (not from factory)
KH20021 – Evidence of Red Paint stripped from Headtube, Seat Tube Decal only.
KH17032 – Red Painted Head Tube, Thumbs Up, Titanium Seat Tube and Head Tube Decals only.
KH17033 - Red Painted Head Tube, all original 1999 Decals
KH17039 – Red Painted Head Tube possibly “scraped away” to form flames, Seat Tube & Head Tube Decals only.
KH19048 – Claimed evidence of removed Red paint inside Headtube & original ‘99 owner’s handbook, Replica 1998 Decals c/w 1997 Kona Custom decal. verbal from RadNomad.
KH19050 - Unpainted Headtube, No Decals. After market disc tab added in 2010.
KH17053 - Unpainted Headtube, 1995 Reproduction Decals.
KH20056 - Picture of Serial Number only.
KH20057 - Unpainted Headtube, Red Go Faster Decals, Disc Tab.
KH20062 - Unpainted Headtube, Headtube, Made in USA and Seat Tube Decals Only & original '99 owner's handbook.
KH17063 - Unpainted Headtube, Red Go Faster Decals.
KH19069 - Unpainted Headtube, partial Red Go Faster downtube decals only.
KH20071 - Unpainted Headtube, Headtube and Seat Tube Decals only.
KH17078 - Unpainted Headtube, No Decals.
KH18085 - Unpainted Headtube, evidence of Red Painted Head Tube on front Cable Stops and inside Head Tube, c/w replica 1997 Yellow King Kahuna Decals.
KH19096 – Unpainted Headtube, Red Go Faster Decals, Verbal only from MTBR member.
KH18099 – Red Painted Head Tube (paint since removed). No Original Decals. (Previously listed at KH19099)
KH19101 – Unpainted Headtube (sandblasted), No Decals.
KH19114 – Unpainted Headtube, 1997 Reproduction Decals.
KH18119 - Unpainted Headtube, Red 1998 style Decals.
KH18120 - Unpainted Headtube, Red Go Faster Decals.
KH18135 - Unpainted Headtube, Red Go Faster Decals.
KH19120 - Unpainted Headtube, No Original Decals (came with 1997/8 jungle decals).
KH19126 - Unpainted Headtube, Red Go Faster Decals.
KH19138 - Unpainted Headtube, Red Go Faster Decals. Factory Mounted Disc Tab.
KH19142 – Unpainted Headtube, Red Go Faster Decals.
KH19144 - Unpainted Headtube, 1997 Reproduction Decals.
KH19146 – Unpainted Headtube, Red Go Faster Decals.
KH19147 - Unpainted Headtube, King Kahuna Decals, Disc Tab.
The King Kahuna was introduced in 1996, but that year’s model was unique with its’ 6Al – 4V rear triangle. These have same B prefix as the ’91-‘97 Hei Hei, but the 3 digit serial number has a suffix of “-64”. They also share the same round 3Al - 2.5v tubing Front Triangle as the 1994/5 Hei Hei with no gussets and the flatter Top Tube / Shorter Seat Tube extension geometry.
King Kahuna Frame Numbers 1996 – 2000:
1996 6-4:
B17492-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Gold Decals.
B17495-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Gold Decals.
B17501-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Head Tube and “Thumbs Up” Decals only.
B17512-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Original Gold Decals replaced with almost period correct Gold Decals.
B18411-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Blue Decals.
B18418-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, No Decals.
B18425-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Original Blue Decals.
B18428-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Disc Tab, No Decals.
B18433-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Blue Decals.
B19872-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Gold Decals.
B19893-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Gold Decals.
B19900-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, One Piece Disc Tab, Blue Seat Stay Decals, Blue ‘97 Headtube Decal, remainder Orange replica 1997.
B19903-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Blue Decals.
B20561-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Gold Decals
B20563-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Gold Decals.
B20565-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Gold Decals.
B20577-64 - Short Seat Tube, Partly obscured, but likely to be 577 – one piece Disc Tab, No Decals.
B20604-64 - Short Seat Tube, 1999 Hei Hei Decals
1997:
K16001 - All Top Tube Routing, No Decals (replica 1993 headtube Decal)
K18003 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
K16007 – Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Blue Decals.
K19005 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Replica Decals.
K19009 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, no Decals.
K19011 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals, purchased new 21/11/96.
K19015 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
K20019 – Verbal from andrewl.
K17021 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Team Rasta Flame - Leslie Greene or Tomlinson 17”, Yellow Decals.
K17024 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
K18031 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Blue Decals.
K17038 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, added Disc Tab, 2000 Down Tube, Seat Tube & Headtube Decals with ‘96 Seat Stay 6-4 Jungle Decal in white/silver on Top Tube.
K1704# - Downtube Rear Mech Routing.
K19041 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, ‘99 Decals Blue edge, Disc Tab.
K17048 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Blue Decals (reportedly ex-local team bike)
K19049 – Verbal only.
K19063 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Blue Decals.
K19065 – Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Disc Tab, Replica 1997 Decals.
K18066 - All Top Tube Routing, Stars ‘n’ Bars, Blue Decals.
K18071 - All Top Tube Routing, No Decals
K18073 - All Top Tube Routing, Blue Decals.
K19087 - All Top Tube Routing, Yellow Decals.
K19088 - All Top Tube Routing, Disc Tab formerly Blue Decals, now 1999 Decals.
1998:
KK17000 – No Decals.
KK18001 – No original Decals - a collage of “Splatter K” Logos, and sprayed Kona Down Tube Decal in 2006 Stencil Font.
KK18015 - No decals
KK20001 - Original Decals complete.
KK17005 - Verbal from e-Bay advert.
KK17007 - Toptube Decals missing, cracked downtube at gusset joint
KK19016 – Top and Downtube Decals missing.
KK16026 – Disc Tab & Seat Stay Cable Guide, full set of replica 1998 Decals c/w Kona Custom.
KK19026 - Original Decals complete.
KK19028 - Original Decals complete.
KK20030 – Verbal from bestmtb.
KK20031 – Original Decals complete.
KK19033 - Factory Team Decal on Seat Tube.
KK19038 - Verbal from Anthony via e-Bay advert.
KK20039 – Disc Tab & Seat Stay Cable Guide, 2001 Downtube & Headtube Decals.
KK20045 - Original Decals complete.
KK19047 - 1998 Top Tube Decal c/w 1999 Downtube Decal, now Orange 1998 style Decals.
KK19048 - Craigslist advert.
KK18053 - Verbal on RB.
KK19053 - Disc Tab, 1998 Kona Downtube Decal & Hei Hei Top Tube Decal c/w extra Black and White King Kahuna Jungle logo Decal & Sliver 6-4 Decal on Seat stay, with Silver “King” Decal on Downtube near Thumbs Up Decal with another on the Headtube, 1996 Spiral Headtube Decal.
KK19058 – Disc Tab & Seat Stay Cable Guide, No Decals.
1999:
KK16005 - Painted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
KK17009 - Painted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
KK17043 - Painted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
KK18026 - Unpainted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
KK18039 - Blue painted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
KK20040 - Orange painted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
KK19054 - Unpainted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
KK18062 - Unpainted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals, Top Tube Decal now Missing.
KK18067 - Unpainted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals, Top Tube Decals Missing, Reproduction Seattube Decal
KK20064 - Unpainted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals, Disc Tab.
KK19066 - Unpainted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
KK19067 - Unpainted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
KK19070 - Unpainted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
2000:
Despite featuring in the 2000 catalogue, it appears that this model was not available. JP Saville who ran Second Level Sport, the UK distributor, cannot recall importing any.
To date, I have not seen any pictures of a 2000 King Kahuna in the wild.
Read here
Score Frame Numbers 2000:
Production of the Score was halted mid-season, allegedly due to the cost of producing the frame. Dan Capek at Kona told me that if he had to guess, between 20 and 50 Score frames were built.
Another source however that seems more certain, said that 100 Score frames were made. Fifty 15’’, Forty 17'' and Ten 17'' - long (longer top tube).
The 18” frame was never documented in any of the Kona Spec – only 15”, 17” and 17” Long - or Small, Medium & Long. Nevertheless, Pip owned one in 18”, and saw one more 18” Score for sale in the U.S. in an old Pinkbike advert, which may possibly had been his before it came to the U.K. A second confirmed 18" was shared in July-22, so perhaps a small batch were produced after-all.
KK17069 - Original correct Score decals, shorter top tube approx. 21.7" but no gusset and with King Kahuna SN prefix (note no currently recorded 1999/00 King Kahuna with the same SN). Likely early production show, demo or catalogue example.
KS15003 - Verbal from Anthony via e-Bay advert, no picture.
KS15004 – Original Decals complete.
KS15006 – No Decals.
KS15020 - Original Decals complete.
KS15022 - Original Seat Tube Decal, 2001 Down Tube Decal – now removed.
KS17083 - Original Decals complete.
KS17084 - Original Decals complete.
KS17088 - Verbal on RB via e-Bay advert.
KS17090 – Seat Tube and Head Tube Decals only.
KS17094 - Original Decals complete.
KS17098 – Photo of Serial Number only.
KS18161 - Original Decals complete.
KS18164 - Original Decals complete.
KS18168 - Verbal on RB
KS18170 – Replica Seat Tube Decal, remaining original Decals complete (Pips).
It appeared that the 18” frame was not part of the documented production run, which may explain the higher serial numbers.
Haole Frame Numbers 1992 – 1994:
1992: Three Cable Guides along top of Top Tube (for Cable Outer), Integrated Seat Tube clamp at rear. Pre-Bullet Dropouts.
B57002 - Pre-Bullet, Integral Seat Post Clamp, 1” Headtube.
B57020 - Pre-Bullet, No Integral Seat Post Clamp, 1" Headtube. Reproduction 2000 head-tube decal, original seat-tube tubing decal, missing all other decals.
B57025 - Pre-Bullet, Integral Seat Post Clamp, 1” Headtube.
B57029 - Pre-Bullet, Integral Seat Post Clamp, 1" Headtube. Original decals, missing top tube and seat-tube decals.
B55041 - Pre-Bullet, Integral Seat Post Clamp.
B55044 - Pre-Bullet, Integral Seat Post Clamp
B55084 - Quoted on RB, 1" Headtube.
1993: Cable Stops front and rear along lower LHS of Top Tube, Bullet Dropouts, Seat Post Binder Collar c/w rear slot.
B59531 – Bullet, Seat Post Binder, 1" Headtube.
B59537 - Bullet, Seat Post Binder.
B53545 - Bullet, Seat Post Binder.
1994: Cable Stops front and rear along lower LHS of Top Tube, Bullet Dropouts, Seat Post Binder Collar c/w rear slot.
B55077 - Bullet, Seat Post Binder. Painted purple head-tube to beginning of top/bottom tube, white line, then pink with white line for exposed half rear triangle
B55081 – Verbal from e-Bay. I assume that the “0” could possibly be a “6” (see below), which would make more sense regarding the dating of a 1994 frame. A rare painted example (salmon pink), with genuine looking 1994 Decals and a bit of Ti exposed. The Bottom Bracket area is painted, which may have filled in the digits causing the owner to mistake a 6 for a 0.
To Be Continued, Pip...
The original thread has been restored after the entire thread was deleted due to a hacker accessing a moderators account this week. Read more about that here. Sadly much of the thread content is lost, but we have the most important part: the front page!
Work to make this and all of the Kona serial number lists more accessible and easier to reference, with appropriate security, is underway.
Thank you to @MattWServices for working his magic and restoring the essential information.
_____________________________________________________________________________
Pip is currently enjoying the great universal single-track. He had a great send-off which you can read about here: https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/phillip-pipmeister-mock-kona-guru-and-legend.443234/
His friendship is the greatest legacy he leaves us with but we must not forget the incredible resources and knowledge that he documented locally and shared here on retrobike, not least the Kona serial numbers and related information.
From today, I will administer the work he started. My current plan is to spend an hour a week updating the lists with any new entries or confirmed related data / information. The same criteria applies as before, so if you'd like to have your titanium Kona added to the list, please follow these steps before PMing with your details or questions:
1. Must be a titanium Kona Hei Hei, Hei Hei King Kahuna, Una, Score or Haole
2. Have an eligible serial number, found on the bottom of the bottom bracket
3. Provide photographic evidence, preferably as the current owner
4. Check the bike and serial number isn't already on the current list (note if the record was unconfirmed previously, new details are welcome)
Big thanks to John for helping configure this and as ever - a huge thank you - to all current and past Kona-heads including Pip. Without our collective knowledge, none of this would be possible ?
To make finding the lists and associated data a little easier, this first post will contain the master data.
Kona Hot: https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/kona-hot-serial-number-list-update-june-22.446740/
Kona Caldera: https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/kona-caldera-serial-number-list-update-june-2022.446749/
Kona Ku: https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/kona-ku-serial-number-list-update-june-2022.446754/
So without further ado...
____________________________________________________________________________________________
Kona Titanium Frame Serial Numbers.
Red - confirmed with picture, Blue - good source, but TBC, Black - only quoting from forum post or advert.
Hei Hei Frame Numbers 1990 - 1999:
1990:
The frames were welded at Merlin Metalworks Inc., but the Geometry was designed by Joe Murray and bikes were sold by The Bicycle Group. Listed as Kona Titanium in the 1990 Catalogue.
1345 - Built in January 1990.
1495 – c/w Merlin Head Tube, Down Tube and Seat Tube Decal with Titanium Top Tube Decal and Geometry by Joe Murray Decal on Chain Stay. Kona Top Tube and TBG Seat Tube Decal missing.
From 1991 to 2000, frames were welded by Titanium Sports Technologies (TST or Ti Sports) in Kennewick, Washington State. Historically, there has been much discussion regarding how the sequential serial numbers were issued over the different Kona sizes, or indeed other Manufactures. To date, I have one “B” prefix serial number repeated over two different sizes (i.e. serial number 14 used on a size 17” and a size 19” frame. Then one “B” prefix number repeated over the same size 18” frame (i.e., two 1995 frames with an identical serial number!), and nine post “B” prefix serial numbers that are repeated across different frame sizes or models:
1991:
B17001- Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing.
B17006 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete, original Decals.
B17009 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete.
B17010 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing, mix of ’97 / ’98 replica Decals.
Assured by e-Bay seller that the Serial Number is correct - they have previously posted twice on RB back in 2014.
B17014 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete.
B17021 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing, Blue solid Kona Decal. Verbal from former RB member.
B18054 - Verbal via farmer giles from e-Bay listing.
B19005 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing, Disc Tab, No decals.
B19010 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing, Oval ‘K’ Kona Headtube Decal.
B19013 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete, from archived e-Bay listing.
B19014 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete, Oval ‘K’ Kona Headtube decal – c/w original invoice.
B19024 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete, After Market Disc Tab, Replica 1994 Decals.
B19037 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing.
B19065 - Verbal via Anthony from e-Bay listing.
B19081 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube Extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete, Replica 1991 Decals.
B20030 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube Extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete, German model with K down-tube decal.
B20031 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete.
B20054 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete.
B21022 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete original Down Tube and Joe Murray Decal – c/w original Invoice.
1992:
B17319 - Verbal via another Hei Hei Facebook listing.
B17316 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing, Downtube Decals only, Panaracer sponsor decals on rear triangle. Potentially Cindy Devine's race bike.
B17320 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete.
B17329 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing, c/w 1994 Decals.
B19263 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete. Decals missing. Note duplicate SN##263.
B19281 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing.
B19294 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete, Headtube Decal only.
B19301 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete, original Headtube Decal, reproduction downtube decals.
B19318 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing, no original Decals.
B19342 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube, Rear Brake Noodle missing, Oval ‘K’ Kona Headtube Decal.
B19463 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete.
B19484 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete – bought new in May ’92.
B19486 - Pre-Bullet, Canit Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing, no Decals
B19493 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete, no Decals.
B19501 - Pre-Bullet, Canit Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension. Rear Brake Noodle missing, no Deacls.
B20367 - Verbal from Anthony’s records.
B20370 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing.
B20372 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube, Rear Brake Noodle complete, no Decals.
B20374 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle refurbished.
B20386 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing.
B20397 - Pre-Bullet, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle complete, complete original decals.
B20433 - Pre-Bullet, no Canti Bridge - seller says removed
, Long Seat Tube extension, Rear Brake Noodle missing.This is my understanding of how Kona altered their frame size measuring method for their catalogue listing and sales:
All models from 1988 to 1992 - Actual Seat Tube length from the Top of Bottom Bracket shell to the Top of Seat Tube.
With the introduction of the Hei Hei in 1991 however, newly commissioned manufacturer TST were stamping these Hei Hei frames with the length taken from the Centre of the Bottom Bracket to the Top of the Seat Tube. This explains the absence of any 16” and 18” Hei Hei frames on the Serial Number List until 1993, as Kona would have listed and sold the Centre to Top 16” and 18” TST stamped frame as 15” and 17” respectively, but 15” and 17” were not available for the Hei Hei in their ’91 & ’92 catalogues:
I have several sales receipts that demonstrate the discrepancy between TST’s Serial Number stamping, and Kona’s catalogue listing and sales measuring method: e.g. Serial Number B21022 stamped on frame and documented on the sales receipt as Ser# B21022, but also documented and sold as size 20” on the sales receipt.
1993 onwards – Kona altered their frame size measuring method to be taken from the Centre of Bottom Bracket to Top of Seat Tube – see page 15 of the 1993 Catalogue for supplementary dimension “A” added to the diagram of the Frame Geometry.
1993:
BG16007 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube extension! Verbal from 24pouces.
BG16012 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension.
B17347 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, genuine looking 1993 Decals.
B17374 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, no decals.
BG18011 - Bullet (with no triangle cut-out), Long Seat Tube extension? Awaiting pictures of frame.
B.G.18014 - Bullet (with no triangle cut-out), Long Seat Tube extension.
BG18024 - Bullet referred to, but pictures now deleted via Photobucket.
B16034 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, original headtube and tubing decals only
B18059 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, no original decals.
B18080 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, reproduction decals.
B18093 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, '93 name and headtube decals only
B18105 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension.
B18133 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension. Missing Kona custom seat-tube decal.
B18136 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension.
B19497 - Pre-Bullet, No Canti Bridge!?!, Long Seat Tube extension. Possibly ’93 transition.
B19510 - Pre-Buller, Canti Bridge, Long Seat Tube extension. No decals, unable to confirm brake noodle. Possibly '93 transition.
B19536 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension.
B19575 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension.
B19602 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, 1994 Replica Decals.
B19655 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, genuine looking ’94 Top & Down Tube Decals, Top Tube Cable Stop removed
– evidence showing in picture!B19666 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, 1998 Downtube Decal.
B19667 - Bullet, with RB member’s measurements confirming that this is pre-suspension geometry, which confirms 1993.
B19684 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, genuine looking 1993 Decals.
BG21025 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, no original decals.
BG21030 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube extension, mixture of genuine looking 1993 & 1996 Decals.
1994:
B16054 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube Extension, added Top Tube Rear Brake Stop.
B16078 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube Extension,, ‘94 Kona Custom Decals, ’93 Headtube Decal.
B16090 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube Extension, pictures on file with original '94 Decals - now removed except Seat Tube Oval “K” 3-2.5 Titanium Tubing Decal.
B17403 - Short Seat Tube Extension, complete original '94 Decals; confirmation 95 Geometry.
B17409 - Short Seat Tube Extension, complete original ’94 Decals; confirmation of ’95 Geometry.
B17411 - Short Seat Tube Extension, Evidence of ’94 Silver Top Tube Hei Hei Decal, Orange and Silver ‘94 Headtube Decal, ’94/’95 3-2.5 Titanium Tubing Seat Tube Decal; confirmation of ’95 Geometry.
B18187 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube Extension.
B18196 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube Extension, '94 Seat Tube Decal & remainder '96.
B18203 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube Extension, '93 reproduction Headtube Decal and on Seattube. Cracked drive-side chainstay at bridge.
B18235 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube Extension, genuine looking 1994 Decals, confirmation of ’95 Geometry.
B18240 - Verbal only, awaiting pictures. Short Seat Tube extension, c/w ’93 “Designed by Joe Murray” Decal.
B18253 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube Extension, genuine and reproduction 1994 Decals, ’95 Geometry
B18263 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube Extension, were 1997 replica Decals, replaced with 1995 Decals; confirmation of ’95 Geometry. Note duplicate SN##263.
B18272 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube Extension c/w Kona Custom and Head Tube Decal only; confirmation of ’95 Geometry.
B18319 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube extension, Genuine 1994 Decals, but with a duplicated Serial Number of a frame in Milwaukee! (Seen both simultaneously in the different countries – this one in South of France)
B18319 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube extension, 1 off 1995 replica Hei Hei Top Tube Decal (Font too tall), this duplicate Serial Number in Milwaukee to a frame in South of France – see above.
B19692 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube Extension, ’98 Decals.
B19725 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube Extension, replica 1998/99 decals; confirmation of '95 Geometry.
B19740 - Bullet, Long Seat Tube Extension, replica 1994 decals
B19755 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube Extension, original 1994 decals; confirmation of '95 Geometry.
B19762 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube Extension, replica 1994 decals; confirmation of ’95 Geometry.
B19783 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube Extension, replica 1994 decals; confirmation of ’95 Geometry.
B20515 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube Extension, Headtube Decal only; confirmation of ’95 Geometry.
B20527 - Bullet, Short Seat Tube Extension, traces of ’94 decals; confirmation of ’95 Geometry.
The 1995 catalogue shows the Hei Hei with a flatter Top Tube / shorter Seat Tube extension geometry, while the previous year’s 1994 catalogue shows the more traditional sloping Top Tube Kona geometry. It seems however that the short Seat Tube extension version was available both years.
Introduction of 17” frames to U.K. Catalogue.
1995:
B16138 - Short Seat Tube extension, 1995 Gold Decals.
B16177 - Short Seat Tube extension, partial 1995 Blue Decals.
B16180 - Short Seat Tube extension, reproduction (possibly original Kona) 1997 Yellow Decals.
B16184 - Picture now deleted, but flatter Top Tube referred to on RB thread.
B17436 - Short Seat Tube extension, c/w ’94 Decals - formerly ’93 Decals.
B17444 - Short Seat Tube extension (no picture – but figured out from quoted measurements).
B17468 - tbc extension and decals.
B18328 - Short Seat Tube extension, 2002 Decals.
B18329 - Short Seat Tube extension, original 1995 Gold Decals.
B18340 - Short Seat Tube extension, partial 1994 replica Decals
B18347 - Short Seat Tube, Headtube Decal only.
B18404 - Short Seat Tube extension, Disc Tab – now removed, Top Tube Cable Guide drilled out, now c/w replica ‘94/5 Decals.
B19828 - Verbal only.
B19860 - Short Seat Tube extension, 1995 replica Decals.
B19901 - Short Seat Tube extension, c/w ’96 Decals (same 95/96 crossover as B20594?).
B19909 - Short Seat Tube extension, 1997 replica Decals.
B20529 - Short Seat Tube extension, 1995 Headtube Decal only.
B20538 - Short Seat Tube extension, No Decals.
B20545 - Short Seat Tube extension, genuine 1995 Decals.
B20559 - Short Seat Tube extension, No Decals.
B20594 - Short Seat Tube extension, c/w '96 Blue decals - it’s a 1995 build for the 1996 model year.
1996:
B17553 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, replica 1997 Yellow Decals.
B18440 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, no Decals.
B18442 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, original 1997 Yellow Decals. Seamus McGrath's team factory bike. Rasta flames livery. Mavic, RaceFace and Columbus sponsorship decals. Remains of Seamus' name (decals) on top-tube.
B18448 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, Blue Decals.
B18461 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, no Decals.
B18471 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, one Blue Decal.
B18527 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, replica 1997 Yellow Decals
B18555 – verbal only from Bike Index.
B19929 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, Blue Decals.
B19936 - SN only. Poster quoted with Blue/Grey Decals.
B19939 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, Blue Decals.
B19985 - Top Tube: 1996 style front & rear Stops for Rear Brake Cable, 1997 Blue Decals.
B19997 – Verbal from Anthony’s records.
1997:
B17577 - Early Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
B18571 – Early Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
B18581 - tbd, only SN picture
B18589 - Early Downtube Rear Mech Routing, 1999 Decals.
B18595 – Early Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
B18597 - Verbal only.
B18609 - Early Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
B18610 - Early Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Original Decals.
B19941 - Later Top tube Rear Mech Routing, Blue Decals – Sales Invoice 24th July 1997.
B191022 - Early Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
B191059 - Later Top tube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
B20636 – Later Top tube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
B20638 - Later Top tube Rear Mech Routing, Orange 1997 then 1998 Decals.
Una S.S.
Apparently raffled off at an Interbike Show with the proceeds going to IMBA, this one off Single Speed version of a Hei Hei Frame has a 1997 sequential Serial Number:
B18607 - Single Speed Dropouts, Single Top Tube Brake Stops front & rear, 1998 Decals, Top half painted Lime Green
1998:
KH17000 - Potentially stripped Headtube with re-used/moved top-tube decals. Original 2000 down-tube decals. Original seat-tube tubing decals. All other decals reproductions.
KH20012 – Verbal only from MTBR member, no picture.
KH19016 – Verbal only.
KH18022 - Original Decals complete.
KH18030 - Original Decals complete.
KH18031 - Original Decals complete, frame only.
KH18047 - Painted top 2/3 Lime Green, Original Decals complete.
KH18049 - 1998 Headtube, Seat Tube and "Handmade Made In U.S.A." Decals, with replica ‘95 Decals Down Tube and Top Tube Decals.
1999:
KH18012 - Evidence of Read Paint stripped from Headtube, Replica 1994 Decals, added disc tab (not from factory)
KH20021 – Evidence of Red Paint stripped from Headtube, Seat Tube Decal only.
KH17032 – Red Painted Head Tube, Thumbs Up, Titanium Seat Tube and Head Tube Decals only.
KH17033 - Red Painted Head Tube, all original 1999 Decals
KH17039 – Red Painted Head Tube possibly “scraped away” to form flames, Seat Tube & Head Tube Decals only.
KH19048 – Claimed evidence of removed Red paint inside Headtube & original ‘99 owner’s handbook, Replica 1998 Decals c/w 1997 Kona Custom decal. verbal from RadNomad.
KH19050 - Unpainted Headtube, No Decals. After market disc tab added in 2010.
KH17053 - Unpainted Headtube, 1995 Reproduction Decals.
KH20056 - Picture of Serial Number only.
KH20057 - Unpainted Headtube, Red Go Faster Decals, Disc Tab.
KH20062 - Unpainted Headtube, Headtube, Made in USA and Seat Tube Decals Only & original '99 owner's handbook.
KH17063 - Unpainted Headtube, Red Go Faster Decals.
KH19069 - Unpainted Headtube, partial Red Go Faster downtube decals only.
KH20071 - Unpainted Headtube, Headtube and Seat Tube Decals only.
KH17078 - Unpainted Headtube, No Decals.
KH18085 - Unpainted Headtube, evidence of Red Painted Head Tube on front Cable Stops and inside Head Tube, c/w replica 1997 Yellow King Kahuna Decals.
KH19096 – Unpainted Headtube, Red Go Faster Decals, Verbal only from MTBR member.
KH18099 – Red Painted Head Tube (paint since removed). No Original Decals. (Previously listed at KH19099)
KH19101 – Unpainted Headtube (sandblasted), No Decals.
KH19114 – Unpainted Headtube, 1997 Reproduction Decals.
KH18119 - Unpainted Headtube, Red 1998 style Decals.
KH18120 - Unpainted Headtube, Red Go Faster Decals.
KH18135 - Unpainted Headtube, Red Go Faster Decals.
KH19120 - Unpainted Headtube, No Original Decals (came with 1997/8 jungle decals).
KH19126 - Unpainted Headtube, Red Go Faster Decals.
KH19138 - Unpainted Headtube, Red Go Faster Decals. Factory Mounted Disc Tab.
KH19142 – Unpainted Headtube, Red Go Faster Decals.
KH19144 - Unpainted Headtube, 1997 Reproduction Decals.
KH19146 – Unpainted Headtube, Red Go Faster Decals.
KH19147 - Unpainted Headtube, King Kahuna Decals, Disc Tab.
The King Kahuna was introduced in 1996, but that year’s model was unique with its’ 6Al – 4V rear triangle. These have same B prefix as the ’91-‘97 Hei Hei, but the 3 digit serial number has a suffix of “-64”. They also share the same round 3Al - 2.5v tubing Front Triangle as the 1994/5 Hei Hei with no gussets and the flatter Top Tube / Shorter Seat Tube extension geometry.
King Kahuna Frame Numbers 1996 – 2000:
1996 6-4:
B17492-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Gold Decals.
B17495-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Gold Decals.
B17501-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Head Tube and “Thumbs Up” Decals only.
B17512-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Original Gold Decals replaced with almost period correct Gold Decals.
B18411-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Blue Decals.
B18418-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, No Decals.
B18425-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Original Blue Decals.
B18428-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Disc Tab, No Decals.
B18433-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Blue Decals.
B19872-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Gold Decals.
B19893-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Gold Decals.
B19900-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, One Piece Disc Tab, Blue Seat Stay Decals, Blue ‘97 Headtube Decal, remainder Orange replica 1997.
B19903-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Blue Decals.
B20561-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Gold Decals
B20563-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Gold Decals.
B20565-64 - Short Seat Tube extension, Gold Decals.
B20577-64 - Short Seat Tube, Partly obscured, but likely to be 577 – one piece Disc Tab, No Decals.
B20604-64 - Short Seat Tube, 1999 Hei Hei Decals
1997:
K16001 - All Top Tube Routing, No Decals (replica 1993 headtube Decal)
K18003 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
K16007 – Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Blue Decals.
K19005 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Replica Decals.
K19009 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, no Decals.
K19011 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals, purchased new 21/11/96.
K19015 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
K20019 – Verbal from andrewl.
K17021 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Team Rasta Flame - Leslie Greene or Tomlinson 17”, Yellow Decals.
K17024 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Yellow Decals.
K18031 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Blue Decals.
K17038 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, added Disc Tab, 2000 Down Tube, Seat Tube & Headtube Decals with ‘96 Seat Stay 6-4 Jungle Decal in white/silver on Top Tube.
K1704# - Downtube Rear Mech Routing.
K19041 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, ‘99 Decals Blue edge, Disc Tab.
K17048 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Blue Decals (reportedly ex-local team bike)
K19049 – Verbal only.
K19063 - Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Blue Decals.
K19065 – Downtube Rear Mech Routing, Disc Tab, Replica 1997 Decals.
K18066 - All Top Tube Routing, Stars ‘n’ Bars, Blue Decals.
K18071 - All Top Tube Routing, No Decals
K18073 - All Top Tube Routing, Blue Decals.
K19087 - All Top Tube Routing, Yellow Decals.
K19088 - All Top Tube Routing, Disc Tab formerly Blue Decals, now 1999 Decals.
1998:
KK17000 – No Decals.
KK18001 – No original Decals - a collage of “Splatter K” Logos, and sprayed Kona Down Tube Decal in 2006 Stencil Font.
KK18015 - No decals
KK20001 - Original Decals complete.
KK17005 - Verbal from e-Bay advert.
KK17007 - Toptube Decals missing, cracked downtube at gusset joint
KK19016 – Top and Downtube Decals missing.
KK16026 – Disc Tab & Seat Stay Cable Guide, full set of replica 1998 Decals c/w Kona Custom.
KK19026 - Original Decals complete.
KK19028 - Original Decals complete.
KK20030 – Verbal from bestmtb.
KK20031 – Original Decals complete.
KK19033 - Factory Team Decal on Seat Tube.
KK19038 - Verbal from Anthony via e-Bay advert.
KK20039 – Disc Tab & Seat Stay Cable Guide, 2001 Downtube & Headtube Decals.
KK20045 - Original Decals complete.
KK19047 - 1998 Top Tube Decal c/w 1999 Downtube Decal, now Orange 1998 style Decals.
KK19048 - Craigslist advert.
KK18053 - Verbal on RB.
KK19053 - Disc Tab, 1998 Kona Downtube Decal & Hei Hei Top Tube Decal c/w extra Black and White King Kahuna Jungle logo Decal & Sliver 6-4 Decal on Seat stay, with Silver “King” Decal on Downtube near Thumbs Up Decal with another on the Headtube, 1996 Spiral Headtube Decal.
KK19058 – Disc Tab & Seat Stay Cable Guide, No Decals.
1999:
KK16005 - Painted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
KK17009 - Painted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
KK17043 - Painted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
KK18026 - Unpainted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
KK18039 - Blue painted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
KK20040 - Orange painted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
KK19054 - Unpainted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
KK18062 - Unpainted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals, Top Tube Decal now Missing.
KK18067 - Unpainted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals, Top Tube Decals Missing, Reproduction Seattube Decal
KK20064 - Unpainted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals, Disc Tab.
KK19066 - Unpainted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
KK19067 - Unpainted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
KK19070 - Unpainted Headtube, Orange Go Faster Decals.
2000:
Despite featuring in the 2000 catalogue, it appears that this model was not available. JP Saville who ran Second Level Sport, the UK distributor, cannot recall importing any.
To date, I have not seen any pictures of a 2000 King Kahuna in the wild.
Read here
Score Frame Numbers 2000:
Production of the Score was halted mid-season, allegedly due to the cost of producing the frame. Dan Capek at Kona told me that if he had to guess, between 20 and 50 Score frames were built.
Another source however that seems more certain, said that 100 Score frames were made. Fifty 15’’, Forty 17'' and Ten 17'' - long (longer top tube).
The 18” frame was never documented in any of the Kona Spec – only 15”, 17” and 17” Long - or Small, Medium & Long. Nevertheless, Pip owned one in 18”, and saw one more 18” Score for sale in the U.S. in an old Pinkbike advert, which may possibly had been his before it came to the U.K. A second confirmed 18" was shared in July-22, so perhaps a small batch were produced after-all.
KK17069 - Original correct Score decals, shorter top tube approx. 21.7" but no gusset and with King Kahuna SN prefix (note no currently recorded 1999/00 King Kahuna with the same SN). Likely early production show, demo or catalogue example.
KS15003 - Verbal from Anthony via e-Bay advert, no picture.
KS15004 – Original Decals complete.
KS15006 – No Decals.
KS15020 - Original Decals complete.
KS15022 - Original Seat Tube Decal, 2001 Down Tube Decal – now removed.
KS17083 - Original Decals complete.
KS17084 - Original Decals complete.
KS17088 - Verbal on RB via e-Bay advert.
KS17090 – Seat Tube and Head Tube Decals only.
KS17094 - Original Decals complete.
KS17098 – Photo of Serial Number only.
KS18161 - Original Decals complete.
KS18164 - Original Decals complete.
KS18168 - Verbal on RB
KS18170 – Replica Seat Tube Decal, remaining original Decals complete (Pips).
It appeared that the 18” frame was not part of the documented production run, which may explain the higher serial numbers.
Haole Frame Numbers 1992 – 1994:
1992: Three Cable Guides along top of Top Tube (for Cable Outer), Integrated Seat Tube clamp at rear. Pre-Bullet Dropouts.
B57002 - Pre-Bullet, Integral Seat Post Clamp, 1” Headtube.
B57020 - Pre-Bullet, No Integral Seat Post Clamp, 1" Headtube. Reproduction 2000 head-tube decal, original seat-tube tubing decal, missing all other decals.
B57025 - Pre-Bullet, Integral Seat Post Clamp, 1” Headtube.
B57029 - Pre-Bullet, Integral Seat Post Clamp, 1" Headtube. Original decals, missing top tube and seat-tube decals.
B55041 - Pre-Bullet, Integral Seat Post Clamp.
B55044 - Pre-Bullet, Integral Seat Post Clamp
B55084 - Quoted on RB, 1" Headtube.
1993: Cable Stops front and rear along lower LHS of Top Tube, Bullet Dropouts, Seat Post Binder Collar c/w rear slot.
B59531 – Bullet, Seat Post Binder, 1" Headtube.
B59537 - Bullet, Seat Post Binder.
B53545 - Bullet, Seat Post Binder.
1994: Cable Stops front and rear along lower LHS of Top Tube, Bullet Dropouts, Seat Post Binder Collar c/w rear slot.
B55077 - Bullet, Seat Post Binder. Painted purple head-tube to beginning of top/bottom tube, white line, then pink with white line for exposed half rear triangle
B55081 – Verbal from e-Bay. I assume that the “0” could possibly be a “6” (see below), which would make more sense regarding the dating of a 1994 frame. A rare painted example (salmon pink), with genuine looking 1994 Decals and a bit of Ti exposed. The Bottom Bracket area is painted, which may have filled in the digits causing the owner to mistake a 6 for a 0.
To Be Continued, Pip...
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