Unusual Kona models or colours

[JLSPFOC]

Over the years I've come across some unusual Kona models and base models with unusual colours. Some of the models appear to be rental bikes that were rebranded and as for colours, possible mid-year models, frame only options or region specific colours.

In advance, I'm sorry if anything in here is newer than 1997, but I really wanted to explore everything from 2000 and down.

If anyone has any odd-ball Konas that you don't see in the catalogues, can you please share them in this thread along with any information you might have about them!

Thanks!

I've included a couple of examples:

-Yellow Fire Mountain - 1991 mid-year model?


-Red Metallic Hahanna - 1995 mid-year model? It has 1995 forks and headtube decal, but has the 1996 font on the top tube?

 

[hamster]

In the splatter paint years (say 1990) there were also versions without splatter paint. I used to have a white Lava Dome without splatter.

Likewise different countries often had differing paint schemes. EBay has been a catalyst to stuff moving across berders much more readily.

 

[raidan73]

Plus the Explosif was available with custom paint and braze on options in the early days

 

[Mortonm]

1997 Kona Kilauea Special Edition. This was a mid year release with the colour matched to the bomber colour. Inky a couple hundred were made for Canada and US. It's a different blue than the regular run for that year.

 

[Pipmeister]

Speaking of the gorgeous 1997 Kilauea SE above..... the Kilauea in particular came in alternative colours through the 90's.

The 1993 U.S. Catalogue differed from the European release, with solid colours across all models, rather than the fade to Metallic Silver / Grey at the front half of the frame. The Kilauea in the 1993 U.S. catalogue was solid Porsche Red:

1993 Kilauea size 19 US colour_1 by Philip Mock, on Flickr

However, the credit goes to F.C. for uncovering this 1993 Apple Green example:

1993 Kilauea 17 Apple Green_1 by Philip Mock, on Flickr

I think this Yellow 1995 European (Spanish?) example was posted by Canuck, which was an alternative to the Catalogue listed Pearl White that year:

1995 Kilauea 18 Euro by Philip Mock, on Flickr

While the Explosif also came in Yellow in 1996, as an alternative to the more usual Olive Green - again I have it documented as Spanish, but I'm not entirely sure why:

1996 Explosif 18 Spain by Philip Mock, on Flickr

Pip

 

[Mortonm]

Actually most of the 93 Range I see over here are the full colours. Not sure I have seen a fade one in person. Not that I have laid hands on many.

I currently have a 93 completely original fire mountain that's all blue that I am seeking a new home for.

 

[Pipmeister]

Actually most of the 93 Range I see over here are the full colours. Not sure I have seen a fade one in person. Not that I have laid hands on many.

I currently have a 93 completely original fire mountain that's all blue that I am seeking a new home for.

The 1993 European Catalogue is featured in the Site's Archives - see link below:

See here

Here is a fairly good shot of the Fade 1993 version that shows the colours well.

Kilauea 93 DS 051017 by Philip Mock, on Flickr

 

[Mortonm]

The 1993 European Catalogue is featured in the Site's Archives - see link below:

See here

Here is a fairly good shot of the Fade 1993 version that shows the colours well.

Kilauea 93 DS 051017 by Philip Mock, on Flickr

That does look really good. I think I am more partial to the full solid colour but both look really good.

I am now curious if all North America were solid or just some.

 

[raidan73]

A couple more custom Explosifs

 

[Pipmeister]

I am now curious if all North America were solid or just some.

The 1993 North American Catalogue that I have on file shows all of the models in one solid colour, including the Blue Fire Mountain that you mentioned. I could look into adding the 1993 U.S. Catalogue to the Site's Archive.

Pip