1988 sierra xt ( all kuwahara content):)

Re: new retro bike tomorrow!!!!! ( kuwahara content)

Just finished cleaning her up . Just waiting on the chain rigs and chain rings.

Re: new retro bike tomorrow!!!!! ( kuwahara content)

I have a Sierra XT as well. The paint pattern is the same as yours, except a shade lighter.
Mine came with XT hubs and Araya rims.

Re: new retro bike tomorrow!!!!! ( kuwahara content)

Hmm makes me wonder why the hubs and rims were changed? Are the maillard hubs considered better, equal or worse than the shimano xt hubs? After doing some research I found that the maillard hubs were used on moutain bikes of that time period. I'm not sure about the matrix rims thou . Does any one have any info on the rims? They seem of good construction.how do you like the ride of your bike bone machine? I love how mine rides seems really effortlessly fast!

Re: new retro bike tomorrow!!!!! ( kuwahara content)

It's a fantastic rider. When I first got it, I thought it was kind of heavy for a high end bike. But once you start riding, you don't notice the weight. The XT components still work flawlessly.

Re: new retro bike tomorrow!!!!! ( kuwahara content)

Wow.....this is a great thread!

Re: new retro bike tomorrow!!!!! ( kuwahara content)

Hi everybody, first of all, let me wish to all of you a Happy Christmas and a great 2014.
This is my first post here and only because of this Kuwahara MTB thread.
I believe they are not easy to find, at least in good shape and with good components.
Back in 1987, and with no MTBs available in my country, Portugal, I contacted Kuwahara factory in Japan and they sold me directly a Kuwahara "Sierra Grande" with all Shimano XT components, Vetta seat, Araya (36) rims.
There is an original sticker (lower part of frame) that says "quadruple butted tubes".
I kept the bike standard for next 2/3 years and after that, did some major changes.
If interested, I can post more pics and describe the upgrades, the Ti Flite seat, Renthal RC30 handlebar, Arayas RM395 (32), Odi Mushroom grips, etc.
Today I still have the bike (didn't ride it for more than 15 years) with the upgrades I made in the early 90's, only put a new pair of Continental Town & Country 2.2 tires for a ocasional street weekend ride...

Re: new retro bike tomorrow!!!!! ( kuwahara content)

Nice acquisition! Lots of old Kuwahara's around here - haven't seen one with that nice a build on it though.

Re: new retro bike tomorrow!!!!! ( kuwahara content)

...some more pics of my Kuwahara.
Please notice the the early M900 XTR front brakes, Dia-Compe SS7 brake levers, ODI Mushrooms, Renthal RC130.

Re: new retro bike tomorrow!!!!! ( kuwahara content)

Very nice I like the blue crackle. Looks a lot like mine but blue not yellow, thanks for sharing . I wish there was more catalog info on kuwahara mountain bikes but unfortunately looks like no one kept any of them. Please feel free to share any other kuwaharas you have

Re: new retro bike tomorrow!!!!! ( kuwahara content)

Just put a new seat post and seat on. The seat post is a kalloy cromo seat post ( identical to the shimano xt) the seat is a selle Italia turbo reproduction