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 Kuwahara Bike KE-1 First model |
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This is the first BMX model ever made under the Kuwahara name. It was sold around 1979 until very early 1980 before the introduction of the new KZ models. This particular Kuwahara was known simply as the Kuwahara Bike and went by the name of KE-1 from the Factory. It could be easily distinguished by the single front gusset which had four little holes near the front of the frame. The frame and fork were made of 4130 Cro-Moly steel and featured all the top components from SunTour, Dia-Compe, Ukai and Taihei Elina. Colors were available in blue, white and black. I do not know for sure if a Chrome Kuwahara (first model) bike was available. This bike was phased out in early 1980 and the remaining stock were sold to make way for the newer and improved version known as the KZ-1 which made Kuwahara a major name in the BMX world. |
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Components
Frame and Fork: Tange Chrome-moly tubing, TIG welded Bars: Redline V-bar Stem: SunTour mini stem (forged aluminum) Wheels: Ukai Shinny-side Box rims Tires: IRC BMX Racer Skinwalls Hubs: SunTour sealed bearing High-Flange Spokes: Asahi .80/36 Crank: SunTour V/X crank 170mm Front Sprocket: SunTour 44T Aluminum Rear Sprocket: SunTour 16T Freewheel Pedals: KKT Lightning alloy pedals Seat: Taihei Elina Nylon seat Seat post: Alloy Fluted post Seat clamp: SunTour Brakes: Dia-Compe MX1000 |
| Left: a picture from the web Center: A picture from the August 1980 issue of BMX action magazines test report on the new Kuwahara BMX (KE-1). Right: a beautifully restored KE-1 owned by Jim O'Donnell |
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| Some pictures of my own personal KE-1 Project Bike that I hope to finish some day soon. On the left shows the old style drop outs, a few very early KZ bikes had these as well. Center picture shows the cool 4 hole single gusset. Right picture shows the early style Kuwahara fork ends. | ||
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| My own personal KE-1 project bike that I am still working on. Here are some sneak pictures of it. I hope to have this bike done someday when I have more time and money. The stickers are not correct and I am pretty sure this is not the original paint as well. Stay tuned for more about this project. | |
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Some
old advertisements for the Kuwahara bike from early 1980
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