Mystery Yokota
#101
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,223
Mentioned: 656 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4722 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3,044 Times
in
1,880 Posts
I got that number off the brake lever that remains on the bike.....3spd shifter part still broken.....brake part works fine.
Unscrewd from the brake lever, there are no #'s on the shifter itself.
OK then it's settled, I have the two finger brake/shifter.The ones coming from Poland are ST-M070. Hopefully, the three spd shifter itself is the same thing as my broken one.
Kevin
Unscrewd from the brake lever, there are no #'s on the shifter itself.
OK then it's settled, I have the two finger brake/shifter.The ones coming from Poland are ST-M070. Hopefully, the three spd shifter itself is the same thing as my broken one.
Kevin
Likes For T-Mar:
#102
Junior Member
Now that I know how to clean/lubricate the shifters, I shouldn't 'break' anymore of them.
Kevin
#103
Junior Member
Well, the parts finally got here from Poland. I see now the difference between a two finger shifter set up and a four finger shifter.....lol.
The 3spd shifter however, is exactly the same as my broken unit and just took a few minutes to put in.
Many thanks to everyone who helped with this especially, T-Mar!
Kevin
The 3spd shifter however, is exactly the same as my broken unit and just took a few minutes to put in.
Many thanks to everyone who helped with this especially, T-Mar!
Kevin
Likes For Real1shepherd:
#104
Jharrington
More on Deore left Side Shift Levers
I looked at the Yokota Cataloges 1990, 1991, 1992 and in 1990 there was only the Yosemite. Which had Shimano Deore LX. 1991 ande beyond there were Yosemite, Yosemite Comp and Yosemite Pro, which had Shimano Deore DX. These would have been seperate from the shift levers not to be confused with Rapid Fire units. So if you can find the finger shifting Deore DX controls you should be fine. Good Luck!
#105
Junior Member
I looked at the Yokota Cataloges 1990, 1991, 1992 and in 1990 there was only the Yosemite. Which had Shimano Deore LX. 1991 ande beyond there were Yosemite, Yosemite Comp and Yosemite Pro, which had Shimano Deore DX. These would have been seperate from the shift levers not to be confused with Rapid Fire units. So if you can find the finger shifting Deore DX controls you should be fine. Good Luck!
Not impossible to find on eBay, but was stressing about the good weather I'm missing on the bike and so made the Poland connection. Two extra brake mechanisms and an extra rear shifter....can't beat that!
More miles coming up on your prodigy........
Kevin
Likes For Unshore:
#107
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 911
Bikes: 1964(?) Frejus Tour de France, 1967(?) Dawes Double Blue, 1979 Trek 710, 1982 Claud Butler Dalesman, 1983 Schwinn Paramount Elite, 2014 Brompton, maybe a couple more
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 310 Post(s)
Liked 680 Times
in
332 Posts
Thanks for all the great information on this thread. Here's a Yokota Ahwanee rebuilt as a commuter hybrid:
This is for the charity shop where I volunteer. Started with nothing but frame and fork, built it up with inexpensive parts from the bin over the course of a month.
It's way too small for me but it's a handsome bike and I love the way it rides.
This is for the charity shop where I volunteer. Started with nothing but frame and fork, built it up with inexpensive parts from the bin over the course of a month.
It's way too small for me but it's a handsome bike and I love the way it rides.
Likes For albrt:
#108
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Posts: 911
Bikes: 1964(?) Frejus Tour de France, 1967(?) Dawes Double Blue, 1979 Trek 710, 1982 Claud Butler Dalesman, 1983 Schwinn Paramount Elite, 2014 Brompton, maybe a couple more
Mentioned: 9 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 310 Post(s)
Liked 680 Times
in
332 Posts
Serial number is D20282050, by the way.
#109
Newbie
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Hey all, completely new here and haven’t ridden a bike for 20 yrs before today. Bought a black Yokota Yosemite Serial #B90011480 from a pawn shop for $30. Now the paint is actually real pretty, but the rest of the bike is like my 50 yr old behind.
The wheels wobble like my legs, the seat points upwards into my catchers mit, the Shimano Deore LX shifters don’t shift near as well as I belch and the brakes work about as well as my memory at this point.
But like I said the paint is real nice and while that seat hurts to ride on right now and that she’s stuck on the middle front sprocket and small back sprocket (is that 8th or 15th gear) she did ride nice home from the pawn shop. Wife got a good laugh follow in’ me.
I’ll be post in’ some pics soon enough, of the bike and maybe the wife, but none of me. You all ain’t ready for that.
The wheels wobble like my legs, the seat points upwards into my catchers mit, the Shimano Deore LX shifters don’t shift near as well as I belch and the brakes work about as well as my memory at this point.
But like I said the paint is real nice and while that seat hurts to ride on right now and that she’s stuck on the middle front sprocket and small back sprocket (is that 8th or 15th gear) she did ride nice home from the pawn shop. Wife got a good laugh follow in’ me.
I’ll be post in’ some pics soon enough, of the bike and maybe the wife, but none of me. You all ain’t ready for that.
#110
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SF Bay Area, East bay
Posts: 7,699
Bikes: Miyata 618 GT, Marinoni, Kestral 200 2002 Trek 5200, KHS Flite, Koga Miyata, Schwinn Spitfire 5, Mondia Special, Univega Alpina, Miyata team Ti, Santa Cruz Highball
Mentioned: 53 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1620 Post(s)
Liked 2,645 Times
in
1,243 Posts
Hey all, completely new here and haven’t ridden a bike for 20 yrs before today. Bought a black Yokota Yosemite Serial #B90011480 from a pawn shop for $30. Now the paint is actually real pretty, but the rest of the bike is like my 50 yr old behind.
The wheels wobble like my legs, the seat points upwards into my catchers mit, the Shimano Deore LX shifters don’t shift near as well as I belch and the brakes work about as well as my memory at this point.
But like I said the paint is real nice and while that seat hurts to ride on right now and that she’s stuck on the middle front sprocket and small back sprocket (is that 8th or 15th gear) she did ride nice home from the pawn shop. Wife got a good laugh follow in’ me.
I’ll be post in’ some pics soon enough, of the bike and maybe the wife, but none of me. You all ain’t ready for that.
The wheels wobble like my legs, the seat points upwards into my catchers mit, the Shimano Deore LX shifters don’t shift near as well as I belch and the brakes work about as well as my memory at this point.
But like I said the paint is real nice and while that seat hurts to ride on right now and that she’s stuck on the middle front sprocket and small back sprocket (is that 8th or 15th gear) she did ride nice home from the pawn shop. Wife got a good laugh follow in’ me.
I’ll be post in’ some pics soon enough, of the bike and maybe the wife, but none of me. You all ain’t ready for that.
#111
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,223
Mentioned: 656 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4722 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3,044 Times
in
1,880 Posts
Hey all, completely new here and haven’t ridden a bike for 20 yrs before today. Bought a black Yokota Yosemite Serial #B90011480 from a pawn shop for $30. Now the paint is actually real pretty, but the rest of the bike is like my 50 yr old behind.
The wheels wobble like my legs, the seat points upwards into my catchers mit, the Shimano Deore LX shifters don’t shift near as well as I belch and the brakes work about as well as my memory at this point.
But like I said the paint is real nice and while that seat hurts to ride on right now and that she’s stuck on the middle front sprocket and small back sprocket (is that 8th or 15th gear) she did ride nice home from the pawn shop. Wife got a good laugh follow in’ me.
I’ll be post in’ some pics soon enough, of the bike and maybe the wife, but none of me. You all ain’t ready for that.
The wheels wobble like my legs, the seat points upwards into my catchers mit, the Shimano Deore LX shifters don’t shift near as well as I belch and the brakes work about as well as my memory at this point.
But like I said the paint is real nice and while that seat hurts to ride on right now and that she’s stuck on the middle front sprocket and small back sprocket (is that 8th or 15th gear) she did ride nice home from the pawn shop. Wife got a good laugh follow in’ me.
I’ll be post in’ some pics soon enough, of the bike and maybe the wife, but none of me. You all ain’t ready for that.
#112
Newbie
Join Date: Apr 2021
Posts: 3
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Update: Bike shop took it easy on me. $190 to replace the shifters, brakes, cables, true the wheels, adjust everything on the bike, inspect and repack the bearings, new tires, and give it a bath. Should have it back next week and can start riding again.
Last edited by TheOriginalJerk; 04-15-21 at 03:19 PM.
Likes For TheOriginalJerk:
#113
Junior Member
Well, tried to clean up the shifters this morning, no go. The casings were busted where the cables go in. So, off to the bike shop we go, hi ho, hi ho. Inspection shows she has 1 bent spoke, brakes totally suck and the tires are dry rotted. I’ll let ya all know the bill to put her back in better shape than I’m in.
Update: Bike shop took it easy on me. $190 to replace the shifters, brakes, cables, true the wheels, adjust everything on the bike, inspect and repack the bearings, new tires, and give it a bath. Should have it back next week and can start riding again.
Update: Bike shop took it easy on me. $190 to replace the shifters, brakes, cables, true the wheels, adjust everything on the bike, inspect and repack the bearings, new tires, and give it a bath. Should have it back next week and can start riding again.
There's a good tutorial on YouTube for cleaning and lubing those shifters. DO NOT attempt to take them apart and repair....unless you've had considerable experience with rapid fire shifters. There's also a well written tutorial on these shifters as well.
A lot of info on this thread, so scroll back and read my foibles.
Kevin
Last edited by Real1shepherd; 04-18-21 at 07:22 PM.
#115
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,223
Mentioned: 656 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4722 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3,044 Times
in
1,880 Posts
Shimano Dura-Ace EX with Dyna-Drive crankarms and pedals would suggest 1980-1984. However, frame features such as the dual bottle bosses and pump peg would push it into the late 1980s. The Unicrown fork would push it a couple more years into the very late 1980s.
However, the brake bridge appears to be designed for recessed brakes, so the components may be replacements. Also, the fork does not appear to match the frame. The dropout end treatments of the stays and blades do not appear to match. Also, the rear dropouts have eyelets while the front do not. So, it may be a replacement fork, which suggests a repaint and some of the braze-ons may have been added. However, if the braze-ons were added, I would also have expected a front derailleur hanger.
This is a curious mix of features. In some aspects it looks high grade, while in others it appears mid-range. Have you found a serial number?
However, the brake bridge appears to be designed for recessed brakes, so the components may be replacements. Also, the fork does not appear to match the frame. The dropout end treatments of the stays and blades do not appear to match. Also, the rear dropouts have eyelets while the front do not. So, it may be a replacement fork, which suggests a repaint and some of the braze-ons may have been added. However, if the braze-ons were added, I would also have expected a front derailleur hanger.
This is a curious mix of features. In some aspects it looks high grade, while in others it appears mid-range. Have you found a serial number?
#116
Junior Member
Scroll back and look at my bike. It is bone stock and I bought it new. No mismatched parts or Frankenbike.
The creator of these fine bikes, Harrington, even posted in here....which is kinda awesome.
Kevin
The creator of these fine bikes, Harrington, even posted in here....which is kinda awesome.
Kevin
Last edited by Real1shepherd; 05-23-22 at 08:10 AM.
#117
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Laguna Woods, CA
Posts: 99
Bikes: Univega Super Speciale, Super Strada, Cannondale Caad6 R4000 si, Team Miyatas, Bridgestone RB1,Lotus Cinelli Design Triomphe, Unidentified 60's/70's road bike 1960 Schwinn Continental
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Liked 12 Times
in
6 Posts
I just stumbled on this post, ( 4 years later). I am the founder of Yokota Cycle USA and the designer of the bicycles. While primarily Yokota's focus was Mountain Bikes I did offer road bikes in 1989. The legend was the top of the line model spec'ed and using the tubing, TANGE #2 as you mentioned. Prior to working for Yokota, I was a custom frame builder and that is where the responsive geometry originated. Wile I know Gary Yokota he was not a part of the company and I never used him to build frames. i did contract with Tom Tesdale for the Half Dome model. Strictly Wholesale was my East a coast distributor and after I left the company to join Easton Sports, Strictly became the USA exclusive distributor of the line. The Legend was a very lightweight bicycle using USA appropriate frame geometry and was a very sweet ride. However, the late eighties and early 90’s were the heyday of Mountain Bikes. Road bike took a very far back burner. So the model is very rare.
looking for any information you might have in regards to the serial numbers. Specifically,
NE51403. Thank you.
#118
Jharrington
from John Harrington. You’d have to give me a whole lot more information. I have no way of finding any serial numbers. I assume this is a bicycle. Can you post a picture of the Bike and let me know your specific questions?
#119
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Laguna Woods, CA
Posts: 99
Bikes: Univega Super Speciale, Super Strada, Cannondale Caad6 R4000 si, Team Miyatas, Bridgestone RB1,Lotus Cinelli Design Triomphe, Unidentified 60's/70's road bike 1960 Schwinn Continental
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Liked 12 Times
in
6 Posts
Someone contacted me through my website asking about any information on this Yokota Ranger.
I thought you might have some insight on the serial number NE51403. I’m interpreting it as: made by Mikki in May of 1985. Wanted to see what your interpretation is on this SN and any info you could provide about this bike.
Here are the pictures he sent:
Thank you,
Jim
#120
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,223
Mentioned: 656 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4722 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3,044 Times
in
1,880 Posts
^ This Yokota Ranger has been previously posted. The serial number format does not match Mikki. It can be reverse engineered several different ways, with most pointing towards 1985, which is certainly appropriate for an Asian manufactured ATB with lugs. One of those possibilities is Miyata, however a late 1980s Yokota road test stated that Yokota was a "manufacturer" and 2nd in size only to Bridgestone. Additonal info was requested from the poster in an attempt to confirm the age but they never responded.
#121
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Laguna Woods, CA
Posts: 99
Bikes: Univega Super Speciale, Super Strada, Cannondale Caad6 R4000 si, Team Miyatas, Bridgestone RB1,Lotus Cinelli Design Triomphe, Unidentified 60's/70's road bike 1960 Schwinn Continental
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 17 Post(s)
Liked 12 Times
in
6 Posts
Thank you T-Mar
#122
Senior Member
For a few years I had a Yokota Discovery, looked just like this except where the legend is blue, my bike was yellow. Had Exage Sport components, 6 speed I think. Rode it to work a few times, did some miles on it but never really hooked into it. It was a nice bike, I just don’t like drop bars I guess… sold it on. Wish I had a picture of it somewhere I could post just for thread continuance…
#123
Jharrington
^ This Yokota Ranger has been previously posted. The serial number format does not match Mikki. It can be reverse engineered several different ways, with most pointing towards 1985, which is certainly appropriate for an Asian manufactured ATB with lugs. One of those possibilities is Miyata, however a late 1980s Yokota road test stated that Yokota was a "manufacturer" and 2nd in size only to Bridgestone. Additonal info was requested from the poster in an attempt to confirm the age but they never responded.
The only Yokota bicycles sold in the USA that used lugs were the road bikes. All mountain bikes were welded frames and all names came from Yosemite Nation Park.
I don’t know how to tell whose serial number that is on the frame. But if it is believed to be from Miki I would not argue. Miki was/is an excellent supplier of high end frames to the Japanese market.
#124
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Posts: 23,223
Mentioned: 656 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4722 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3,044 Times
in
1,880 Posts
Hi T-Mar, I’m not really good at following these various links so I don’t think I’ve seen this before. I previously answered someone else that this Yokota Ranger was a high end (for Yokota Japan) model. After I started Yokota Cycle USA in California. Another American guy that was living in Japan and wanting a way into the Bicycle Industry was hired by Yokota Japan to do what I had done in the USA in Japan. Yokota was a manufacturer and a very old bicycle brand. However they made standard Japanese home market commuting bicycles. Nothing expensive or high end. They made somewhere around one million units each year. Yokota Cycles Ltd. wanted to go public and list on the Japanese exchange. At this time both Miyata and Bridgestone were selling high end bicycles in the USA. Yokota Japan wanted to follow this trend as they thought the image would help their initial public offer.
The only Yokota bicycles sold in the USA that used lugs were the road bikes. All mountain bikes were welded frames and all names came from Yosemite Nation Park.
I don’t know how to tell whose serial number that is on the frame. But if it is believed to be from Miki I would not argue. Miki was/is an excellent supplier of high end frames to the Japanese market.
The only Yokota bicycles sold in the USA that used lugs were the road bikes. All mountain bikes were welded frames and all names came from Yosemite Nation Park.
I don’t know how to tell whose serial number that is on the frame. But if it is believed to be from Miki I would not argue. Miki was/is an excellent supplier of high end frames to the Japanese market.
#125
Jharrington
Thank-you for posting. If I read correctly, Yokota was a manufacturer but that the USA market models could have been Yokota manufacture or contract manufactured by another company? Is this correct? My intent is to try to identify the serial number format on Yokota manufactured product.
I hope this gives you clarity. Especially in Japan many manufacturers use “sub contractors” for various aspects of their production in order to meet their volume needs. The thing that made Yokota Bikes in the USA different was our USA assembly using After Market components and hand built wheels from Wheelsmith.