dkatz1

My stepson owns a bike that's been sitting in my garage for years. I think it's from the 90's, but am not sure.
It's not in good shape.
My opinion is that it's pretty much worthless, as it would take a lot of money to get back to riding condition. It's worse than the picture makes it look.
He seems to think it's a valuable collector's item, but I doubt it. I know zero about this brand.
Can anyone clarify? I'd like to leave it out on the curb with the trash, or for anyone who decides to grab it.

noobinsf 

The brand is kind of a humdrum Japanese maker, but it looks like a top line model (lugs, cotterless crank, sloping fork crown) and could be worth something. What does the rectangle under the saddle area say about the tubing?

Chuck M 

That is early 80s and probably not a valuable collector's item. Nevertheless it is not IMHO worthless and while it would possibly take more than its worth to get it in ridable condition someone like me would probably be interested were the price right. While Takara bicycles are not highly regarded, this was the 990 and their top model. For reference, I gave $75 for a very good Takara 970 and $125 for an almost unused 950 a year or two ago in the NE Oklahoma market and was not unhappy to do so. Please post more pictures.

T-Mar

The subject bicycle is very late 1970s to very early 1980s. While it is labelled a Professional, it is actually more of a mid-range model. I believe these were plain gauge CrMo tubing. Derailleurs were typically SunTour Cyclone. Unfortunately, while the rims are aliuminum, they are only 27" and not 700C. Weight should be around 25 lbs. Most Takara of this era were manufactured by Kuwahara of Japan, a well respected company.

It's not a collector's item but it's also far from worthless. I second the request for more photos (and the serial number, which should confirm the year and manufacturer). The cosmetic condition looks respectable. It probably only needs a good overhaul and replacement of some consumables. It should easily fetch a C-note and possibly closer to a double C-note, depending on mechanical condition and local market conditions.

Chuck M 

T-Mar's suggestion that it could possibly get $200 in the present condition isn't unreasonable. I gave $125 for a better equipped '84 Asian built Raleigh in a ready to ride state, but I could see myself giving $200 for this. Currently on eBay there is a Professional with an almost $900 asking price that I don't see being sold anytime soon if ever for that. There is also what is probably a Deluxe Sport-10 being listed as a Professional for close to $240 that I wouldn't give $24 for and I have a soft spot for Takara bikes.

I'm of the mindset many bikes are simply worth what one would pay. A recent thread suggesting eBay sale prices are where people should base values caused some stir. And while I agree that what a bike has a history of regularly selling for is something to consider, just because they are listed for a price or one sold at a certain number doesn't mean they are worth it. I hope your son gets a fair price from someone that will enjoy the bike and you get some garage space back.

Mr. 66

That can clean up very nice with oil and water into a very presentable bike. That one is pretty good with forged cranks, most of their middling offers are cast and forgemeld spiders. I like the slopping forkcrown, it can take wide tires, handle fenders.

That bike is a sleeper ready to to waken. Just needs one that likes to repack bearings.

WGB 

Perhaps you could post where you are? Might affect the value.

dkatz1

Waltham, in the Boston area. He wonders if the frame is damaged (I'm not sure why): if so, then it is toast.

Mr. 66

Just from what you posted it looks fine, now it could be that the damage is a need for alignment. That's not uncommon for a 45 year old steel, nor is it much of a deterrent for those who like metallic warriors.

embankmentlb

My riding buddy had one of those in the early 80s. Not quite up to the name “Professional”but a good midrange bike. 27” wheels pretty much came on any bike not running sew up tires around 1980 so that is not really a negative.
Probably roughly equal or a bit nicer than a Panasonic DX 2000 of the same vintage. Even Panasonic’s DX 4000 (very nice) had 27” wheels.

Chuck M 

I agree with that 100%. My Takara Deluxe Touring I had in high school was slightly out of alignment. The more I visit this thread the more I consider what it would take to ship this bike to Oklahoma and what I'd give for it without looking it over in person were the son inclined to sell it.

Andy_K 

Even if the frame were damaged beyond repair, there are parts on that bike that would have some value to people such as you find here. If you just want to get it out of the garage, an asking price under a hundred dollars would bring someone to your door who was willing to do the work to either fix it up or part it out.

52telecaster

Excellent brakes and derailleurs! I'd take those any day.