Last Updated on December 11, 2022 by FAB Jim The Cyclist
Kabuki bikes were imported from Japan and manufactured by Bridgestone. In the 70s I believe they were imported by C. Itoh. These bikes went from entry level to high end. The brand seems to disappear in the 80s sometime around when Bridgestone USA shows up with the Bridgestone brand. I’m guessing maybe Bridgestone didn’t want both brands around so stopped selling to C. Itoh.
One of their most interesting bikes is the Submariner. This bike had aluminum lugs with stainless steel tubing. Pretty unique for its time. Otherwise, the Submariner was a mid-level bike.
Models
BK-6 – BMX bike
Diamond Formula D – top of the line road bike
Diamond Road – top of the line road bike
Diamond Tourer – top of the line touring bike
Diamond Track – track bike
Junior Sport – kids road bike
Skyway – entry-level road bike
SSK – entry-level road bike
Submariner – mid-level road bike
Super Light – lower mid-level road bike
Super Speed – entry-level road bike
Facts
Bridgestone bicycles is the same company we all know for tires.
Kabuki bikes with aluminum lugs used an expanding wedge seatpost.
Value
There isn’t a huge following for Kabuki bikes. Other than the top-of-the-line models, they don’t have a lot of value. The other bikes in really good condition are probably $100-200 depending on the model. Top models in good condition are probably valued around $300 depending on the market.
I haven’t heard of Kabuki bikes before but they look comparable to other bikes being made at the time. Thanks for this historical information!
Yes, they are quite comparable to all the other Japanese made bikes of the time.