1983 Kuwahara KM-1 Mini

The Mini

This is a “retired” Rider from my private collection – The Vintage Steel & Kuwahara BMX Museum. (The 2nd of approximately 60 vintage BMX ranging from 16”, 20” and 24” including BMX Scooters) I will reveal 1 BMX each Friday for the next year.

Original Koizumi Japan made chrome frame & Tange Japan made forks with a mix of Factory NOS (New Old Stock) and Original Used parts. Original head tube and seat post tube decals and Licensed reproduction fork and down tube decals by Vintage Steel BMX (@vintagesteelbmx).

I originally built this little guy for my son to ride around before the full 20” upgrade. So once he outgrew it, I swapped out the rider parts (that would normally get worn out) like the wheels, tires, crank set and pedals with these nicer newer rare parts and now it rests in the museum.
 
Tires?! I’m all about original and factory so when it comes to tires and Kuwaharas, IRCs are a must! And almost every build in my collection has them, except for this one unfortunately. Finding the IRC Racing 20 x 1 1/8” tires has been challenging or maybe it just wasn’t a priority at one point, but these NOS Tioga Comp 3 tires are still icing on the cake!

YearAugust 1983BrandKuwaharaModelKM-1 MiniSerial #KGCxxxx

Parts List:

FactoryOG Tange Frame
FactoryOG Tange TX-Super Forks
FactoryNEW Factory Correct Reproduction Decals (Vintage Steel)*
FactoryOG Hatta Headset
FactoryOG Suntour Stem
AlterationNL Handlebars (Replaced WIN Anodized Straight)
AlterationO.G.K. 82-2A Cobra Grips (Repaced OGK Foam)
FactoryOG Dia Compe Tech 3 Brake Lever
AlterationDia Compe 730 Brake Caliper (Replaced Dia Compe 610 Center Pull)
AlterationGeneric Brake Cable (Replaced Dia Compe)*
AlterationUni Seat (Replaced Uni)*
FactoryNOS Suntour VX Cranks 152mm
FactoryOG Sugino 3 Piece Euro Bottom Bracket
AlterationSugino 40T Chainring (Replaced Suntour 40T)
AlterationNOS KKT AMX Pedals (Replaced KKT FMX)
AlterationSugino Chainring Bolts (Replaced Suntour)
AlterationNEW KMC Chain (Replaced Izumi 2 Tone)*
AlterationNOS Araya Chrome 20 x 1 1/8" (Replaced Ukai)
AlterationNOS Sunshine Hubs (Replaced Suntour)
FactoryAsahi Spokes & Araya Nipples (Replaced Asahi Nipples)
FactoryOG Suntour 16T Freewheel
AlterationNOS Tioga Silver Label Comp 3 Skinwall Tires (Replaced IRC Racer)
AlterationGeneric Tire Tubes (Replaced IRC)
Add OnNEW Kuwahara "Made In Osaka" Pad Set*

NOTE: All parts are N.O.S., Original or Re-furbished in Mint condition unless marked with *