Help identify hikari bicycle?

[CURTIS L LINDGREN]

I try not to but... this is the level of blond we are talking about here.

Sweet ! That makes for some tricky riding !! It must have been early in the morning . Grandpa's bike is pretty cool. Looks like they were proud and marked EVERYTHING on the bike. Value , I dunno ..............but a cool family piece ! Wonder what else you can find there

 

[Archie Sturmer]

Nice bike. Looks to only need a wash and wax, maybe some WD-40 here and there; (and maybe new tires). I would probably try to be very careful with a bike like that, not to lose or misplace any parts, because the American parts just might not fit the same, and many look fairly unique (rod brakes?).
Even wonder what size the tires might be?

 

[GTs58]

Man, these bikes are just loaded with detail! Better polish up that fender ornament! Look at the logo inside of this one.

 

[dnc1]

The 'DaiNippon Bicycle company' was the name that the current 'Fuji' bikes used during WW2.
They company was known as 'Nichibei Shokai' (literally Japanese/American Trading Co.) from 1900 up until WW2.
The name changed to 'Nichibei Fuji' post war.
Could be worth contacting Fuji bikes to see if they could help with further information.
Although the link to the japanese bike blog mentioned earlier indicates that this is probably a post-war machine.
It also indicates that it is a highly desirable machine on the Japanese market, it could be well worth seeing if you could find a buyer over there!
I have some Japanese acquaintances who are into bikes, I'll see if they have any info.
Looks like an interesting curio from a difficult time of Japans relationship with the wider world.

 

[dnc1]

Love the cotter-pin covers on the cranks.
Great for stopping your flares getting caught up on the ends of the pins whilst cycling!

 

[Superman1984]

Love the cotter-pin covers on the cranks.
Great for stopping your flares getting caught up on the ends of the pins whilst cycling!

I was thinking they looked pretty classy myself!

@Sonic_scout I think this bike deserves at least a Good clean up/greasing where needed, some new dancing shoes, leave some patina & a confident smilin' gal to take it around the block; maybe in a sundress

 

[FICHT 150]

One of the quotes an older member of my local bicycle club told me, that I try to keep in mind, is that, at this point, you don’t need another bicycle, the bicycle needs you. I try to save as many as practical, or, get them to people who want or need them.
I have compete faith in your ability to learn bicycle maintenance and repair. I will not promise you that you will always get it perfect on the first try, but, you will get it. You are clearly interested, and that will be your motivation and inspiration. We will help.
That cool old bike needs you. I think it is a classy and wonderful bike, and if I found it I’d be sure to get it roadworthy and get it to someone who would love it.
I wouldn’t ride the bike without a complete tear down, I have replaced too many cones and bearings that were chewed up from improper maintenance, neglect, and lack of lubrication. Before you start anything, mix some automatic transmission fluid, about 50/50 with either kerosene or mineral spirits, and use a 10 cent acid brush to paint that combination on all the fasteners, outside or in the shop, not in your living room ( hey, I respect the blonde, I just try to head trouble off at the pass, so to speak). Do it two or three times a week for two or three weeks.
Then, begin. That is a really charming bike, I’ll bet you would look dynamite on it, and don’t kid yourself, all the guys here respect dirt under a blondes fingernails as much or more as they do nail polish on the top of her nails.
I promise.
Let us know when you get stuck.
Ted

 

[HEMI426]

Sonic-Scout, I think you should do what was stated above for 2 reasons. 1- I know your gramp is already really proud of you, and wouldn't that tickle his heart to see that bike cleaned up with you riding it. 2- I've never seen one before, my wife (a blonde) and I have been showing classic car's for 40 year's. The car's that draw the biggest crowd's are the ones people rarely see. We've seen a million Camaro's, Mustang's, Schwinn's and Elgin's. I can say with confidence, that bike will get attention at any bike show or just up town on a sidewalk cruise. You can do the work, my wife put in three fosett's one day while I was at an auction. Good Luck, post some pic's if you decide to clean it up. Remember it dosen't have to be original to be functional and as Catfish and Hammerhead would say enjoy the ride.

 

[SirMike1983]

The Japanese developed their own style variation on the English-type rod brake roadster. They often used a lot of embellishment, particularly in the sheet metal parts. They also tend to have a lot of extra decorative parts, and those crank/cotter covers are a good example of the style. Some Japanese parts will be very difficult to find now if they are missing, while others you can effect a replacement or substitute. The quality on these Japanese roadsters is usually toward the middle of the pack - not as good as a nice Raleigh, but better than the bikes coming out of China or India. If a family member gave you the bike, it may be worth fixing up for that reason alone.

Take photographs as you disassemble. If you have a digital camera or smartphone, you should be able to document each step in the process. Keep a can of light oil on hand to free rusted parts. Work slowly and keep small plastic bags. As you disassemble, keep things that go together in different bags. Between the pictures and the bags separating sub-assemblies, you should be able to get the bike apart and back together.

 

[Billythekid]

Get some transmission fluid and put some every place that can move use a lot then let it sit for a couple days and everything should be loosened up by then try to air the tires up you can put a drop of transmission fluid on the wheel where you put the air in it will help the seal inside there and may give you a better chance getting the tires to hold air