Takara Bikes Manufacturer
Takara burst onto the U.S. cycling scene in the mid-1970s with a uniquely American vision fused to Japanese craftsmanship. Born from a coalition of regional distributors and built by the renowned Kuwahara factory, the brand delivered ready-to-ride precision that quickly won over riders. Its mix of approachable city bikes, sharp-spec’d road machines, and a memorable “I LOVE IT” campaign turned Takara into a quiet but unmistakable force in the boom years of Japanese bicycles.
Top Takara Bikes
Takara Outlaw (BMX)
A rugged, 20‑inch BMX classic that gave new riders a stable, affordable entry into tricks and street riding.
Takara Model 8 (Road Bike)
A lugged‑chromoly road bike from the mid‑1970s that balanced durability and comfort, ideal for commuting or long rides.
Takara Vintage 10‑Speed / Lugged Steel Road Bikes
Steel‑framed multi‑speed roaders that delivered dependable performance to riders seeking an affordable yet classic cycling experience.
Takara Bikes brings approachable performance and retro-rooted style to riders who want fun, reliable cycling without the premium price tag.
Product Categories
BMX Bikes
Built for tricks, jumps, and fast 20-inch action, Takara’s BMX models deliver rugged simplicity ideal for beginners learning park and street skills.
Racing & Road Bikes
Takara’s single-speed and lightweight road offerings give entry-level riders a clean, efficient platform for commuting or weekend fitness rides.
Cruiser & Comfort Bikes
Smooth, upright geometry and easygoing components make Takara cruisers a relaxed option often found today through secondhand and collector markets.
Reviews
Michael Turner
I picked up a vintage Takara BMX for my son, and the build quality shocked me—in a good way. The frame felt sturdier than most modern budget BMX bikes we tested, and after a few weeks at the skatepark, it held up to curb drops, failed tricks, and rainy-day rides with zero creaks. The bike’s simple setup also made maintenance painless, so we could swap grips and adjust the brakes in minutes. Watching him gain confidence on a 40-year-old bike reminded me why Takara earned a loyal following.
Jasmine Morales
My first Takara road bike became my commuter, fitness buddy, and weekend escape machine. The single-speed drivetrain forced me to smooth out my cadence and made the ride surprisingly meditative. Even though it wasn’t built for racing glory, it handled my 12-mile daily commute with steady reliability. The lightweight frame and upright posture kept longer rides comfortable, and its retro aesthetic got more compliments than far pricier bikes my friends owned.
Robert Chen
I restored a Takara cruiser I found on an online resale site, and it’s now my favorite Sunday-morning ride. The geometry encourages a relaxed, upright roll, and once I replaced the tires and cleaned up the bearings, it glided along the waterfront like a modern comfort bike. What impressed me most was how solid the original frame remained—no rust fatigue, no alignment issues—just a smooth, mellow cruiser that feels like it still has decades left in it.
Takara FAQ
What years were Takara Bikes produced for the U.S. market?
Takara Bikes were primarily produced for the U.S. market starting in late 1973 for the 1974 model year, with operations continuing through the 1970s and into the mid-1980s before winding down due to currency fluctuations and market changes.
Where were Takara Bikes manufactured?
All Takara Bikes were manufactured in Japan, mainly by Kuwahara Company, with orders and quality oversight managed by Mitsui Trading Company for U.S. distributors.
What types of bikes did Takara offer?
Takara offered BMX bikes, single-speed and multi-speed road/racing bikes, as well as cruiser and comfort bikes, catering mostly to entry-level and casual riders.
Are Takara Bikes still available today?
Original Takara Bikes are no longer produced in the U.S., but vintage models can occasionally be found through online resale platforms like eBay or collector marketplaces.
How reliable are Takara Bikes?
Takara Bikes were known for solid build quality, often arriving fully assembled and test-ridden, making them durable and low-maintenance, especially for entry-level riders.
Can I get replacement parts for Takara Bikes?
While original Takara parts may be rare, many components like tires, brakes, and pedals are standard sizes and can be replaced with modern equivalents from most bike shops.
Did Takara have an official U.S. headquarters?
Takara functioned through U.S. distributors rather than a dedicated headquarters. No current verified U.S. address or phone number exists for the brand.