Japanese WW2 infantry bicycle "Gunsei"

[NickG]

They certainly confiscated and used whatever they could get their hands on including lady's model bikes which are a lot easier to dismount from in a hurry (wearing full combat kit!). So actual more practical than men's models!

Regarding colors, I would think they had the means and needs to camo these bikes when needed, especially confiscated civi models which could otherwise be in bright colors!

The (light) green bike on American restorers could have been a period camo job, it could also have been period repainted even by a US serviceman. Who knows?
The color reminds me of Aircraft interieur paint...Done on base?

[kapitein]

Thats an interesting project, here in Europe people buy GB para bikes and German bikes. Not Japanese bikes as they must be very rare!
Looking forward to see this Japanese bicycle restored back to its former tora tora glory!
I would not mind putting that oversized big red postal rack on the rear, its not too oversized and comparable to the one you posted hanging from a ceiling in that museum. (post 72)
Kapitein

[NickG]

comparable to the one you posted hanging from a ceiling in that museum. (post 72)
Kapitein

Thanks for commenting Kapitein.
Here's another image of that suspended bike from that Malaysian war museum!

Second image: Look at this one???? Another web image from a museum somewhere.
Now that's a strange "extended" bike! Really weird??? Look at the extended handlebars???
Some strange contraptions passing as Japanese war bikes!

[NickG]

Too big and different design. IMO.

Good news, my source located a smaller size now! I will probably have that one shipped over!

[Dave Alexander]

Thanks for commenting Kapitein.
Here's another image of that suspended bike from that Malaysian war museum!

Second image: Look at this one???? Another web image from a museum somewhere.
Now that's a strange "extended" bike! Really weird??? Look at the extended handlebars???
Some strange contraptions passing as Japanese war bikes!

The extended bikes were used to transport ammunition, supplies and other materiel along narrow jungle and mountain trails where trucks couldn't go. The extended handlebars made it easier to steer while walking alongside and pushing it. The Viet Cong did the same thing along the "Ho Chi Minh trail" and just tied a bamboo pole to the left side handlebar as an extension.

[NickG]

Baby steps restoration...
Finally the heavy duty carrier rack came in from Malaysia yesterday! Took 2 months to receive!
It will fit perfectly! (here just positioned in place)

Note little verticle tie-down posts!This is a sturdy utility rack ideal for transporting heavy military equipment!
Needs to be paint stripped of course to remove the modern paint...
Its a step in the right direction. Now a vintage saddle and I have all the parts!

[GHP]

Rear Fender Markings.

image #53.

管井部隊
Sugai Butai
Sugai Division

矢堅隊
Yagata Tai
Yakata Group

In your photo, the kanji highlighted in green is painted as 田ヌ over 土; however, the only kanji I could find was 堅 which is similar, but written as 臣ヌ over 土. I don't know if the 田 is an abbreviation for 臣….. but ~ that's the best I can do. Oh, and 矢堅 [Yagata = ArrowHard] is a Japanese surname and/or place name.

[NickG]

Babysteps update!
I obtained a saddle. ( not a Japanese brand but it will have to do...)
It fits perfectly on the original Japanese 1930's saddle coil suspension without any modifications!

[NickG]

Now with rack + saddle in place it's starting to look like a ride-able bicycle again!
Now paint and tires! Banzai!!!

[NickG]

In my collection I have this Japanese magazine. I believe it covers mostly Homeland defence, civil defence topics...so I assume its late war?
Can somebody date it and also translate some of the headlines?

[NickG]

One of the topics in this war time publication has to do with bicycles and shows Japanese girls/women on bikes...
What is this about?
Can somebody translate some of the captions?