In a message dated 2/23/03 2:44:37 PM, RaleighPro531@aol.com writes:
<< Ken, So how are these folks finding their bikes and parts? Secret society? Friends in the business? I turn up mostly junk! I must be looking in the wrong places.
Pete Geurds Douglassville, PA >>
Hi, Pete,
This is another Ken, (Ken Toda) originally born in Japan but livig in the USA on and off for almost 30 years, here North carolina is my home sweet home in past 22 years!
I also, wish to extend my warm welcome "back" to Mr. Ken Denny who is one of America's TOP intellect/scholor of vintage light weight bike and parts!
The answers to your question above; my answer is, Ebay first, and they have been making trips to France, Italy, our west cost California where you can find what they are looking for.
Someone commented the market in "asia/japan", this has major problem. After the USA destroyed the Empire of Japan in 1945 with use of 2 Atom Bombs, Then, USA helped create "Japan Inc.", which became the No2 economic power in the free world (even exceed Russia, USSR).
I mean you can NOT deal Japan is a part of Asia as living standard and economic power house even Hong Kong and Singapole comming up closer today!
Their pocket is deeper than it apperas, and remeber how many billions they had put out for the Gulf War in 1991. Their Foreighn Aids (give away money/cash to oversea exceed what USA did before). Yes, their economy is pretty bad shape, BUT their NOT dead, their vintage bike market is bigger, the knowledge is deeper.
So, we have to shed out a lot more money to beat their bids, if we want to keep museum quiality stuff in North America!
Dr. Amaki, namely Kauzo, is a one of the top international collector, eBayer, dealer of Yahoo-Japan, and our rival!
Ken Toda, over the hill rider/collector of vintage bike in North Carolina!