Raleigh Viper, Reynolds 531 - worth resto? Options

[AaronJ]

Hi gang,

I have joined up here to get some help.

Firstly help to ID this bike, and secondly to determine if its worth a resto.

I should say I am not a BMX'er. I found this bike in the trash and had a gut feeling it was not worth letting go. My interest in restoring it would be purely for the fun and challenge.

Some pics:

(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/aajenki/Bikes/190_9074.jpg)
(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/aajenki/Bikes/190_9075.jpg)
(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/aajenki/Bikes/190_9077.jpg)
(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v232/aajenki/Bikes/190_9076.jpg)

Now, I am in Australia and the only reference I have found to a Viper is here and in New Zealand. From the research I have done I guess it was known in the US and UK as a Rampar? So my first question is what the heck is it???

It appears all original and is complete other than the rear brake and both brake levers.

The only gear I could get clear info off was (no dates):

RIMS: Sunshin - Japan
HUBS: Araya - Japan
CRANKS: SuperMaxy - Japan
CHAINRING: Sugin BMX 44 - Japan

I had a closer look at the frame as I was suss on the decals. Especially the position of the Viper sticker (looked out of place). The frame is in its original paint, has the distributor’s sticker (TI Industries, Liechart NSW) and the Australian Standards sticker are both still in tact. So I'll assume that the decals are also original.

More Q's:

• Does anyone know if anyone will custom makes decals to suit? I have seen very similar decals in terms of font and colours, but they again said "Rampar".
• It is worth restoring? If so restore as a Viper or restore as the model it would have been OS (i.e. Rampar if that is what it is)?
• What year is it?

Thanks in advance and I'm looking forward to hearing what you guys and gals have to say about it.

AJ

[guest_070901]

the reynolds 531 US model called R11 xl is discussed here with a bmxa article discussing reynolds tubing.
I know a contact for getting the us r11 decals, if you need it.

personally i think the fact that it's reynolds makes it very interesting history.
good luck with the project. there are other OZ guys i'm sure will be interested in this gem if you aren't.

http://oldschoolbmx.com/community/index.ph...wtopic=27007268

[COASTY]

Thanks Mate, you da man! (IMG:style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)
Aaron, I'm in Hervey Bay in Qld and wouldn't mind grabbing that frame of you.
email me or even call/text if you like.
coasty's email
0408560210

[AaronJ]

Sorry Coasty, but I'm not looking to sell it at this stage.

However, if you have any info on the bike/frame (which is the intent of this thread) I would really appreciated it if you shared.

I take your interest as meaning you do know a bit about it?

AJ

[jones]

That could very nice if done rite. I had an R10 bitd that was very close to your f/f. It was a litte heavy but strong as an ox. Real good skatepark bike...........

[COASTY]

Thanks Aaron. I don't have anything that Bridge has already said. Good quality frames and like "jones" said a good rider.

[jones]

Hell yeah skying @ 15 to 20ft. of heigth was on poblemo with landings on concrete. The tuffs sure did help a bunch. It really did shuck when it stolen...... bad day it was!!