1988 – KYUSHA SHOES

Suzuka Long Champ XR-4 5H

Q Osborne — Wed, 09 Aug 2017 20:19:59 +0000

The 5 hole PCD version of the well known XR-4 used five spokes instead of the standard six. While much more rare than the standard model, the 5H version is still not altogether rare. Production (by Speed Star) began in 1980, and seems to have lasted until 1990. The wheel was superseded by the Long Champ XR-4S which followed a similar design theme, but was better sized for cars of the time. It doesn't have quite the appeal and look of the original 5H and 5 spoke Long Champ model.

Suzuka Long Champ XR-4

Q Osborne — Tue, 25 Jul 2017 14:11:14 +0000

The Long Champ XR-4 is an iconic design, but certainly not the first of its kind. Production started in 1980, with Speed Star doing the work for Suzuka Sangyo. The wheel is still in production today. Speed Star is no longer doing the work, although production by the Osaka based company continued past the year 2000. Later wheels have some visual differences which include (besides updated stickers) the word "LONG CHAMP" cut into the outer shell section, and updated assembly bolts that say simply "SSR". Older wheels use the well-known katakana "スピードスター" bolts. A huge range of sizes are available, including FF specific models in 12, 13 and 14 inch diameters. For a limited time (1986 at least) sixteen inch diameters were available, and in the earliest years, black shell sections were an upgrade option. Polished with black background highlights was the only option for the centre disk. With such a long period of production, and a vast amount of sizes made, this is NOT an uncommon wheel. It is still a favourite of many.

Tomato TS-5

Q Osborne — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 13:08:08 +0000

Designed for kei-cars and cast in small 12 and 13 inch diameters. The playful Tomato was available in a variety of colours besides the obvious: red, white, blue, yellow, and pink. The tagline reads, "Tomato boys & girls enjoy vivid driving. They like speed, wind, sea, river, mountain, car & people. Of course the like each other. This wheel is for the tomato boys & girls.

Challenge Défi Mesh 757

Q Osborne — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 17:23:36 +0000

"Introducing the new mesh, a spirited computer vision design - La Mode Défi Mesh 757." Though they share the same roots, the Défi Mesh 757 is overshadowed by the Défi Fin whose aero trickery and exclusive style make for an ultra sought after wheel. With unique finishing options (two-tone black and black-polished centres) and Speed Stars beautiful electron locking centre caps, the Défi Mesh is still a high-end wheel. It is much more rare than the Défi Fin, but also hides well amongst many other mesh wheels.

Challenge Défi

Q Osborne — Sun, 12 Mar 2017 14:44:05 +0000

Designed by Challenge Co. Ltd., and built by Speed Star, the Défi Fin is an extravagant asymmetrical aero wheel. With 20 fins designed to mimic the aerodynamic effects of a jib sail, the Défi claims extreme brake cooling effect, pulling air outwards from under the car. "Challenge Racing Division features the experimental Racing Silhouette, presents the progressive aero dynamic Défi." Cataloged diameters are 14 through 16 inch, with the wider 15 inch versions getting fully reverse mounted shells. Sixteen was not available until post 1990. Fourteen inch was available in FF specific sizing only. Available colours were white, silver and pink chrome with a flat moon cap standard, and Speed Star's beautiful electron locking centre cap a premium option in variable colours. Combine aerodynamic performance with a clean crisp look, and the high-end features of a Speed Star wheel at the time and the result is one of the more sought after wheels of the eighties and nineties. Even well-worn sets can fetch close to 300,000円 in marketplaces.

Albino Racing

Q Osborne — Wed, 15 Feb 2017 03:41:46 +0000

An example of a simple dish design done well, and it's all in the details.

The Albino Racing (also commonly called Albino Racing Saucer) is a sought after wheel that is becoming increasingly rare. Debuting in 1984, colours were white with orange recalling or silver with nice two-tone black and red lettering reading Albino Racing in large letters centred on fine print that reads:

"This wheel invites you to the atmosphere of racing competition. Our life is just race. Start your engine. Aero Saucer ALBINO RACING supports braking system of the optimum temperature to secure maximum capacity."

The centre caps were especially unique, using a lightweight plastic MESH with fine holes drilled in them, and a text that reads, "The Fast Run-Running For Albino Racing - Weds Design Div."

Albino I

Q Osborne — Mon, 13 Feb 2017 03:39:28 +0000

The "Euro Advanced Three-Piece Wheel." Debuting in 1983, the Wed's Albino line-up embraced European styling and offered a more subdued and mature look. A wide range of sizes were offered, although available PCD's catered primarily to Japanese cars, with PCD114.3 and PCD100 making up the bulk of the offerings. Only silver was available, but an optional spinner type centre cap is seen in catalogs from later years. It should be considered extremely rare today. At 5.5kg for 14 6J size, the Albino does not quite match the weight of ultra-high end wheels of the era, but is a real step up over most single-piece cast designs.

If Corporation Spazzio

Q Osborne — Thu, 09 Feb 2017 04:09:35 +0000

Spazzio - seemingly named after what one does after seeing this wheel for the first time. From little known If Corporation, this is an unobtainable wheel that we imagine appeared in catalogs but never actually made it to stores. The aesthetics may be the epitome of eighties futurism. That may not be for everyone, but is strikingly unique.

Hayashi Racing Street

Q Osborne — Wed, 08 Feb 2017 01:55:24 +0000

Of all the wheels that are challenging to catalog, the Hayashi Racing Street is maybe the most difficult. Originating in 1969 as a race wheel custom made for Hayashi's Carmen Apache, the Street was configured shortly after to be Hayashi's first commercial product. Now nearly fifty years later, it is still in production. Over this tremendous span of time the Street has undergone various subtle changes, but the design, construction (cast) and even wheel finish has generally remained true to the original. That is as good of a testament as any to the wide appeal of the wheel, and the commitment and respect by Hayashi for the design and it's heritage. Diameters range from 10 inch all the way to 17 inch with PCD and offsets for basically any vehicle. In early years, sub-models that existed were simply the Mini and FF., Diameters were only 10, 13 and 14 inch. Today, the Street has become a whole line-up of wheels with alphabetical sub-models designating various intended fitments. We don't dare delve into that. Those interested should check out http://www.hayashiracing.com. Nearly half a century of production has seen involvement from a number of manufacturing parties (Kobe Steel and Campagnolo are two) as well as various casting details and markings that vary not only with production date but size as well. The "Hayashi Racing" name however can be found on all of them, cast into one of four locations (front or back of the spoke, on the hub pad, or along the outer face of the rim flange). From the late seventies to modern-day, multiple companies have cloned the design. Potential buyers should be aware... but in general authentic Streets are not a challenge to find. With such great history behind it, and vast availability, we could suggest that Kyusha owners combined have owned a more sets of Streets than any other wheel. That idea alone, makes the Hayashi Racing Street one of the greatest JWL wheels of all time.

Heroes Racing iSpeed DD

Q Osborne — Sun, 05 Feb 2017 17:33:24 +0000

DD for Dual Direction. The accessory add-on aero ring for the wheel reads, "Dual Direction by iSpeed. Advanced Technology makes Advance Style, aerodynamics with self-ventilation. Spirit of Heroes Racing." With production dates starting in 1983, for a 1984 release, this is one of the first asymmetrical wheels made. Left and right wheels are mirror images of each other, and are designed to pull air outwards at speed. The wheel was available with a flat plastic cap, and an aero ring that was designed to be used alongside a tradition centre cap. Construction was a simple single piece casting, but the wheel was available in diameters from 12 to 16inch, and painted in either black, silver or white.