The 1987 Panasonic Mountain Cat 6500 (MC-6500) was the second model from the top in the mountain bike lineup for that year. It featured Tange double butted tubing and a majority of the part group consisted of Suntour XC Sport 7000. This particular bike was added to the collection in April 2012 after being acquired from “George” in Washington state. It seems to be a fairly rare find as we have seen many more 1987 MC-7500 models come up for sale than these.
The paint scheme is rather striking and while obviously retro it still looks good today.
1987 Panasonic MC-6500 Specifications
List Price: Approx $600
Frame Sizes: 18?, 20?, 22?, 24?
Frame: Tange Cr-Mo Double Butted tubes, lostwax seat lug, forged ends
Fork: Cr-Mo blades, forged ends and Tange FL-270S sealed head set.
Handlebar: Kusuki BMTL-F600 alloy, white
Stem: Kusuki RK-3 alloy, white
Saddle: White leather with SR MTS-300 300mm long micro adjusting alloy seat post (Shown: Faux “turbo” saddle with Sunlite seat post)
Crankset: Shimano B124 Biopace 48/38/28T and Tange JL-401S sealed B.B. set
Freewheel: Suntour Winner Pro sealed 6 speed 14-32TT
Chain: HKK Z silver 1/2?x3/32?x114 links
Hubs: Suntour XC Sport 7000 sealed mechanism hub with Q.R.
Rear Derailleur: Suntour XC Sport 7000
Front Derailleur: Suntour XC Sport 7000
Shifting Lever: Suntour XC Sport 7000 Accushift
Brakes: Front, Dia Compe No. 983 cantilever brake / Rear, Suntour XC Sport 7000 power brake.
Rims: Araya RM-20 26×1.75″ alloy, black anodized
Tires: Panasonic 26?x1.9? open side, 40 psi (not shown)
Spokes:Stainless 14G
Pedals: MKS-MR1000
Accessories:
Color: Sea Green / Classic White
