How to Tell What Year a Schwinn Sting-Ray Bike Is?

The first Sting-Ray bike was manufactured by Schwinn in 1963, followed by the Fair Lady model---a female version of the Sting-Ray---the next year. According to Schwinn Sting-Ray's website, "The Sting-Ray design dominated bike sales in 1963 with over 40,000 Sting-Rays sold. In that year alone, 70 percent of all bikes sold in America were either Sting-Rays or Sting-Ray knock-offs." Today, riders can choose from classic, motorized and street editions of this popular bike, all of which are available at various Schwinn Sting-Ray retailers across the country.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Step 1

Locate the manufacture date on the Schwinn logo badge, which is printed on the front of your Schwinn Sting-Ray bike, just below the handlebars. If the manufacture date is not printed on the logo badge, your Sting-Ray was manufactured prior to 1970. Look for a serial number instead. Decode the serial number using an online tracking system.

Step 2

Translate your four-digit badge number. For example, a head badge code with a number 1849 indicates that your Schwinn sting-ray was manufactured on the 184th day of a year ending in 9.

Step 3

Compare the decals and logo badge on your Schwinn Sting-Ray with other Schwinn Sting-Rays using an online imaging catalogs. Image search websites for Schwinn bicycles are available online.

Step 4

Contact Schwinn's general customer service number at 800-724-9466 to obtain manufacture dates for Schwinn bicycles. Provide the serial number or describe the decal design and head badge on your Schwinn Sting-Ray for date information.

Resources

Article Written By Charlie Gaston

Charlie Gaston has written numerous instructional articles on topics ranging from business to communications and estate planning. Gaston holds a bachelor's degree in international business and a master's degree in communications. She is fluent in Spanish and has extensive travel experience.

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