Viper - 1st Generation

Overview

Manufacturer: Akisu

Finishes: Chrome with Black components


Specification

Frame: Hi-Tension steel
Forks: Hi-Tension steel
Handlebars: Diamond Back chrome plated (Steel)
Stem: MS-422 (SR) or Diamond Back alloy, Chromoly shaft (Sugino)
Grips: F-1 type black/grey (FUAN)
Headset: Chrome plated
Rims: Steel 7x type 20x1.75 Chrome plated (CMC)
Spokes: 105gm steel
Hubs: Steel Chrome plated (KT)
Tyres: Comp 3 type skinwall , 2.125 front, 1.75 rear (Cheng Shin)
Brakes coaster (Suntour) / MX 890 rear (Dia-Compe) or 890 front and rear (Dia-Compe)
Levers: Tech 3 (Dia-Compe)
Cable: Black (Dia-Compe)
Pedals: HTI MX, Chromoly axle
Crank: Forged steel one-piece, 175mm
Bottom Bracket: Looseball (Tange type)
Chainring: 44T (Lunghi)
Spider: n/a
Freewheel: 16T (Suntour)
Chain: 1/8, black/silver
Seat: Diamond Back Aero (Fuan)
Seat Post: Steel, Chrome plated
Seat Post Clamp: Alloy black (Suntour type)

Additional Information

Serial number location: underside of bottom bracket starting F3 or F4

Top tube length: approx 18.2"

The Pro-Star replacement and now with the Diamond Back name, still relatively heavy but with an array of decent components. The Viper was released as the 'Street' bike lower end alternative to the Silver Streak.

Here's an extract from Sandy's old site (following on from the Silver Streak)

THE NEXT BIKE FOR DB WAS THE VIPER A LOW-END STEEL BMX BIKE. SANDY FINKELMAN NAMED THE BIKE AFTER THE NAME OF THE AMERIACAN FIGHTER SHIPS (VIPERS) FROM THE MOVIE BATTLE STAR GALATICA. THE DB VIPER BMX BIKES WERE THE STEEL STREET VERSION OF A BMX RACING BIKE FOR AGES SIX TO ELEVEN. THE VIPER CB (COASTER BRAKE), THE VIPER FW (FREEWHEEL), AND THE MINI VIPER (16"), COMPLETED THE DB VIPER SQUADRON.