• Orange County Choppers and Schwinn have combined to produce one of the coolest bicycles ever brought to market. It has a wide, motorcycle-size rear tire and a riveted saddle seat. The custom-stretched chopper frame includes a wedge-shaped piece of metal where a motorcycle's gas tank would be.
• I have for sale a vintage 20' Schwinn Stingray Junior bicycle. The serial number starts with FL so that makes it a 1975 model year bicycle. This Stingray has the original factory red paint on it. The chrome is in good condition. The 20' tires have side wall cracking but seem to hold air fine. Call show contact info.

1. Schwinn Stingray Serial Number Lookup
2. Schwinn Occ Stingray Serial Numbers Lookup

Schwinn Lemon 5-Speed 1972 Peeler Bicycle Stingray Krate Krate Stingray Schwinn Peeler Lemon Bicycle 1972 5-Speed Copyright code: d41d8cd98f00b2ecf8427e. Copyright: me-mechanicalengineering.com.

The original Schwinn Stingray was made between 1963 to 1981. This page provides year by year images and information quoted from Schwinn catalogs. Here is how Schwinn described the Stingray bicycle...

STING-RAY THE BIKE THAT CHANGED CYCLING

Sting-Ray, known as 'the bike with the sports car look' has revolutionized cycling since it wasintroduced by Schwinn in 1963. It has won the praise and captured the imagination of youngsters of allages across the U.S.A.

This is the fun bike that features a short frame, high rise handlebars and long, bucket shaped saddle. This design gives the rider an exciting combination of features for quick maneuvers, fast starts and short radius turns.

NEWS: 2/21/2019 Schwinn has brought back the Schwinn Sting-ray!

See them exclusively on Amazon here: 2019 Schwinn Stingray

1963

The Stingray was introduced through the sales ad to the right.

Little did Schwinn know then that they were introducing what would become a wildly popular bike that would sell like wildfire. The Schwinn Sting-ray became Schwinns best selling bikes alost overnight. Its dramatically different design was new fresh and modeled after the way many kids were refiting and customizing their own bikes in southern California.

California kids had started to take old 20-inch bicycles and customize them into motorcycle looking sport bikes. They were replacing the factory seats and handlebars and using instead 'Solo Polo' or 'banana' seats and tall 'butterfly' type bars. This California fad was noticed by Al Fritz the director of research and development for Schwinn, and he reacted very quickly, making a prototype that was mostly laughed at by the Schwinn upper management.

They wouldn't laugh long... the entire first production run sold out in a matter of months and they were not able to make more because of supply problems with the tires.

Over 45,000 bikes were sold in just a couple of months after they were introduced. Obviously Schwinn spent the rest of that year making enough Sting-rays for the next year, when sales become even larger.
Below you will find the images and text from vintage Schwinn catalogs for every year that the Stingray was produced.

1964

1964 was the first year that the Schwinn Sting-Ray appeared in a Schwinn catalog. It was placed on the back cover. The green bike in the middle is the Schwinn Sting-Ray.

1964 Schwinn Sting-Ray

The bicycle with the sports car look.

Highly manuverable ... short turning radius ... quick response on starts. Equipped with 20' frame, high traction studded balloon rear tire, standard middleweight front tire, butterfly handlebars, Solo-Polo saddle.
Colors: Flamboyant Lime, Red, Radiant Coppertone, Sky Blue or Violet.

• J38 - Sting-Ray ... $49.95

Schwinn quality features

FRAME Schwinn Cantilever frame...sturdy...compact 20' frame size for extra strength.
SADDLES Solo-Polo... with truss rods..foam cushioned...roomy...comfortable.
HANDLEBARS Butterfly style...chrome plated.
TIRES Studded rear tire...high traction for quick response on starts... standard middleweight front tire.
RIMS Schwinn tubular rims...shock absorbent...wear-resistant.
FORK Drop-forged...stronger...harder...longer lasting.

NO. SIZE DESCRIPTION NET SPHG. ZONE1 WEIGHT WEIGHT PRICE

• J38-6 20 Sting-Ray, American-made Coaster Brake 35 1/2 42 1/2 $49.95

COLORS: Flamboyant Lime, Radiant Coppertone, Sky Blue or Terra Cotta.

J-38 STING-RAY!
The fun bike with the sports car look.

Trade retail price in fair States. Suggested price in all other states. Pricesand specifications subject to change without notice.

Part numbers

STING-RAY EQUIPMENT SPECIFICATIONS J38-6

• FRAME 1940-A
• NAMEPLATE 9175-K
• DECAL-SEAT MAST 9357-E
• DECAL FRAME 9355
• KICKSTAND ASSEMBLY 8340-F
• FORK 2008
• HEAD BEARING SET 2576
• CAP 2601
• CHAINGUARD 5823
• CRANK 6006
• PEDALS 6519
• SPROCKET,FRONT 6306-A
• FRONT WHEEL
• HUB 4858
• SPROCKET,REAR 18
• SPOKES 3703
• RIM 3923
• TIRE 3065
• HANDLEBAR STEM 7522
• HANDLEBAR 7877
• HANDLEBAR BRIPS 7952
• SADDLE 7023
• SEAT POST 7208
• REFLECTOR ASSEMBLY 9738

See Schwinn parts and accessories catalog for description of part numbers shown above.

Arnold, Schwinn and Co.
1718 N. Kildare. Chicago, Illinois 60639
January, 1964

See the full 1964 Schwinn catalog.

1965

In 1965 the Schwinn Sting-ray was already their most popular bike. Here is what was in the 1965 Schwinn catalog.

1965 Schwinn Sting-Ray

The original Sting-ray. The bike design that became an overnight sensation across America.

Now with black SLIK rear tire,Sting-ray saddle with truss, Sting-ray handlebars, Schwinn tubular rims. Flamboyant Lime, radiant coppertone, sky blue or violet.

The one and only, the original, genuine Sting-ray!

• J38 Sting-Ray, coaster brake..........$49.95
• J38 Sting-Ray, 3-speed................$57.95
• J3 Sting-Ray, 2-speed coaster brake with front caliper brake..$59.95

For sheer fun... one ride on a genuine Sting-Ray will explain why so many choose it. No otherbike pedals so easily, turns so quickly, respond with such thrilling getaway speed....it's the'Sports Car' bike!

Sting-Ray with slick and spring fork more than ever, the bike with the sports car look! Now with black SLIK rear tire, schwinnspring fork, Sting-Ray saddle with truss rods, Schwinn tubular rims, Sting-Ray handlebar. Flamboyant Lime, radiant coppertoneSky blue or violet.

• J37 Sting-Ray, coaster brake..................$56.95
• J37 Sting-Ray, automatic 2-speed coaster......$64.95

Sliks!

More road surface than any other bike tire. You've seen them on drag racers and track cars- now available for the firsttime on bikes.

See the full 1965 Schwinn catalog.

1966

There is only one genuine Sting-Ray and it's made by Schwinn!

1966 Schwinn Sting-Ray

The original Sting-Ray- the bike that set the style! Sting-Ray handlebars, Silver Glow saddle with chrome brace rods, SLIK rear tire.

2-speed, 3-speed or coaster brake
Radiant coppertone, sky blue, violet.

• J38-6 Sting-Ray, coaster brake..........$51.95
• J38-4 Sting-Ray, 3-speed................$61.95
• J38-1 Sting-Ray, 2-speed overdrive......$61.95

J-38 STING-RAY

Schwinn quality features

FRAME Schwinn cantilever frame...sturdy...compact...extra strong.
SADDLES Silver Glow saddle...with truss rods...streamlined design for easier pedaling action.
HANDLEBARS Sting-Ray handlebars...chrome plated.
TIRES Silk black rear tire...same style as used on racing cars, more road surface than any othre tire...standard middleweight front tire.
RIMS Schwinn tubular rims...absorbent...wear-resistant.
FORK Drop-forged...strong...harder...long lasting.

• J38-6 20' Sting-Ray,coaster brake 35 42 *$51.95 *$53.95 *$54.95
• J38-6 20' Sting-Ray,2speed overdrive 36 1/2 431/2 *$61.95 *$63.95 *$64.95
• J38-6 20' Sting-Ray,3speed 36 1/2 431/2 *$61.95 *$63.95 *$64.95

COLORS: Radiant Coppertone,Sky Blue,Violet.

Fair trade retail price in fair trade States.
Suggested price in all other states.
Prices and specifications subject to change without notice.

See the full 1966 Schwinn catalog.

1967

Handbrakes on 3-speed model only.

1967 Schwinn Sting-Ray

The action bike for extra fun! Now with Schwinn Fastback handlebars, Silver Glow bucket saddle, chrome brace rods, Slik reartire, standard 20' x 1 3/4' front tire. 3-speed model equipped with new Slik-Shift, or trigger control.
Colors: Coppertone, Sky blue, Violet.

• J38-6 20' Sting-Ray, coaster brake..........$ 49.95
• J38-1 20' Sting-Ray, 2-speed overdrive......$ 59.95
• J38-4 20' Sting-Ray, 3-speed with trigger control.....$59.95
• J38-3 20' Sting-Ray, 3-speed stik shift.....$ 66.95

There is only one genuine Sting-Ray and it's made by Schwinn.

The Fun-Bike that added new zest to cycling! Since its introduction in 1963, the Schwinn Sting-Ray has captured the hearts and imagination of youngsters fromMaine to Hawaii. This bike 'the bike with the sports car look,' features a shortframe, high rise handlebars and long, bucket shaped saddle. This design gives the rider an exciting combination of features for quick maneuvers, fast starts and shortturns.

A new lightweight Sting-Ray, called the Fatback, was introduced in 1966 and quicklybecame the market's best seller. This 5-speed lightweight version of the Sting-Ray, combines the speed of a lightweight with the meaneuverability of the Sting-Ray then adds 5-speed derailleur gears and a fast-acting Stik-Shift to achieve a wonderful new thrill in bike riding.

For distance runs, for short hops, or for fun riding, the Schwinn Fastback is simply great! And now for 1967, there is a brand new one - the Ram'sHorn - with the same thrilling performance and sportly new styling. Test ride one today!

ONLY A SCHWINN RIDES LIKE A SCHWINN!

See the full 1967 Schwinn catalog.

1968

Excitement is a Sting-Ray! And now there are many thrilling new Sting-Rays to choose from.

1968 Schwinn Stingray

Every model is a true fun bike. Designed to give the rider a stirringcombination of features for quick maneuvers, fast starts and short turns.

Sting-Ray bikes for boys

The action bike for extra fun! Quality equipped with bucket style Sting-Ray saddle, chrome brace rods, Slik rear tire, 20' x 1 3/4'front tire. Patented stik-shift and handbrakes on 3-speed model. Single handbrake on 2-speed. Colors: Campus Green, coppertone,sky blue.

• J38-6 20' coaster brake..........$ 51.95
• J38-1 20' 2-speed overdrive......$ 63.95
• J38-3 20' 3-speed stik shift.....$ 69.95

See the full 1968 Schwinn catalog.

1969

Lightweight Sting-Ray bike. Fully adjustable handlebar and bucket saddle to fit 5 or 6 foot rider.

1969 Schwinn Sting-Ray

Schwinn Sting-Ray the bike that changed cycling.

Sting-Ray, known as 'the bike with the sports car look,' has revolutionized cycling since its introduction be SCHWINN in 1963. It has won the praise and captured the imagination of youngster of all ages across the U.S.A. This is the fun bike that featuresa short frame, high rise handlebars and lons, bucket shaped saddle. This design gives the rider an exciting combintaion of featuresfor quick maneuvers, fast starts and short radius turns.

The original Sting-Ray the bike that set the style. Bucket style Sting-Ray saddle, chrome brace rods, Schwinn tubular rims,20' x 1 3/4' front tire. Slik rear tire. Colors: campus green, red, sky blue.

• J38-6 Sting-Ray, coaster brake...............$56.95
• J38-2 Sting-Ray, 2-speed.....................$69.95
• J38-3 Sting-Ray, 3-speed Stik-Shift..........$75.95
• J38-9 Sting-Ray, 5-speed Stik-Shift..........$77.95

See the full 1969 Schwinn catalog.

1970

The bike that changed a generation's cycling habits.

1970 Schwinn Sting-Ray

This is it! The original Sting-Ray. Short wheel base for fast turns. Deepbucket saddle, chrome saddle struts. Schwinn tubular rims. 20' x 1 3/4' front tire. Schwinn Slik rear tire.
Colors: Red, sky blue, campus green.

• J38-6 Sting-Ray, coaster brake...............$56.95
• J38-2 Sting-Ray, 2-speed.....................$68.95
• J38-3 Sting-Ray, 3-speed Stik-Shift..........$75.95
• J38-9 Sting-Ray, 5-speed Stik-Shift..........$78.95

See the full 1970 Schwinn catalog.

1971

The Sting-Ray
An Idea changed Bike riding for Young America.

1971 Schwinn Sting-Ray

The bike that changed the cycling world! Short wheelbase for fast turns, best performance. Bucket saddle, MAG sprocket, Schwinntubular rims. Schwinn Slik rear tire.
Choice of Colors: Sky blue, campus green and Lemon.

• J38-6 Sting-Ray, coaster brake...............$59.95
• J38-3 Sting-Ray, 3-speed Stik-Shift..........$81.95
• J38-9 Sting-Ray, 5-speed Stik-Shift..........$84.95

See the full 1971 Schwinn catalog.

1972

This is it! The original! Responsive, fast, and fantastic!

1972 Schwinn Sting-Ray

Bucket saddle, MAG sprocket, Slik rear tire.
Colors: Campus Green, Kool Lemon, or Flamboyant Red.

• J38-6 Coaster Sting-Ray $59.95
• J38-3 3-speed Sting-Ray $81.95
• J38-9 5-speed Sting-Ray $84.95

See the full 1972 Schwinn catalog.

1973

The original Sting-Ray!

1973 Schwinn Sting-Ray

This is it! The original Sting-Ray! Responsive, fast and rugged! Bucket saddle, MAG sprocket, 20' x 2.125'. Slik rear tire.Colors: Kool Lemon or Flamboyant red. Wt. J38-6, 37 lbs.; J38-9, 41 lbs.

• J38-6 coaster brake Sting-Ray....$62.95
• J38-9 5-speed Sting-Ray..........$89.95

See the full 1973 Schwinn catalog.

1974

This is it! The original Sting-Ray!

1974 Schwinn Sting-Ray

Responsive, quick and easy riding. Bucket saddle, MAG sprocket, 20' x 2.125'. Sting-Ray studded tire. Handlebar control on 5-speed model.
Colors: Kool Lemon or Opaque red. Wt. J38-6, 37 lbs.; J38-9, 41 lbs.

• J38-6 coaster brake Sting-Ray........
• J38-9 5-speed Sting-Ray..............

See the full 1974 Schwinn catalog.

1975

This is it! The original Sting-Ray introduced first by Schwinn in 1963. Responsive, quick and easy riding.

1975 Schwinn Sting-Ray

Bucket style saddle, MAG design sprocket, 20' x 2.125' Sting-Ray studded tire. Handlebar control on 5-speed model.
Colors: Flamboyant red or Yellow. Wt. J38-6 lbs. ; J38-9, 41 lbs.

• Schwinn Sting-Ray, coaster brake Model J38-6
• Schwinn Sting-Ray, 5-speed Model J38-9

Why Sting-Ray design

Perhaps no new bicycle design has ever gained such wide acceptance and popularityas when Schwinn introduced Sting-ray desigened bicycles in 1964. At first glance, thelow slung design with the smaller wheels, higher handlebars, and raised seat may have seemed strange, and yet it is America's most copied style of bicycle.

It's no secret....the unusual STING-RAY design provides a new feel or responsive riding, a new level ofperformance, and a new variety of cycling enjoyment that has made it a standard among the country's young riders.

NOTE: Prices and specifications subject to change without notice.

See the full 1975 Schwinn catalog.

1976

This is it! The original Sting-Ray introduced first by Schwinn in 1963. Responsive, quick and easy riding.

1976 Schwinn Sting-Ray

Schwinn Stingray Serial Number Lookup

Bucket style saddle, MAG design sprocket, 20' x 2.125' Sting-Ray studded tire. Handlebar control on 5-speed model. Colors: Flamboyant red or Yellow, Sky blue, white. ) White with bicentennial decaling.) Wt. J38-6, 37 1/2 lbs. ; J38-9, 41 lbs.

• Schwinn Sting-Ray, coaster brake Model J38-6
• Schwinn Sting-Ray, 3-speed Model J38-4
• Schwinn Sting-Ray, 5-speed Model J38-9
• Schwinn Sting-Ray, 5-speed fast back model H36-9

Why Sting-Ray Design?

Perhaps no new bicycle design has ever gained such wide acceptance and popularityas when schwinn introduced Sting-Ray designed bicycles in 1963.

At first glance, the low slung design with the smaller wheels, higher handlebars, and raised seat may have seemed strange, and yet it is America's most copied style of bicycle.

Schwinn Occ Stingray Serial Numbers Lookup

It's no secret...the unusual STING-RAY design provides a new feeL of responsive riding, a new level ofperformance, and a new variety of cycling enjoyment that has made it a standard among the country's young riders. STING-RAY is SCHWINN'S exclusive trade mark.

ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTE.
NOTE: Prices and specifications subject to change without notice.

See the full 1976 Schwinn catalog.

1977

This is it! The original Sting-Ray introduced first by Schwinn and now available with 3-speed coaster brake.

1977 Schwinn Sting-Ray

Responsive, quick and easy riding. Bucket style saddle, MAG design sprocket, 20' x 2.125' Sting-Ray studded tire, rear. Handlebar control on 5-speed model.
Colors: Flamboyant red, Sky blue, Sunset Orange. Wt. J38-6, 37 1/2 lbs. ; J38-9, 41 lbs.

• Schwinn Sting-Ray, coaster brake Model J38-6..........$91.95
• Schwinn Sting-Ray, 3-speed Model J38-8..........$11.95
• Schwinn Sting-Ray, 5-speed Model J38-9..........$124.95

Note: Prices and specifications subject to change without notice.

Why Sting-Ray Design?

Perhaps no new bicycle design has ever gained such wide acceptance and popularityas when schwinn introduced Sting-Ray designed bicycles in 1963.

At first glance, the low slung design with the smaller wheels, higher handlebars, and raised seat may have seemed strange, and yet it is America's most copied style of bicycle.

It's no secret...the unusual STING-RAY design provides a new feeL oF responsive riding, a new level ofperformance, and a new variety of cycling enjoyment that has made it a standard among the country's young riders. STING-RAY is SCHWINN'S exclusive trade mark.

ACCEPT NO SUBSTITUTE.
NOTE: Prices and specifications subject to change without notice.

See the full 1977 Schwinn catalog.

1978

Only Schwinn makes the genuine Sting-Ray.

1978 Schwinn Sting-Ray

Copied but not equaled.
Sturdy construction.
Schwinn engineered.

• Sting-Ray 5-speed: Model J38-9....$126.95
• Sting-Ray 3-speed: Model J38-8....$114.95
• Sting-Ray Coaster Brake Model J38-6....$94.95

Colors: Flamboyant Red, Sky blue.

This is it! The original Sting-Ray introduced by Schwinn... three models to choose from. Responsive, quick and easy riding. MAG sprocket, 20' x 2.125' Sting-Ray studded rear tire. Handlebar controls on 3-speed and 5-speed models. Single and 3-speed have positive action coaster brale. Weight: Approx. 39 lbs.

NOTE: prices and specifications subject to change without notice.

See the full 1978 Schwinn catalog.

1979

A new 1979 Schwinn for younger riders!

1979 Schwinn Sting-Ray

• J38-8 3-speed coaster....$116.95
• J38-6 Coaster.......$94.95

Schwinn Sting-Ray II

J27-6

Here's a Sting-Ray for smaller riders- a slightly smaller version of the Sting-Ray with medium rise handlebars, Sting-Ray saddle,20 x 1 3/4' Gripper Slik rear tire, full length chainguard, coaster brake and dazzling new two-tone color combinations.Weight 35 pounds.

• Assembled and fitted, ready to ride....$89.95

Schwinn mini Sting-Ray

J47-6
A new 1979 Schwinn for younger riders! Here's a built-to-take-it bike with a forged fork, cantilever frame, coaster brakes,Sting-Ray saddle, and 16' studded BMX tires. Weight 32 pounds.

• Assembled and fitted, ready to ride....$89.95

Schwinn Sting-Ray Bicycles

The Bicycle that started 'Hi-rise Fever'!
Perhaps no new bicycle has brought such fun and gained such wide acceptance and immediate popularity as when Schwinn introducedthe Sting-Ray... and though many have copied it, no one has duplicated it. Schwinn exclusive cantilever frame, Schwinn Sting-Raysaddle, Sting-Ray handlebars, chainguard, coaster brake and 20 x 1 3/4' tires. Choice of 3-speed coaster or coaster. Weight 39pounds.

Assembled and fitted, ready to ride.

• 3-speed coaster...$116.95
• Coaster.....$94.95

See the full 1979 Schwinn catalog.

1980

Perhaps no bicycle has been so enjoyed and gained such wide acceptance and immediate popularity as the SchwinnSting-Ray... and though many have copied it, no one has duplicate it.

1980 Schwinn Sting-Ray

Schwinn exclusive cantilever frame, Schwinn Sting-Ray saddle, Sting-Ray handlebars, chainguard and coaster brake. Choice of 3-speed or single-speed coaster brake.weight 39 pounds.

• J38-8 3-SPEED COASTER BRAKE
• J38-6 SINGLE COASTER BRAKE

Colors: Cardinal red, golden yellow trim, sky blue frosty silver trim, emerald green and golden yellow trim.

The only original Sting-Ray Schwinn Tornado

Here's bold BMX inspired bike that is exciting to ride. Big number plate mounted on a low sleek BMX handlebar. Simulated MX tank. Full length chainguard, built-in kickstand, black BMX style saddle and sportly mini mudguards. The Tornado is a great bike for the young rider who likes the look of the competitor. Coaster brake and 20 x 1 3/4' tires. Weight 34 pounds.
Colors: Black frame with Golden Yellow trim

See the full 1980 Schwinn catalog.

1981

That's not a bike, it's my Sting-Ray!

1981 Schwinn Sting-Ray

'That's not a bike, it's my Sting-Ray'

• Schwinn Sting-Ray J38-6

Colors: Cardinal red, Sky blue.

The distinctive Sting-Ray seat and handlebar- invented and introduced by Schwinn. The Sting-Ray Seat can be easily adjusted up or down to fit almost all youngster.

Schwinn Tornado

The BMX-inspired Schwinn Tornado,sporting number plateon a sleek BMX handlebar,simulated BMX tank,full lengthchainguard,built-in kickstand,black BMX saddle and hot-shotmini-mudguards.

• Schwinn Tornado J32-6

Colors: Black with yellow trim

The genuine! The original Sting-Ray

First choice for the 'second bike' the bike that swap the nation with its distinctive design and amazing ridingqualities. Sting-Ray handlebars, 20' nylon cord tires on Schwinn tubular rims, comfortable solo-polo saddle.

Sting-Ray frame....$49.95

See the full 1981 Schwinn catalog.

1982

“That’s not a bike, it’s my Sting-Ray!”

• J38
• Colors: Cardinal red, Sky blue.

The distinctive Sting-Ray seat and handlebar- invented and introduced by Schwinn. The Sting-Ray Seat can be easily adjusted up or down to fit almost all youngster.

Few bikes have ever won such wide acceptance and gained such immediate popularity as the one and only Schwinn Sting-Ray- with its exclusive Schwinn cantilever frame, Schwinn Sting-Ray saddle, Sting-Ray handlebars, chainguard and coaster brake. Though many have copied it, no one has duplicated the Sting-Ray. It weighs in at 39 pounds and features a single-speed coaster brake.

Back to Schwinn Bikes.

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