I was aware you were joking about it being a recent clone, but with it now being evidently a period fraud job I was thinking more along the lines of "at least the paint is likely to still be a thing of beauty" kinda thing
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@raidan73 had a much better understanding of Sharky really is than I did too. If you've seen any of my bike posts I am a sucker for crazy paint, always have been - always will be. I've never owned a Dirt Shark either and its been on the want list for years. Add in that this was a size small and I could not resist. Blinded with want
. So when I find this on jauce with only 24 hours to go in the auction, I let go of some of the due diligence one might follow buying a vintage MTB on a Japanese website you've never seen before. Honestly never would have imagined pirate bikes like this were getting built in Japan in the late 80's. Although I very much appreciate the vengeance angle some of you all shared, I'm not going to fight the seller as they probably did not know it was a knock off and as far as the manufacture goes, it was almost 40yrs ago, most of those involved are probably not around. So although I don't think, key word, think I would have spent this much (only $953/140,480Y) on a no name, late 80's, tig welded mtb with a killer paint job, I am excited to see it. I've owned a Mountain Goat Trench Goat, Japanese made and painted, the killer two sided paint job. It's paint was stunning and of really high quality. I'm hoping that is what this frame will have too. Back in my shop days the largest brand we sold was Bridgestone so I've put together many MB's/RB's and always impressed with their fit/finish. John told me on the phone that the three frames he took over there all had very creative paint, so I'm hoping it shows. Did a little research and spoke to some other collector friends too. Found this photo on FB of a photo taken in Japan. Although the paint isn't exact and the Landshark name has been removed, It appears to be of the same theme. Also found it funny that during the Super Bowl last week the pundits had a similar design on their set furniture. Could have been the wine and or me talking myself into it but I thought I'd share. So with all of that said, in less than 12days a box from Japan was delivered today. I have to finish some work, get a fat bike ride in and then I'm going to break this bad boy open. Stand by for more.
So an update........Not going to lie I was a bit disappointed to find out this frame was not a legit John Slawta Dirt Shark. Only benefit was having John tell me personally himself on the phone.
