Just paid 101,000 yen for a Fake Dirt Shark on Jauce

[racecarjohnny]

The decals look right for sure. The fastback stays and tig welding aren't what I associate with them is all.

Have to admit I've never seen a Dirt Shark in person. All of the Landsharks I've laid eyes on or rode were road bikes, some of which were lugged. Bike has not left Japan yet, but supposedly its packed and will ship next week. So the waiting game continues.

 

[Ren Rawbor]

Have to say, it's definitely not the same build as the '86 one @vintageman showed off here https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/1986-land-shark-dirt-shark-mtb.474042/

Does look a quality frameset though & hopefully it is the real deal just a later one.

 

[racecarjohnny]

I just had a nice chat on the phone with Mr. Slawta himself. Story goes he went to Japan in 87, brought a few bike frames to try and make a deal with the company that was making ParkPre. They couldn't get a deal done but the Japanese company copied John's bikes and sold them as Landsharks knowing John was too small and did not have the capital to take them to court and stop it. Son of Ah......

 

[Ren Rawbor]

So it's definitely not a real 'shark then? Or is there a chance still? Also, whether legit or otherwise that paint job is a beauty & don't think hydrodipping was a thing that far back...

 

[racecarjohnny]

So it's definitely not a real 'shark then? Or is there a chance still? Also, whether legit or otherwise that paint job is a beauty & don't think hydrodipping was a thing that far back...

No chance. Agreed on the paint and looks. Build plan just went to all used parts

 

[PhillB]

Disappointing, perhaps.. but it almost makes it more interesting...it's kind of like a bandit Land shark ... a BanditShark! with the right parts it will still look amazing!

 

[Frankenorange]

It is a shame that it isn't a real Landshark BUT it is still a great piece of mtb history that can be confirmed. Personally; think you should stick to the original plan, regarding the parts.

 

[Hotwheels.]

So it's definitely not a real 'shark then? Or is there a chance still? Also, whether legit or otherwise that paint job is a beauty & don't think hydrodipping was a thing that far back...

Definitely wasn’t, I was joking that someone had done it recently to look like a fancy old paint job.

 

[Beeewu]

This should be interesting. I had to give it a run though. Hoping everything goes smoothly and I don’t get crushed with fees. Look at that paint. View attachment 817193

Love this paint effect..i reckon they used granny style net curtains as a stencil..awesome

 

[henrysthreeironbands]

fuckin copycats. their names should be outed. internet karma