LeSexyFishorse

Hi Guys,

Have a possible Katakura Silk R2-XS that I am trying to verify, I would like to know if anyone has either a better quality or more zoomed photo of a Katakura Silk R2-XS I believe this was a 1983 bike. The only photo I can find is this one which is from a catalog and is quite hard to verify the details of the bike. Also, I read from other threads that this is considered to be a grail bike. I was just wondering if anyone has any experience with this bike and what makes it a "grail bike". Is there a noticable difference between mass top quality mass produced and hand made bicycles? Also how much would you pay for a "nothing to fix" full Dura Ace equipped version of this. If anyone has translated specs that would also be appreciated.

LeSexyFishorse

So here are some photos. The more I look at it the more the bike feels like a good repaint to of another frame to me. Your thoughts?
I should also like to add that the seller has said its a 53 Seat tube and a 53 top tube which, if I understand the brochure correctly, should be a 53 Seat tube with a 55 Top tube?

JulesCW 

What makes you think it's a different bike repainted as a Katakura Silk. That seems unlikely. The seat cluster and fork curve look the same as the catalog. As far as the measurements go do not rely upon the seller -- many people do not measure bikes properly. This looks like a very nice, clean bike. Is it your size? I'd value it at $650+ if it were a bike that fit me.

LeSexyFishorse

yes it is in my size, Its more that I want to make sure I'm spending my money for value. If this was a mid random midlevel frame how much would you pay for it?

zukahn1 

I would say yes it is a mid 80's Silk frame set that has been nicely upgraded with 90's DA 8speed parts group. If the brifter's work good and the frame is strait properly reset for the 8speed I would say $500-600 value. I see nothing that would indicate the bike is something other than it's presented as.

LeSexyFishorse

When you say frame is straight and reset for the 8 speed, would he have had to do this for the upgrade?

ramzilla

High end vintage Japanese bikes are equal or better than high end vintage Italian bikes. (Usually better). BUT..................................they're not as collectable, desirable or, expensive. So, old Jap bikes generally go for about $ 1/3 to 1/2 what their Italian counterparts go for. What's not to like. It's a lot easier to sell an old Japanese bike for $350 or so than to sell an old Italian bike for $1200. That's it. That's all. Done deal. Be good. Have fun.

Wildwood 

Grail bike - no one can define that term, except as it applies to them. Many attempts over the years.
For some an orange-crate Stingray, for some their first good bike, for some a Masi/Colnago/Herse/Hetchins/7-11 Huffy/etc.

baguslho

Nice japan roadbike ever👍