jd
Did Shogun make early 80`s MTB or only mid 80`s ?. Schwinn did not MTB`s early, only ATB`s, at least that is what they said pre1983.
The Schwinn feather decal may still be available but watch the length. I had to get a second set as the first were too short.
I have looked at some images of Shogun MTB`s, similarities although I also see similarities to the second model of the Specialised Stumpjumper and the Merz MTB of 1981 both made in Japan with Lugged frames.
There is no database for Shogun but a range of SN and dates is below.
M9J20794 = 1979
M2E17125 = 1982
M3L93259 = 1983
N6B03345 = 1986
S985008 = 1989
S015083 = 1990
S005014 = 1990
S075128 = 1990
S145019 = 1991
It is stated the Shogun serial numbers follow the general pattern of most Asian bicycles with the second digit or number indicating the year but none has bbfor the 1980`s have 2 letters but had a month letter, number for year, a second letter? and 5 numbers followed. Not a match for our frames at all.
From the side the advertising images previously included from the Schwinn 1983 catalogues are of value. I contacted Gene at Genes` BMX and he said the publication cut off dates of the frame/forks would have been around August/September 1982 to make the printing dates for the 1982 Schwinn Christmas Catalogues that came out as the next year (1983) sales catalogue. That is what Schwinn did for advertising.
I have said that the 1981 Schwinn Chicago SN, month with S for the year (1981) followed by 6 numbers was used, absolutely true.
Below is a list of 1981 Schwinn SN format from GTs58 posting a while back commenting on the number of numbers on the SN that I had posted, 6 was too many and it should be 5 only. He has simply looked at the stars following the MS indicated as 5 as below, Google search Schwinn SN`s and you will see the number should be 6 as mine and your frame have. The list below is not correct for the stars indicating numbers.
(1981)
JANUARY, ---------------------------- AS*****
FEBRUARY, -------------------------- BS*****
MARCH, ------------------------------- CS*****
APRIL, --------------------------------- DS*****
MAY, ----------------------------------- ES*****
JUNE, ---------------------------------- FS*****
JULY, ---------------------------------- GS*****
AUGUST, ----------------------------- HS*****
SEPTEMBER, ------------------------- JS*****
OCTOBER, --------------------------- KS*****
NOVEMBER, ------------------------- LS*****
DECEMBER, ------------------------- MS*****
Les