Avid have introduce the version 2 of their popular Kyosho shock and turnbuckle tool. Machined from 6061 aluminium and coming black anodised and with silver edges the V2 tool offers improved ergonomics for more effortless wrenching. The wrench is designed to allow the easy use of the lower cartridges of the Kyosho 12mm shocks and it also incorporates a 3.5mm turnbuckle and 5.5mm nut wrench.
Source: Avid [avidrc.com]
Coming soon from Kyosho is the much-awaited RZ6 mid motor conversion kit for the Ultima RB6 buggy. Run by Jared Tebo to secure the runner-up spot at the 2015 IFMAR World Championships in Japan, the kit will include everything needed to convert a standard RB6 2WD buggy into the RZ6 2WD hybrid buggy. Designed especially for high to very high bite surfaces such as astro turf and carpet, the vehicle builds on an aluminium main chassis that connects the standard RB6 front end with the rear end taken over from the ZX6 4WD buggy. It is understood that the conversion will include all needed drivetrain components including motor mount and the rear gearbox, gear differential and rear driveshafts as well as the rear shock tower, anti-roll bar and suspension hangers. Not part of the package are rear lower A-arms and shock absorbers but the kit includes the new RZ6 bodyshell. The conversion is set for a release this month.
Following a series of leaks and more or less unofficial information on the much-awaited MP9 TKI4 1/8th nitro off-road buggy, Kyosho have now officially introduced the successor of the long-running TKI3. Set for a release in April the buggy will feature 22 improvements and refinements such as reinforced lower A-arms that show optimised webbings to allow for the right amount of flex while being super tough at the same time. The updated arms will make shock setup easier and the front wishbones are also 2mm longer, bringing the car close to the maximum allowed width for improved cornering.
As the release of the much awaited Kyosho MP9 TKI4 1/8th nitro off-road buggy gets closer, more images leaked in addition to a first body off image issued by Kyosho Europe. The successor of the highly successful TKI3 will feature a total of 22 updates and refinements including redesigned steering knuckles, longer and more stable lower A-ams, new aluminium rear hubs as well as an all-new bodyshell and rear wing with optional gurney flaps to name just a few. According to Kyosho the kit will hit the stores this March. Meanwhile you can find more images below.
Kyosho America have released a high-resolution image of the forthcoming MP9 TKI4 1/8th nitro off-road buggy. Seen before on an Asian website as part of leaked pre-release information, Kyosho now officially announced that the kit will hit the stores in April with detailed information on the specifications and features as well as additional images will become available very shortly. In addition to the official preview image, Kyosho’s 1/8th off-road designer, Yuichi Kanai, has released images of his own car, giving a better idea of the new bodyshell lines while also showing an updated rim design with protective rings for the wheel nuts.
Click here to view images of Yuichi’s MP9 TKI4
Rumours about a possible new Kyosho 1/8th nitro buggy are around for some time, and now things started to materialise as the follow-up model of the successful MP9 TKI3 seems to be around the corner following the appearance of a first image including a features sheet on the Asian website rcfans.com. Still being an MP9 series vehicle, with all its winning pedigree, the TKI4 will be more of an evolution than a revolution of the existing design and according to the information available so far the buggy will feature redesigned steering knuckles with a different steering Ackermann setting, longer front A-arms and redesigned front suspension mount, all of which lead to improved stability and easier vehicle control. Also new are longer and reinforced rear wishbones as well as aluminium rear hubs that allows the adjustment of the suspension shaft height for a wider setup window. The successor of the 2015 European Championship winning car is rounded out by an upgraded servo saver for more linear and precise steering input, a new bodyshell with improved aerodynamics and a newly designed rear wing with two different wickerbills. Shipping of the MP9 TKI4 will start in March.
Source: RC Fans [rcfans.com]
Avid have introduced the Triad direct drive set that allows stock racers to remove the entire clutch assembly for conditions where the driver feels having less rotating mass and zero slip except from the differential is beneficial. The unit is of a very lightweight design which was accomplished by removing all the plates and pads as well as the steel spring with a minimalist design done in aluminium. The DD plate is hard anodised for strength and the DD post is gutted for weight removal for a grand total of 0.8 gram. For B5M owners, there is also an included M4 aluminium flanged locknut to remove even more weight. The direct drive set is a direct fitment for Team Associated 5th generation vehicles such as the B5, T5 and SC5 and it is also usable on TLR22 and Kyosho RB6 kits with the latter requiring the Avid Triad Kyosho aluminium top shaft. The set will hit the stores soon.
Following a first teaser Kyosho have now officially introduced the Kyosho Optima 4WD buggy re-release. Redesigned by the original designer, the Optima has been carefully redeveloped from ground up to bring back the best of the buggies in the good old days and to offer a true fun to drive feel. The “2016” Optima is designed based on the original version released in the 1980’s, it features several updated areas without compromising parts compatibility with the original chassis. The upgrades and updates include 6061-T6 aluminium chassis material, the drivetrain can be build with the original chain or and optional belt drive, the diff gears are ball-raced, all gears are modern 48 pitch gears, and a slipper clutch allows the use of more powerful motors. The tyres offer a slightly modified tread and they are made using softer rubber and included in the kit is also all-hex hardware as well as two different front bumpers.
