The Nikko Bison F-10, also known as the Nikko Rhino, was a series of ready to run 1/10 scale high performance radio controlled cars manufactured by Nikko (Japan), and released worldwide from 1985 during the peak of R/C popularity, with the chassis lasting well into the 1990s with updated names, decals, colors, and minor design changes.
It was also the basis for the popular Radio Shack Golden Arrow, which I've written a separate article on. Possibly the most popular and well-known Nikko from the era, the 1986 Nikko Turbo Panther was essentially a 1/16 scale version of this buggy, so much that some Japanese packaging called that car the Bison Junior.
A quick reminder that I do not claim to be an expert in Nikko R/C. Most of my collection is Taiyo R/C and Tyco R/C, however I enjoy all brands from the era, as do many of my readers, so it was only a matter of time until I jumped head first into the goliath that is Nikko R/C Systems. Should you spot any inaccuracies, or wish to contribute interesting details, feel free to leave a comment below or contact me. Thank you :-)
The frame was so successful that it was used for half a dozen R/C vehicles in its lifetime, some of which are shown below. While each had a slightly different body, sometimes a different motor and features, it was the same underlying chassis design which built them all.
Features and Performance
With a relatively giant Mabuchi RS-540S motor, overall modular design with replaceable parts, reasonable suspension system for the era, rear differential and proportional steering, the Nikko provides a somewhat similar performance to the Tamiya Grasshopper (the 'ground breaking' hobby R/C car from the era) in a ready to run format available from your nearest electronics or department store.
Unlike several other similar models, the Bison F-10 featured a patented thermostat protection on the electronic speed control, in an attempt to extend the life of the electronics and prevent burn out.
- Large 1/10 Scale
- Powerful Mabuchi RS-540S Motor
- 7.2V Hobby Grade Battery for motor and 4 x AA onboard for electronics
- 27Mhz with 6 Frequency Bands enabling competition racing
- Thermostat protection for speed-control resistor
- Digital Proportional Steering
- Front and Rear Shock Absorbers / Dampers
- Air-filled off-road balloon tires
- Rear Differential
- Removable body shell / cowling
- Available in Red and White initially,
One of my favorite YouTube channels, AMPRO Engineering, does a great rundown of the Nikko Bison in comparison with the Grasshopper and Hornet which I'd highly recommend checking out, and subscribing to if you're at all a fan of R/C.
Reminds me of a Tyco Bandit
Availability and Collectability
The sheer number of releases makes the Nikko F-10 Frame Buggy one of the most prolific of all vintage R/C cars, though the condition varies wildly, as does the price. At the time of writing I've seen 'new' (more likely barely used) boxed models going for ~$350USD, with genuine brand new condition around $500USD.
There is no doubt that this Nikko Frame Buggy is collectable, and to some it's still a fun car to blast around, or as candidate for a resto-mod (restoration / modification), upgrading the dampers, battery, ESC and radio to modern standards. Particularly with the latest generation of 3D Printers (I recommend Bambu Labs), it's never been easier to source parts, or design your own for these cars.
