The RC car which started it all, for many around the world the Taiyo Jet Hopper MK1 (the first version) and Tyco Turbo Hopper was the beginning of their lifetime passion for radio control vehicles.
The MK1 is easy to distinguish due to its 'Jet Hopper' lettering cut into the front bumper, the lack of a speed sticker in front of the cockpit. Very early versions such as the one shown above had much fatter wheels which were later discontinued, but continued to appear on the box photo of all Taiyo Japan, Global, and Tyco USA Jet Hoppers and Turbo Hoppers until the Jet Hopper 2 arrived.
MK2 is distinguishable by the solid front bumper (no lettering), and MK3 has entirely different front and rear wheels.
Features, Performance... and why it was it so revolutionary?
While many existed before it and 'better' hobby-grade RC vehicles sold in the same year, the Jet Hopper was revolutionary simply because it was able to deliver an incredible "hobby grade" performance (24kmh or 15mph) at a price which made it possible for everyday toy stores and department stores to sell, and parents to buy for their children.
The key wasn't only the high speed, but the incorporation of a proper suspension system. As Australian Metro RC owner said at the time, it offered a 'dynamic' ride, not the solid bumpy unrealistic experience that previous toy grade models offered which had minimal or no suspension at all. The Jet Hopper would have shocks on front and rear, plus a two speed gearbox selector. .
Perhaps more importantly, Taiyo also did what Traxxas would do several decades later, and made the Jet Hopper Pre-Built, or RTR (Ready to Run), unlike the box of parts you'd receive with the average hobby grade kit, such as the Tamiya Hornet.
Kids, teens, and time poor adults didn't want to build their RC car, they just wanted to race it!
A huge success for Taiyo
The Jet Hopper would go on to be a smash hit for Taiyo, spawning dozens of versions, too many to name here, but here's a random selection:
- Tyco Turbo Hopper MK1
- Tyco Turbo Hopper MK2
- Tyco Turbo Hopper MK2
- Taiyo Jet Hopper MK3
- Mini Hopper
- Jet Hopper 2
- Aero Jet Hopper
- Tyco Dallas Cowboys Turbo Hopper 2
Some photos thanks to https://www.tamiyaclub.com/
Do you need new tires?
Check out MCI Racing (not sponsored)
While I've not tried these myself yet, they're pretty much the only option I know of for replacing old Turbo Hopper Jet Hopper tires.
Rear Tires for Jet Hopper and Turbo Hopper MK1/MK2
https://mciracing.ca/products/1-14th-tyc-turbo-hopper-rear-tires
Front Tires for Jet Hopper and Turbo Hopper MK1/MK2
https://mciracing.ca/products/1-14th-tyc-turbo-hopper-front-tires
Availability and Collectability
Without a doubt, for any Taiyo (or even Tyco) collector, obtaining a genuine original Jet Hopper would have to be one of the most common goals. Where it all started, in 1986, with every other R/C they enjoy likely sharing some DNA with this epic machine.
As for availability, it's still possible to pickup an original MK1 Jet Hopper, either from eBay Europe, imported into the USA, or via auctions for Japanese Yahoo listings.
Check our eBay Deal Finder for a Jet Hopper near you!
