Tyco Harley Davidson Electric Racing is a motorcycle-based slot car track set released into the US, UK, and other markets worldwide in 1992.
Concept
In the late 1980s and early 1990s Harley-Davidson motorcycles experienced a significant resurgence in popularity, becoming what would be the cultural icon that we see today. This may have begun with the introduction of the Fat Boy which became an instant hit, and continued visibility in film and TV, such as in 1990's Terminator II: Judgement Day. The 90s became of period of growth for Harley-Davidson, with the brand expanding into good beyond just motorcycles. This included clothing, motorcycle accessories, home decor, and even toys.
Over its entire run, Tyco offered many Harley branded products, including:
- 1992 Tyco Harley-Davidson Pickup and Motorized Stunt Cycle
- 1993 Tyco Harley-Davidson Pickup and Diecast Motorcycle
- 1994 Harley-Davidson RC Motorcycle
Features
This 1992 slot car track set would feature 2 x Harleys with riders, racing upright on the track, and was officially licensed by Harley-Davidson.
Apart from the bikes, the track included a 'double squeeze' track which forced riders into a close gap that would see one of them forced off the 'road'.
No doubt an expensive brand to licence, that was it for features in this set, fairly simple and unique for its 'motorcycle' slot car chassis.
Track Layout
The included track was a simple double-eight arrangement with nothing especially tricky, apart from the squeeze through, for a total 13 feet of track.
Included in the pack was:
- 8 x 9" Radius Curve
- 1 x 6" straight
- 1 x 9" Straight Terminal
- 2 x 15" Cut-Off Squeeze Track
- 1 x 15" Straight
- 10 x Support Pylons, flagpole decals, flagpole sprue sheet, flag decals, etc.
Vehicles
The included 2 x Harley motorcycles are well detailed and include the driver, though they don't exactly look like Outlaws or Freeriders, more like the T-1000 policeman from Terminator 2 with the white helmet and black uniform.
As for the chassis, I'm not even sure what to say about this, the design is... unusual? I suspect it's just a typical Magnum 400 style chassis however it's been heavily slimmed down to fit a somewhat believable motorcycle body. It works, though!
Recommendation
If you're a fan of Harley-Davidson motorcycles, collecting toys from the 80s-90s, or a slot car fanatic whose looking for something a little different, then this track set may be for you.
