The Tyco Harley Davidson Pickup is a radio controlled toy manufactured by Taiyo (Japan) and released into the US, UK, and other markets worldwide in 1992.
Heritage
While some licenced models can be average, this particular Tyco has excellent genes and is based upon the 1992 Tyco 9.6V Tyco Bandit, one of the best R/C cars Tyco ever made.
Along with the Harley theme, it has a detachable motorized ‘Stunt Cycle’ on the rear tray which is one of those pull-back and go action toys.
Avoid this mistake!
Pay attention if you’re looking at buying the Harley Pickup, as it’s easy to confuse the cheaper and similarly named Tyco Harley Davidson Pickup & Diecast Motorcycle, a much inferior model, with this Tyco Harley Davidson Pickup & Motorized Stunt Cycle.
The model with the Diecast is not based on the Bandit, is not 9.6V Turbo, and has the dreaded forward and reverse-to-turn steering method, not full function control.
Performance
The Bandit bring mostly good things. Mostly!
Being based on the Bandit chassis, this Harley contains all the important ingredients which made the Bandit popular and widely considered amongst Tyco’s best. That includes the 9.6V ‘Turbo’ power train, all around shocks and aggressive stance, great tires, front bumper, and generally good reliability.
Unfortunately there is a weak spot with the Bandit design though – where the rear shocks connect to a hole and ‘pin’ in the rear tray floor. The ‘pin’ has a tendency to snap on very hard repeated landings and while it could be repaired, it will never be the same.
Newer models have a strengthened design (see photo below).
Harley Davidson RC Motorcycle
A few years later, Tyco would also produce the 1994 Tyco Harley Davidson RC Motorcycle, a large 1/6 scale bike that would ride / drive on two wheels and ‘lean’ around corners.
Recommendation
A 9.6V Turbo Bandit with the brand association of Harley Davidson is a no-brainier for any collector, so if you have the opportunity to get your hands on one, then take it! The problem is, there just isn’t very many of them around, and with Bandit pricing the way it is, I’d expect to pay a kings ransom for one of these in decent condition, never mind in a box.
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