2014 Kyosho Beetle

[GreenBar0n]

Just ordered this kit from AMain, also picked up another 1060 HW ESC for it. The manual says 30 to 22 turns brushed motor for this model. The LeMans 490, 30 T motor, is what's shown being used:


I bought this motor for $20, and can't find any specs on it, Kyosho's website has no data listed.
Kyosho 70702 540 Class G-Series Motor G27 S


I'm guessing it's a 27 T, and is like the basic Maubuchi 540.

What motor are you guys running in this chassis, regardless of body?

[juicedcoupe]

I have a Kyosho Super Stock 34° in mine, with the 8.3:1 gearing.

[GreenBar0n]

You always have great advice, so I took it once again when I saw this on ebay just now, won it for $20. It appears to be NOS.




It matches the era, as well as being a better overall choice than what I picked. Thanks as always!

[GreenBar0n]

AMain delivered the kit today. Have not yet received the Super Stock 34 motor yet, so I'll get as far as I can this evening.


The Kyosho presentation is really nice. Was surprised by how much is already pre-built, like the gear box, the diff, the shocks, and the wheels.










Looking forward to this one. Time to get started.

[GreenBar0n]

This was the first step completed.


Front pair should be here soon too.


Really like these metal models, they look great, and are a lot of fun to build.




Battery box and electronics are next.

[1911Colt]

I am glad that you got one of these. I have been waiting. I saw your posts about a few other VWs already, and I was hoping you'd do this one. I think it is the coolest of all the VW models out there. I am looking forward to seeing the build.

You build runners, correct?

[GreenBar0n]

Thanks! I definitely build these to be able to run well, and as close to the manufacturer spec as I can get, but whether I build them too nice to actually go and run them, remains to be seen .

It's not lost on me that I have a rare moment here.


Two absolute legends: the Sand Scorcher 1979/2010, and the Kyosho Beetle 1983/2014, reissued with updated components, but the same overall specs and dimensions as the originals.


The Kyosho Beetle has the smoother suspension, with longer shock travel.


But this is not an either or comparison for me, I really love both, and am so stoked to actually be able to have both. Tamiya did it first in '79, Kyosho one-upped them in '83, both are mandatory for a VW/RC collector.


Too bad the Kyosho wheel shafts are smaller than Tamiya's, I would really have loved to put these Centerline wheels, inspired by @XLR8's excellent idea and style, on the Kyosho.

[juicedcoupe]

Kyosho Scorpion and Tomahawk wheels fit. I used the chrome Scorpion (Centerline) fronts on my Beetle.

[GreenBar0n]

I might have to check out the Scorpion front rims. But I like the early VW specific Centerlines, without the cap in the middle.






I'll find another use for these.

[GreenBar0n]

I'm missing the Rx for both the Kyosho and Tamiya, ordered them both a while ago and those are the last thing that hasn't shown up. The motor and the front chrome wheels should be here tomorrow.

Like where the battery box is located on the Kyosho.




Time to start thinking about the body and paint.

[GreenBar0n]

Got the front rims, and the Super Stock 34.


Deciding on the tire writing for this one.


This Super Stock 34 motor looks NOS to me.


Got the driver head glued together, interesting how the body is lexan and his head is ABS.

[GreenBar0n]

Got the motor installed, still waiting on a Rx.




I measured the tie rods exactly, but there is a serious toe in.




A few more adjustments left to do, still can't decide on the tire writing.

[GoMachV]

Setting the angle of the front suspension shaft is super critical to getting the suspension to work properly and not have weird bump steer. I also don't trust the book.

[GreenBar0n]

I'll get those tie rods adjusted and setup correctly, thanks.

Does anyone know what this adjustment provides for, or does? I have it set in the middle like the manual says.

[GoMachV]

Changes the camber and at the same time will change the width as a side effect making you need to adjust your tie rods.