Remote Control Motorcycle

A remote control motorcycle is a blast to run! A motorcycle always looks cool and rc motorcycles are quick, agile performers-just like their full size brethren. Most rc models are made to operate on hard surfaces such as an rc track or parking lot, but a few dirtbikes have been designed for off-road riding.

They can be purchased either ready to run or built from kits. One of the great things about rc motorcycles is that you can buy them ready-to-run, but at the same time there are many hopups available and things you can do to tune their performance if you choose. Some people run them just for backyard kicks while others get into organized racing. It is a lot safer than real motorcycle racing, since you don't risk your own skin!  We've got videos of fast paced racing and race bloopers for you to enjoy.

RC motorcycles have a devoted core of fans, but are still underappreciated in the larger radio control community. Let's see what makes remote control motorcycles so much fun!

The remote control motorcycle video below shows how capable these bikes are becoming nowadays. It features the Duratrax DX450, which is a hobby grade 1/5 scale model.

The wire loops that you can see on either side of the remote control motorcycle are called crash bars or guide wires. These help to keep the rc motorcycle shell and rider from getting skinned during spills and also make crash recovery a breeze, even for nasty looking spills. If you watched the video, you saw the radio control motorcycle recover from even end-over-end tumbles without a person having to retrieve the bike and set it upright.

The only time the rider got in trouble was when he nailed a berm head on as the dog was chasing him. Luckily, the toy rc rider is immune to concussions! (The dog action is around the 4:00 mark, in case you missed it.) The toy riders also do a very good job of staying on their bikes. The DX450 rider even manages to hang on after being clotheslined by a dog leash.

The crash bars do limit the lean angle on turns, though. To maximize speed, such as when racing on a track, you want to be able to take corners hard and lean way over. To do this, you have to be able to control the bike with smaller crash bars. Practice makes perfect, as they say.

Venom, maker of the acclaimed GPV-1 rc motorcycle, has just come out with a new off-road bike in January 2011. It is a 1/4 scale model called the Venom VMX 450 and looks just like a full scale 450 motocross bike. See it in the next video!

The VMX 450 has a great suspension system, brushless motor, 2.4 GHz radio, adjustable external slipper clutch, and more!  This is definitely the bike to get in 2011 if you want to play off road.

Most remote control motorcycle models sold today are designed to be used on hard surfaces. In the next video, you can see some expert bike handling and fast paced action on an rc track in the UK. Footage is provided by YouTube's own Desawa82. Notice that some of the action takes place on a wet track, so these bikes can be run on slick surfaces. The racers pop wheelies a few times, too - always a crowd pleaser!

You can fine tune your remote control motorcycle to get the best possible performance. Hobby grade vehicles have a variety of upgrades available, such as higher end motors and batteries. Some ways you can tweak your motorcycle are changing the rake angle, getting new tires, and adjusting the suspension.

Tires are available that are made with different compounds, e.g., soft vs. hard, and various tread patterns. Hard core hobbyists might also eventually get tire warmers to get the tires warmed up prior to a race.

Suspension obviously has a strong effect on traction and performance. Drivers sometimes think they need to change tires to fix their grip when what they really need to do is tune the rear suspension on their rc motorcycle. How the front and rear suspensions should be fine tuned depends on their specific designs. One way to adjust oil shocks is to change the oil weight. Some shocks have an adjustable preload collar. The manufacturer should be able to tell you how to tune the front and rear suspensions to maximize the performance of your motorcycle.

Working on your remote control motorcycle could turn out to be half the fun!