Worth The Money? Building World Champion - Kyosho Ultima 87 JJ Replica - 60th Anniversary Edition

Watch before you build! Tips & Tricks. In this video, I cover every step of the build process from start to finish. I also cover some of the things to watch out for and how to get the most out of your build.
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#Kyosho #RCKicks #60thanniversary

[@alexwenzel6932]

Really classy looking vintage buggy! Need to add one of these to my collection!

[@RC4FUN_TV]

Such a special kit. Beautiful. We are getting some post delivery complains and you can feel the mood for it is already lower than when this thing was announced. To me that is the spoiled kids effect, there is so much coming out that some people are moving on too quickly. What a special car it is by kyosho and the price just reflects that and it’s fine. We are lucky the original manufacturer and designer are still working on that sort of releases. Happy if they take a bit more of my money for delivering something unique, and if that let them stay in business longer. Let’s just appreciate the ultima JJ recreation. ❤

[@SidcupRC]

I thought it was way overpriced for a 2WD. The Optima Pro will only be £320, so no idea why this was £400+. I waited and got one for £315. 😊

[@MiloBautista-gm5gb]

Loved your channel man!

[@RCKickschannel]

Appreciate it thank you!

[@dankforest]

Great window tips. I always struggle with those, i will have to try the water trick next time!

[@mikeupton5406]

Cannot believe it's 60years. Ultima has aged well. Great buildup/paint video. I like the signature decal on the shock tower upright and the car data on the body below the right side window, excellent. Personally I wish it didn't have yellow rims but hey, that's how original looked so ....

[@juliusdream2683]

60 years no . 40no 37 years about it original came out. The ultima

[@roblowrie1969]

These look so much better than the newer style, cab forward style. Looks awesome. 😎👍🏻

[@RCKickschannel]

I think so too!

[@JeepsCafe]

I'll be getting one as soon as they hit my hobby shop.

[@lo2713]

I do love the box art the more i keep seeing it, so a second body is ready to paint box art when its on the shelf. And keep the other one for when she’s running 😎. I used some speedworks o-ring grease on the shock seals, no leaks so far 🤞cracking job as allways Gav.

[@douggilreath1984]

Associated Green slime for the shock orings, I don’t have one leaker on any of my Kyosho kits. Can’t wait for mine to show up.

[@RCKickschannel]

I'm going to get myself some of that and give it a go.

[@douggilreath1984]

@@RCKickschannel Another thing that helps is to soak the orings in silicone shock fluid for a few hours before building the shocks, it will swell them up ever so slightly for a better seal.

[@jonthomas8487]

I agree. I wasn’t a believer before but now that I’ve used it on 4 builds I’m now a believer

[@jonthomas8487]

I was skeptical about Kyosho’s masks when building the Turbo Optima but my lines came out perfect. I just used a Q-Tip to trace all the edges and they worked great.

[@SidcupRC]

I don't have any leaks either, and I just use shock oil. The o rings work well.

[@shaunbitz3569]

I really enjoy watching your build videos and this one was no exception. All the little tips and tricks are a bonus as well. I don’t think I’ll be adding this one to the collection but it was still fun to watch. Keep them coming 🍻

[@nidzdotnet76]

This bad boy better get a retro brushed Trinity motor. Nice Job.

[@tomhunter3075]

Thanks for sharing. I cannot keep buying kits so its great to see these things built up and showcased. Thanks Gavin.

[@RCKickschannel]

My pleasure!

[@waynemattera8552]

Love the decal tweaks!

[@TheAndyMaan]

Me watching this as my first buggy kit 😬 Managed to build up the chassis ok, found the e clips a bit fiddly on the hinge pins as I'm not used to doing it. Just got to cut out and paint the body which I'm a bit nervous about messing up

[@jkieselhorst7297]

great Video nice Job.. as a big Ultima fan I am happy to have one, already tried to build one nearly like in the JJ Video released on the Kyosho Site few Months ago. Guess my answer on is it worth the price? Yes it's worth to me- specially if you have buy all the special pieces extra if they're not already as spare Part somewhere in your RC Stuff. But i have to admit because of the price you have to be a big fan of the Ultima

[@stephenlay9580]

Really nice kit, looks great 👍

[@takayatakeuchi3685]

A late response, but I think the prices of these new re-re kits are going up insanely. I have four of them, Tamiya Porsche 956, Tamiya Super Astute, Kyosho Plazma Mk. III, and AE RC10 Jay Halsey on backorders now and they total roughly $1000 😱😱😱 The Plazma Mk. III's being more expensive than the 4WD EP Phantom is just ridiculous. I hope Kyosho will consider to release a normal version of Ultima Pro (fiberglass chassis is fine) for a sub-$300 price.

[@Benny_painter]

Looks great. Hopefully mine turns up this week! I will definitely trim that body nice and close like you said.

[@destormo]

given that many people say that there are so few parts in this kit, no one points out that this is precisely why it is so desirable, it is stripped down and lacks a topdeck. only the essentials to win a race are there. And yes, it is expensive in relation to how few parts are in the box (2wd and so on), but it is still cheaper than buying a standard Ultima and converting to a JJ. The new limited Optima mid looks to very expensive as well

[@RC4FUN_TV]

Agree with you, fair comment. About 100$ more than the std ultima for a kit that is exclusive, really legendary, and won’t be on the shelf for ever.

[@SidcupRC]

​@@RC4FUN_TVPrices are getting slashed now.

[@eastendchewlix8885]

Loved that one, great video as always!

[@robcraighill6315]

Fantastic build and video Gav, great buggy and really enjoyed the tips and music too! 😎

[@RCKickschannel]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@keithfrazier2558]

Just got mine delivered yesterday. Not sure if I'm gonna build it, or keep it in my unbuilt collection.

[@RCKickschannel]

These go really well around a carpet and track. I’ve seen them keep up with the modern stuff in an A final!

[@keithfrazier2558]

@@RCKickschannel Ultimas were far advanced and ahead of their time when built. It's why they did so well in the championships for several years. I remember being a kid and having an original Fox and a Blackfoot and a friend had an original stock Ultima and that thing ran circles around me. I wanted one, but got the Clodbuster(I still have with a broken chasis) for Christmas instead. I hope to redo it when it gets warm and I can get into my snowed in storage container. Thank you for the response and have a wonderful day.

[@barrycheesemore2928]

That is one hell of a good looking buggy, I love it, apart frm those large wing end plates, not keen on them. Awesome job though!!

[@RCKickschannel]

Thanks 👍

[@Pablo668]

Very nice! I tend to use the old Green Slime when building shocks, they don't usually leak after that.

[@RCKickschannel]

This would be a really good way to go on these shocks

[@jonthomas8487]

I use the Associated green slime on all shock builds. Great stuff

[@alfredyost7972]

Yes!! I finally got one!

[@Nixxtrr]

Re release of the Egress incoming. You should do a fully custom build, would love to see what you come up with.

[@leehurst6922]

Gav the shocks don't leak if built correctly. Our turbo optima has been driven hard and never had issues

[@RCKickschannel]

I’ve had two leak. Not much to the shocks really. As long as the clear gasket is fitted and the base is tight, what more can you do?

[@leehurst6922]

@@RCKickschannel true

[@prophetate]

Absolutely awesome 😊😊

[@eekrc]

Great buggy, but just too expensive for what it is. The new Mid looks more interesting to me, especially since I don't have one. But still a great video Gavin!

[@LukesVintageRC]

Hey that turned out great. ❤

[@IIIxwaveIII]

what is your go to servo? looking for something good that is not pricey

[@ryanhuckins6669]

❤I got a question do u know what motor they used in the kyosho adds for this ? I know it's a 13.5 turn but can't find anything else... I thought maybe trinity made a new trinity horsepower motor for this but I can't find anything.. thanks

[@alfredyost7972]

I just discovered that I have an original Trinity JJ brushed motor. I plan on installing that motor in my car. Thoughts?

[@RCKickschannel]

Do as you wish, your motor 👍🏻

[@alfredyost7972]

@@RCKickschannel I just think that motor just goes with this car. The motor I have is used but not trashed. Thoughts?

[@bruce3725]

Can you suggest a g.ood brushless esc motor combo? To run 2s. All my batteries are spektrum smart tech fwiw. Just found one of the last of these kits out there... raced the original ultima back in the day. Thanks

[@jecoboost1440]

I can't wait to build mine. I see on eBay in the US people trying get 600.00 to 700.00 for the kit😢

[@JimBoBJames-no5db]

I love it Gavin but again the price is prohibitive to me here in Australia. I can afford a Kyosho dirt master Ultima. They're easy and a decent car for the money $379.00 AUD , not too bad really when a Tamiya HotShot rerelease us around $380AUD. I love Tamiya but Kyosho had way more racing credibility, or presence where Tamiya these days are kind of well an expensive plastic model that can be run and Kyosho are a real race buggy. But I still love Tamiya and have lots ,around 10. I think I will buy myself a dirt master now , as I've recently built a Hornet about 4 weeks ago. Love your work Gavin 👍👌

[@Nixxtrr]

If you don't have a BBX save your pennies. Fun to build and drives great

[@coygtrc]

Hi, awesome 👌 Great tips 👍My guess on the body cutout is that they copied what was done back in the day on the original 🧐 Must have been a relief compared to the Fantom 😁

[@RCKickschannel]

Yep it’s an easy body to paint and decal. A long way form the Fantom 60th

[@Heathcliff_hensel]

It would be wrong to make this a shelf queen. JJ would be so disappointed.😂

[@markbruton-young9228]

GU pots for the best assembly procedure ;)

[@KT_One]

My original Turbo Ultima had the Platinum shocks with the two piece shock shafts with adjustable damping and they leaked. Such a bummer as a kid to have an expensive car that left an oily puddle on the shelf.

[@perfectsplit5515]

I wonder how many parts that has in common with a stock Ultima. I am guessing you could count them on one hand.

[@paulrobinson9355]

The car doesn’t do anything for me and I don’t understand why! 🤷🏼‍♂️ question - are these the shocks that where on the original vintage and also is the body the same as the original?

[@RCKickschannel]

Shocks are wrong as the rere kit has adjustable threaded shocks and the vintage has the adjustable friction collars. The rere shocks are better obviously but are different. Rear tyres are also wrong as is the rear tower. The rear tower was changed to make the body fit better so is understandable for a rere kit.

[@deltazero3796]

Cool vintage, but I have question about Fiat Abarth 1000 Berlina Course, seen somewhere that diff from rear can be moved to front. Does it mean we can make it 4WD instead of RWD or FWD?

[@mrmoran0077]

I love kyosho but i'm not sold on this one especially for the money, For me I think it would look better without the rear wing and the front wheels look tiny (just my opinion though)

[@RCKickschannel]

It does look better in real life but I agree on the price. It feels expensive for a 2WD. You might see some on sale if Kyosho made a load

[@alfredyost7972]

I am trying to get one of these kits but I am not having much luck unless I pay $100.00 extra for this kit. Thoughts?

[@russlondon]

Did @1:18 kyosho leave the belt gears on the diffs from the Oprima Mid for authenticity?

[@randomrodent9124]

I noted that too, but I do not think the original Ultima had such a diff as shown here, so perhaps Kyosho now are using the same parts on several cars to reduce production costs?

[@techspeedrc]

The ball diff has been around for some time as it was the first option part for the Optima, and they are onto the third version of it. Kyosho have just used the Optima diff pulley because there is the clearance for it in the Ultima gearbox, it saves the cost of producing a mould for one part that doesn't need to be changed, and they don't have to manufacture and distribute two diffs when the same one can be used for either. Shops just have to stock one diff for both cars instead of having to buy two different types. As for authenticity, the 87 Ultima used Thorp gears and ball diff, not Kyosho jnternals. Kyosho didn't have a ball diff until the release of the Turbo Ultima in 1988. This ball diff was unique to the Ultima as it used 48dp gears instead of the 0.8mod gears Kyosho used in everything else at the time.

[@christophh5281]

For that price a nice motor should be included to my opinion.

[@RCKickschannel]

100% agree!

[@christianrambissoon1141]

How do you paint your the tyres?

[@RCKickschannel]

These are stickers but you can do it with a white paint pen

[@mikestansbury2510]

would have been nice if they included a trinity motor with the kit

[@RCKickschannel]

Yes, for the money it would have been a nice kit motor collaboration, but in 2023 Horizon Hobby announced the acquisition of Trinity Racing so that would have put a stop to that.

[@turboboostHoonicow]

Nice video👍 Nice car, would be a match with my Masami Cat XLS, but in my opinion it's way to expensive! So I will not buy one, not for the current price...

[@RCKickschannel]

Fair enough!

[@DrDiff952]

I've met Joel Johnson, great guy! But for my RC dollar, give me the Associated RC10 with reversed front shocks that Masami Hirosaka used to win in 1991

[@RCKickschannel]

Unfortunately, Associated came out with the vintage rere RC10's way too early before vintage RC collecting became a thing. Associated won't release any other vintage cars because it didn't sell enough units and it lost money. Things have changed massively and now the rere kits are just as valuable as the vintage buggies. A totally missed opportunity that has cost Associated a fortune in lost vintage rere sales over the last four years. Even Yokomo has realised this market is growing.

[@DrDiff952]

@RCKickschannel the car I want was never released just prototypes used at the world's.

[@DrDiff952]

@RCKickschannel I may as well just buy a RC10B6.4 Factory Team

[@KT_One]

What was the reason for the flipped front bulkhead? Longer wheelbase, better geometry, or?

[@DrDiff952]

@@KT_One the flpped front shocks lowered the weight of the shocks on the front of the chassis lowering the center of gravity of the car

[@shaunodriscoll]

Really nice quality plastic’s alloy chassis, gold shocks look great and then …. Crappy looking colourless shock towers!! What’s that all about? For the money? Na

[@shaunodriscoll]

@sauliluolajan-mikkola620 I know it’s a rep. But if I’m parting with that sort of money I want it to look the part! And being an old man I expect more for my money 😂😂

[@Fluterra]

Not sold on this one. I have 80 kits in my collection. This one didn’t make the cut. Way too expensive for what is and not sold on the looks. Ordered the Optima Mid 60th though!

[@Pedro-fr8fg]

100% agree with you !

[@RCKickschannel]

100% not for everyone and the price is a bit painful for sure.

[@roloreoandy9867]

What a beautiful buggy, WoW. I still can't find a reason to justify the cost though. Gavin, great build...Just wondering at 1:55 what that "frosted glass" looking shock tower material is made from? Cheers bud 🤜🤛

[@roloreoandy9867]

@@huubbouten3041 Thank you very much!

[@perfectsplit5515]

Looks like fiberglass shock towers.