Cyclone (サイクロン号, Saikuron-gō) is the original personal motorcycle of Kamen Rider 1 and 2.
In this post, S.H.Figuarts (SHF) Old Kamen Rider Nigo came packaged together with the Modified Cyclone.
Maximum Speed: 400 km/h (248 mph)
Jump Power: 30 m (40 m after alteration)
Engine: Nuclear Engine, 200 horsepower.
Designer: Professor Midorikawa; Tobee Tachibana (Kamen Rider)
Base Model: Honda SL350K1 (Remodelled Cyclone)
Usage of this Modified Cyclone version can be quite confusing. This YouTube video gave a fair explanation on its history. Note video is in Mandarin narration.
Kamen Rider TV series back in the 1970s were made with little consideration for smooth flow and logic. Within a single episode, the Kamen Rider can be seen riding on 2 or more different "Cyclones". A logical explanation is different snippets filmed on different times, were stitched together scenes. Recycled scenes were also used in different episodes on Kamen Rider riding his machine(s). Therefore Hongo was also seen riding this vehicle. As the series move on, it is quite clear Kamen Rider Old Nigo should be the rightful owner of it.
Want to equipped each of the SHF Shinkocchou Seiho (SKC) Kamen Riders with their own motorbike. But man these little vehicles are quite expensive. These are 4-5 times the price comparing to other 1/12 scale mass market bikes (some with metal casted parts). It was not an easy decision to commit on one.
This little used set came along at a relatively affordable price of $77/- and packaged with a SHF (not SKC) Kamen Rider Old Nigo to boot. I want to use this set for checking out a SHF vehicles if they are really worth the prices - more later in the detail section.
If there is a choice, I have no intention of keeping a SHF version of a Kamen Rider. There is also a standalone set of the Modified Cyclone without figure. Reckon that could be even more expensive than this one with extra figure. Don't see the standalone set that much floating around the secondary market. Collectibles market are weird in this way, lesser (things) for more (money).
DESIGN - 3.5/5
Scale :
This SHF Modified Cyclone look and feel much bigger than the Classic SHF Cyclone. Comparing actual specs, the former base vehicle is that of a Honda SL350K1 which measures L2110mm while the latter was based on a Suzuki T20 with L1950mm. In 1/12 scale sense, actual difference between the two should be at approx 13.5mm. Measuring both toys yielded a 15mm difference (185mm vs 170mm) which looks proper considering each's elaborated body kit could grow the length abit.
In terms of scale accuracy, the toy's has a L185cm converting to L2220mm in 1/1 scale vs actual Honda SL350K1 specs of L2110mm, gives a difference of 110mm with the toy being longer.
Height of toy measured at H90mm, ie H1080mm at 1/1 scale. Actual Honda bike's spec read at H1145mm. Difference of 65mm with the actual Honda bike taller.
These data concluded the scale is as accurate as it can be.
Material :
This is 99.9% plastic I'm pretty sure. The only "metal parts" could just be a few screws here and there.
Tyres are made with vinyl type material with a rubbery feel. A correct material selection versus rubber which will vulcanize and broke down. That will be disastrous and unthinkable for a hero's motorbike without tyres. I can sleep well at night without this worry.
If the wheel spokes are made with metal pins will give finest details on the wheels. So much of it is exposed and with the additional detail will lift this whole vehicle up a few notches. Prices will probably also be lifted more than a few notches. Personally this current level is good enough for the toy, to keep prices affordable.
Details :
If the wheel spokes are made with metal pins will give finest details on the wheels. So much of it is exposed and with the additional detail will lift this whole vehicle up a few notches. Prices will probably also be lifted more than a few notches. Personally this current level is good enough for the toy, to keep prices affordable.
2 Tubes running to the front wheel are represented by a single piece molded plastic painted silver. These are 2 tubes which should be independent of each other. However because it is a molded single piece, a plastic "bridge" bound these tubes together. This is my biggest peeve. One fine day I might just make the modification replacing it with actual tubes.
No light up effect on them headlights. Would be nice to have though.
SCULPTING - NA
My definition of sculpting is on contours, features, textures. Seem not applicable for this product.
PAINTING - 3.5/5
Main body kit are of its original plastic material colour of milky white. Red design are probably sprayed on with a spraying template. Application of these designs are done cleanly with crisp edges leading to a clean, sharp pointed end. Engine were painted silver as well as the 3-a-side exhausts.
Link chains are painted metallic grey which also adhere the high detail paint application as with the red pattern. No bleeding at all.
Most of the detail painting lies in the twin meters and front part of the bike. Again, immaculate execution.
A wash in parts like engine, wheel spokes, exhausts will lift this up. Most unfortunately there is none here.
ARTICULATION - 5/5
What are expected of a toy motorbike in this category?
1. Can the wheels - front and back - rolls? Yes it does
2. Can front forks be swivel left and right? Yes it can.
3. Are there functional suspension on the back wheel? - Yes it has.
Adapters are also provided to have it used with a stand to make several poses.
All that can be expected are satisfied.
ACCESSORIES - 4/5
Would be nice to have a spare set of trottle handle in case of damage or missing. There is none.
But addaptors for static display are available.
This bike actually doesn't need anything more.
OVERALL - 3.5/5
There are definitely room for an improvement for this bike like the few good to have mentioned at Design section. I believe that will most likely happen for a future version. And it will justify the price hike.
In this current model, it is good enough for me. It scaled nicely with the SHF Rider that came with it.
Last Word
This is a used set but previous owner took good care of it. Everything looks good and nothing broken. Adaptor used for the a hind wheel stand in these pictures came with a broken pin stuck inside the hole meant for Tamashii stand. Seller described this openly. I managed repair and took out the broken pin.
SHF Figure scaled proportionally to the vehicle. Am happy for this purchase.
Modified Cyclone waiting for its new owner IF Tamashii Nation decide to make a SKC version of it.
Until then.
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