Has the 42155 Batcycle Been a Flop?

[Captain Sidecar]

I just bought a 42155 set from Target, where it was on clearance for AU$60 (in spite of the Lego Store still wanting AU$90 a pop for them), and also note that there are a few on the 'Bay for about the same, or even a smidge less, with free postage.

Does this fairly easy availability at a significant discount on RRP indicate that the set has been a bit of a sales flop? I know there was some scepticism on EB when it came out, and I wonder if that's been reflected in the general consumer reaction.

For myself, I bought it, not because of my (near non-existent) interest in Batman, but because I like motorcycles and, ridiculous rear suspension and daft engine configuration notwithstanding, the overall styling and general blackness appealed to me. That and the fact that there are a couple of very nice MOCs floating around, which appeal even more.

However, I'm a sample size of one, and my tastes in both Lego and motorcycles are probably unusual. Did the set fail to capture the movie audience on grounds of lack of fidelity to the movie bike (or other reasons) whilst also missing the mark with Technic fans 'cos of shortcomings in the design or quality of build? Am I about to be disappointed by some deeply hidden flaw that I've missed?

[Aurorasaurus]

I may be wrong, but nothing about it actually makes it a batcycle, so I believe it has no market with batman fans. It also offers nothing technically new or any interesting pieces (from memory) so the main audience of technic fans has no reason to buy it either. I don't personally think that its target audience exists; batman fans who want a lego technic motorcycle with no interesting functions, and no display value (no stickers or anything to show its a batcycle)

So yes, I would agree in thinking its been a flop.

Edited November 13, 2023 by Aurorasaurus
it's -> its

[Jundis]

For this set, I am fairly sure the technic team was forced to do it and therefore very little love and effort was put into it. We know the process from the interview from @kbalage (Link to youtube video at about 2:00), that the Lego Technic team can't decide alone what to build.

I am pretty sure the thinking was: Whoa, other Lego Batman sets sold very well (both Tumbler and 1989 batmobile), so lets do some Technic sets (42127 & 42155).

A general thought: TLG should have get the idea, that iconic vehicles without functions that only have unique appearances shouldn't be recreated in Technic but rather with System bricks. Even I am a purely technic guy, I highly admire the Creator Expert/Iconic series. There are some examples that work (42110, 42154), but not many in my opinion.

This may also be the reason we see very few cars in the new 2024 technic lineup...?

Edited November 13, 2023 by Jundis

[Jockos]

Aside from being successful or not, the set does actually have a good aspect of buying this: the recolored parts. The wheels and suspension parts (and some others) are finally in black, which, in my eyes, makes it a good set, while also trying to catch the character of the on-screen vehicle.

Edited November 13, 2023 by Jockos

[karmadrome]

To me, it's quite a good parts pack. Lots of new black mini panels, black shock absorbers, over 40 red friction half pins iirc, lots of Maccaroni pieces. I got one from the flea market for 10€ with box and instructions, so that was a no-brainer :)

[msk6003]

Even I don't like most of Chinise sh** but it maybe caused by this.

I also think 42155 is only good for part pack.

Edited November 13, 2023 by msk6003

[Captain Sidecar]

Thanks for the replies. Much as I thought really. I'm fairly pleased with it for $60, but I definitely wouldn't have been very interested at full RRP.

[MAB]

2 hours ago, Captain Sidecar said:

Thanks for the replies. Much as I thought really. I'm fairly pleased with it for $60, but I definitely wouldn't have been very interested at full RRP.

That is a common feeling across a lot of LEGO sets these days. Even when you accept that LEGO is expensive there are still cases when they get the pricing wrong for a set that might be in demand if priced right. But in this case, for reasons already mentioned the set (as a set, not a parts pack) seems to be struggling to find an audience.