mostlytechnic

I recently ordered a pile of older Technic sets on Bricklink. As I was browsing through the seller's store, I saw this cool-looking little motorcycle with a pullback motor for around $5 used. I was already spending several hundred, so I threw it into the order as well. Name: Extreme Power Bike Set Number: 8371 Pieces: 98 Price: $10 / £7.99 Ages: 8+ Minifigs: 0 Theme: Racers Year of Release: 2003 The box My used set didn't include box or manual, so here's a picture of the box from Bricklink. It's a nice box - shows the bike in action with simple, clear graphics. The manual Here are a couple manual scans from Peeron. The beginning of the manual has a few pages of cheesy comics, but I suppose the target young boy demographic would like them. The instructions The instructions are simple to follow for this small set. There is no B model, but there are instructions for combining this set and another pullback motorcycle into a pullback 4 wheeled car. Not very helpful unless you have another bike set though! The parts Almost all Technic parts - only a couple studded pieces at all! I'm mostly a Technic user, so that's fine with me, but since this set was for my 4 year old son, it's not as easy to mix with his studded Lego collection. Also, given the fairly few parts and the complex shape of the motor, it'd be hard (I think) to make much else out of this set on its own. The motor The most important part is the pull-back motor. It works nicely for motorcycles with that rear fork, but could be used for a car as well with a long axle. There are no studs though, so you have to mount it with axles/pins. The rear wheel I found this odd. One side of the rear wheel gets a stickered disk for looks. The other side has axlepins, bushes, and a thin liftarm. The build process The build goes fairly quickly, with few pieces and nothing complicated. The final bike (front) About ten minutes after beginning, you have this. A nice little motorcycle, albeit one with strangely wide wheels and no steering. Those (visual) shortcomings are quickly forgiven though when you pull it back and let go! The final bike (rear) One drawback to used sets - often the stickers are pretty rough. I don't mind though - with my son, they won't last long anyway... The video (available in 720P if you click the video) I was actually pretty disappointed in the structural strength of the bike. There is lots of flex in it because several parts (like the entire front end!) are held on with a single axle at the very bottom. At the end of the video you can see how quick it is though - this is a fast bike. The pullback motor provides plenty of power to shoot this bike across the room or even jump small ramps. You can also see the benefit of having no steering and wide wheels - the bike is stable enough to even climb the back of my photo set! The ratings Value: 10/10 - This hits just at the 10 cents/part baseline, and with the powerful pullback motor, it seems like a great deal. Even better buying it used now on Bricklink :) Design: 5/10 - A mixed bag. I like it visually, but it seems to have just the minimum structural strength. It's easy to knock the small parts (handlebars, exhausts) off in wrecks. It seems like a small redesign could have made the body stronger, but the flimsy decorative bits are just standard for Lego. Playability: 9/10 - As is, it's a great bike with great playability. I knocked off one for the low redesignability. Parts: 8/10 - This one's a bit of a mixed bag. If you want the motor, it's great for just that. If you're looking to grow a studded collection, it's poor for that. If you're looking for a variety of small Technic parts, it's got a wide variety but few of each. I give it 8 mostly for the motor. Overall: 9/10 - I know this isn't an average of the other rankings, but that's the way this set goes. Despite what I consider structural weakness, this is a cool little set. The motor gives plenty of power for a small bike like this, and the playability factor is high. Especially if you have young boys (I have a 4.5 year old and a 7 month old), this set (or the other sets in this series) is a no-brainer to pick up if you see one. They can be found easily for under $10USD on Bricklink as used sets, so I know I'll grab more if I'm placing an order. I know my boys will love building and racing these down the driveway or across the living room. Verdict: BUY! Links: Bricklink Peeron Brickset

My return from my dark ages was when I bought set 8297, the Technic Off-Roader flagship from a few years ago. After being stunned by the mechanics of it, I proceeded to buy as many other Technic sets as I could get my hands on (and afford...) These days, I play "regular" Lego with my son and have Technic to fill my Lego cravings. Motorbike 8051 was my first purchase of the 2010 sets. Name: Motorbike Set Number: 8051 Pieces: 467 Price: $39.99 / £34.99 / €39.99 Ages: 9-16 Minifigs: none Theme: Technic Year of Release: 2010 Links: Bricklink Peeron Brickset (note: as of Oct 2010, there is no Peeron page yet for this set) The Box The front of the box is the standard Technic design - black background with a straightforward image of the set. No scenery, flourishes, or other nonsense, just a photo of the set so you know what you're buying. The top corner does show the mechanical abilities, and the bottom corner has the big 2-in-1 to remind you to turn the box over... The Box Back ...where you can see the B-model. Being a non-motorcycle person, I had to do a double-take to make sure it really was showing a different build. Where most sets have a significantly different B-model, this has just a different style bike. Lego did a great job on the photography here - I love how the low camera angle accentuated the long, low styling of the bike. The Manual The covers of the manuals (yes, this set includes printed manuals for BOTH models!) are, like normal, just the same image as the box. The instructions are the now-standard Technic style, with very clear diagrams, part call-outs, and a plain blue background. The Manual Back The back of one manual has the "Gewinne! Win! Gagne!" guy. The other has this image. I've seen it on Technic for years, but they occasionally update the models. For this set there's 2010's 8043 Excavator in the center, and around the laptop are 3 older sets - 2006's 8288 Crawler Crane in the top left, 2005's 8421 Mobile Crane in the bottom left, and 2006's 8283 Telehandler on the right. Can't they ever update this photo? The Interesting Parts 6.5L Shock w/ hard spring - available in 10 sets over the last decade 9.5L Shock w/ soft spring - the connectors on these give a variety of ways to build a suspension. Other than 2008's Dirt Bike set, this shock hasn't been available since the late 90's. Axle 8 with stop - Although this has been in over 70 sets ranging from Star Wars to Bionicle to Technic, it's only been around since 2006. It's the first I've gotten any of these. Pin long with center pin hole - These are new for 2010, but in a LOT of sets this year. It's a handy part, but I was surprised to see that in the bike it's only used as a spacer, not to run anything through that pin hole. Technic Link Chain - These chains have been around since 1978, but haven't seen a lot of use in official sets. I don't have any old links to compare to, but many people have said the new production of links in this bike set aren't as good as old ones. The Tubing According to Bricklink, this tubing is light bluish grey, and the only set to ever include it in any length in that color. However, I've got it here with another LBG part and it doesn't look the same to me. I'd have called this silver. There has been tubing in silver in many sets, but I don't have any to compare to to see if this is the same color as the older silver tubing. The One Unique Part This part is only available in this set. The shape is common enough, but this print is unique to this set (and the only printed part in 8051). Personally I think it's a great design. A sticker would be impossible to put on this due to the curves, but the flames and gas tank cap add a nice touch of detail to the bike. The Wheels, an Almost Unique Part The only other set to have these wheels and tires are 7158 Furno Bike, a Hero Factory set released this year. These are great bike wheels in my opinion. They look nice and are large enough for a pretty detailed model. There's attachment options, since they have an axle hole surrounded by 6 pin holes. Very weird aspect though - they also have pin and axle holes in the SIDE of the rim. That's not used here or in the Hero Factory model, but Lego obviously put it there for a reason. What do they have coming? The Wheels, Continued There are a couple other weird features on these wheels... On one side, there's an indent around two of the pin holes. I have no idea why they did that. On the other, you can see how the plastic around the axle hole is not solid. This seems like it would make molding much more complicated, but the gap is needed to handle the expansion / contraction of the plastic. A solid center would have too much change in size. The Build Like most Technic sets, the build starts with a blob of parts that you couldn't possibly identify. The Build, Adding the Engine Now there's a 3-cylinder engine, but it's still not clear what this would be if you didn't know. The Build, Surrounding the Engine A few more steps, and now there's decorative panels surrounding the engine. In the photo this is actually upside down - the black panels are the underside of the bike, and the angle connector sticking up is the kickstand. The Build, The Back Wheel Now the back wheel and chain have been added. The suspension is in as well. The Build, Finishing the Back Now the exhaust, rear panels, and building the top has begun. The stickers on this set are fantastic - they really add a nice splash of detail. The Build, Adding the Front Wheel Almost finished - with more stickers and the printed panel, it's really looking great. The Finished Bike And it's done... so much nice detail. Brake handles, an engine you can barely see, the radiator... this bike looks great! The Other Side This model is almost symmetrical. Only the chain is different. The Exhaust I just love the triple exhaust tucked high under the seat, even if there are only two hoses coming from the engine. The Gauges Stickers give two nice gauges up front. The Spare Parts Here's the pile left after building. Far more than most sets - there's extra chain, gears, and other parts in addition to the usual spare pins and bushes. Yes, they actually included some parts used only in the B-model. The B-Model Build The second book has the 45-main-step B-model instructions. Here is what you have after 9 steps - a strange bunch of beams stuck together with pins sticking out. So in other words, a normal Technic beginning. The B-Model, Step 18 The rear wheel and one section of chain have been added, along with a decorative tail light. The Engine There's a pretty lengthy sub-model built at this point - the engine. I think it looks great - a nice V shaped, 2 cylinder engine with the same long shafts as the main model. The B-Model, Continuing Now the very long construction starts to make sense. After attaching the engine, the front flips up and over to connect with the back of the bike. It's finally starting to look like a motorcycle. The B-Model, Continuing More More recognizable motorcycle parts are added now. There's some exhaust hose, foot pegs, kickstand, and seat. It's also very clear and obvious how the front wheel is going to attach and swivel. The B-Model, Done The chopper is done, and I think it looks great. The stickers add some nice detailing, but who is 88? You can see the suspension on the front wheel, but there's none in the back. Also, that printed gas tank panel here is annoying. There's not much friction on the axle it's connected to, so it swings side to side as you play with the bike. Perhaps a different connection point than the axle that holds the front end on would have been better. On this side of the bike you have the exhaust, which is simple but looks nice. It's good use of the flexible tubes, although the rear one is too long and has to loop around. It just sticks out so far. The B-Model, From the Front The front doesn't look like a classic chopper to me. I'd expect to see much longer handlebars. The B-Model, From the Rear The bike is long and low, but it seems so wide. That extra chain section just sticks out so far. And why is there only one red tooth (that I assume is supposed to be a brake light) on the back? I could understand one light if it was centered, but low and to the side like that, I think it needs a matching one on the other side. The B-Model, From the Side Lego calls this a chopper, but I'm not sure I agree. I think of something like this when I think chopper. The shape just isn't quite right in the Lego version. The back half isn't too bad, although it could be longer. The main issue is the front wheel. The fork just isn't near long enough or angled right. This isn't at all a bad motorcycle that Lego designed, I just wouldn't have called it a chopper. The Leftovers from the B-Model There is a significant pile of parts left over, but really, it's not too bad for a B-Model. Many have been FAR worse. And this set even included some parts just for the B-model - some chain, gears, axles, and connectors. The Conclusion I love this set. The size is perfect. It's small enough to keep the price down, but big enough to have nice playability - working engine on both models, working suspension, loads of detail, and even good stickers. I prefer the main model, but even the B model is nice. However, the chain does have some issues. There's a bit too much slack in it and so it jumps sometimes when you push the motorcycle. The B model is worse, since it has two separate chain loops. There's discussion elsewhere on EuroBricks about which way to have the chain facing and how to sand it a little to make it run smoother (see here and the posts lower on this page), but that shouldn't be needed in a Lego set. The Ratings Value: 8/10 - This set comes in at under 10 cents a part, but since there's over 50 chain links and 40 black pins, that does affect the score. Design: 10/10 - I'm not a big motorcycle fan, but I love how this bike looks. Too bad they couldn't have picked another color though - red and black is just overdone in Technic. Playability: 9/10 - I'm not sure what more they could have done in a motorcycle at this scale. Other than having a rider, there's not much to add. However, motorcycles are a little less playable than most sets just by their nature. Parts: 9/10 - Loads of small panels, very nice wheels, and some suspension parts. The only way to get better would be to have a different color scheme. Overall: 9/10 - This is a fantastic motorcycle set. Recommended! My Flickr set for this set (to see the images larger)

Yep, Lego needs to sell this set. Looks great. The only thing that came to mind would be replacing the yellow knobs with fan blades to look more realistic, but otherwise a fantastic design. (and maybe make the railing around the cab white like in the real-life photo, but that's just cause I'm tired of so much black technic!) I love the red lever to switch the blades on and off. Very nice job replicating the actual vehicle.

I love the 8421, but was disappointed that the b model for it is so lame. It's the same truck base, you just remove the crane itself and rebuild into a (poorly-designed) cherry picker. I say poorly because it won't lower all the way, so it's quite tall, plus the scale's wrong. It looks like a single person bucket to me (and fairly flimsy structure lifting it) but the truck is so large. That said, I'm keeping my pair of 8421s (have one built each way) and really want to get a 8053 mostly for the b model. When I get an 8053, I'll build the main model, play for a day with it, and then build the B and probably keep it that way. That harbor crane just looks cool and is so unique.

The detailing is fantastic! I especially love the whip-carrying guy...

Nope, they're not really interested in small sellers. Target, Walmart, Amazon, TRU (and the equivalents in the rest of the world) keep them busy enough. I used to know someone who worked at Lego and said that even the big stores usually didn't get everything they ordered for the holidays. So then why would Lego bother with small guys?

I think you mean you want to be a retailer... Retailer: buys at low price, sells to public at MSRP Wholesaler: buys at low price, sells to other stores in significant quantities at less than MSRP I don't know what the current LEGO requirements are to be a retailer. I sell toys on Amazon, do about $200,000 (US$) a year in gross sales (it's not my full-time job) with around 75% of that being LEGO and have no chance of buying direct from LEGO. I'm not near big enough. I buy some stuff from local stores (such as when TRU has buy 2 get 1 free sales) and some from wholesalers.

My votes: 9 17 29

Last year the 8258 was out of stock well before Christmas, so I wouldn't count on it being available in Dec.

Agree, but most people these days have a laptop and can take it to where their Lego are :)

Part of it is the change to studless - with the older studded sets, you could essentially put on a full layer of bricks per step. Now, if they tried to put so many parts in one step it'd be very confusing since they build on each other more. And I agree, they do seem dumbed down - I recently built several old sets (Space Shuttle, Air Claw, etc) and was astounded by how much more thinking it required to make sure you got all the pieces in the right places.

Sweet! Love a good scrambler ride.

Thanks - 8297 is the set that got me back into Lego, but I never did any mods to it. Now that I've got the parts I've GOTTA try these...

Get the speed remote. Just plan to add some sort of wheels onto the two knobs to make them easier to turn.

The big thing TLG has going in the US over the clones is quality. None of the clones are nearly as good - both in actual brick quality (plastic that doesn't break, bricks that stay together well) and in set design (most of the clone stuff is "bucket of bricks" type stuff rather than specific vehicles). I don't see Lego really facing a big threat from clones any time soon.

LOVE my air claw rig. That compressor sounds so sweet. Just wish it had some air tanks to make it function more smoothly.

I want functions, and the more (and the more complicated) the better. 8043 sounds like a dream set to me. Just waiting to get some funds to buy one :)

Or buy one now (if you can find one anywhere) and then get the fixed parts, so you have more LAs that way :)

Since there's a topic on favorite technic sets already, I was curious about the opposite. I'll update the poll as people make suggestions. For me, two leading candidates would be the 8264 Hauler and 8063 Tractor with Trailer. Both look nice, but have fairly little functionality for the size of the sets. edit: poll removed, way too may options!

Thanks for the review - I don't currently have any Lego Trains but want this one badly. One thing I really appreciated learning - from my quick look at the box in store the other day, I assumed that this came w/ the rechargeable battery box. Didn't realize they made a new box that takes normal batteries (I have several of the other style PF battery box, so I'm used to that look)

Right now, I'd have to say 8480 Space Shuttle since it's sitting on my desk so I can play with it frequently. Love the gearbox to control all the functions. Other favorites are 8455 Backhoe with so much pneumatic functionality. Also have to say I love the 8297 off-roader. I know it's not as popular around here, but it was the set that got me out of my dark ages and into technic. Now I have around $3000 in technic sets on my shelves. So maybe I should hate the 8297? :)

This has been unavailable in the US since around Nov 09 (definitely was out of stock everywhere before Christmas), so thank you for telling us. Ordered mine.

the pictures do VISUALLY resize, to fit the screen, but you still have to download the full large image. If they were resized to smaller images they'd load faster, and then they could be linked to large images for those who want to see the details.

I'd also like to join - I've started doing some reviews already (mostlytechnic.com) but would love to learn! Yes, I have all the requirements met - Canon 7D w/ lots of lenses and studio lighting and about $3000 in sets currently :)

I don't know what it's actually using for the steering, I'm not an expert on the components. I tried controlling this unit with the speed controlling remote - it works and you do get varying amounts of steering. But it doesn't work great - the steering system isn't very strong (so I doubt you could really steer another mechanism like xenologer suggested) since it loses some of the discrete "steps" of steering once it's on the floor. http://www.mostlytechnic.com/2010/lego-8183-track-turbo-rc-and-the-8879-speed-remote-control/ for more info from when I tried it.