Tamiya Grasshopper 1/10 RC Car Kit
by Tamiya
The Tamiya Grasshopper is a beloved reissue of a legendary 1980s RC buggy kit, offering a fun and affordable entry point into radio-controlled off-road racing.
Technical Specifications
- 1/10 scale off-road buggy kit
- GF-01 chassis platform
- Polycarbonate body shell requiring painting
- Front and rear oil-damped suspension
- Includes RS-540 type motor mount
- Requires assembly, paint, radio, ESC and battery (sold separately)
- Classic 1980s Tamiya styling reissue
Pros
- ✓ Iconic nostalgic design loved by hobbyists
- ✓ Simple durable design great for beginners
- ✓ Wide aftermarket parts support available
- ✓ Affordable entry point into RC hobby
- ✓ Easy to repair and maintain
- ✓ Great platform for learning assembly and tuning
Cons
- ✕ Motor, battery, radio and ESC sold separately
- ✕ Basic suspension limits high-speed handling
- ✕ Body shell requires painting and cutting
- ✕ Not as fast as modern buggies out of the box
- ✕ Plastic gears wear out with aggressive use
Tamiya Grasshopper 1/10 RC Car Kit
- Classic nostalgic RC design
- Easy beginner-friendly build
- Huge aftermarket support
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The Tamiya Grasshopper is a legendary off-road buggy kit that has been a gateway into the RC hobby for enthusiasts since the 1980s, and its modern re-release keeps that same charm fully intact. Built on the tried and true GF-01 chassis, this two-wheel-drive buggy is designed with simplicity and durability in mind, making it an excellent choice for hobbyists who want to build a car from the ground up rather than pull a pre-assembled model out of a box. The kit includes a tub-style chassis, oil-filled dampers for smoother suspension travel, and that unmistakable yellow polycarbonate body with bold graphics that has made the Grasshopper instantly recognizable among RC fans for decades. Assembling the Grasshopper is part of its appeal, as Tamiya provides clear, detailed instructions that walk builders through mounting the gearbox, wiring the electronics, and fitting the suspension components step by step. The kit typically requires the builder to supply their own radio system, motor, and battery, giving hobbyists the flexibility to choose components that match their skill level or performance goals, whether that means keeping things stock for casual backyard bashing or upgrading to a hop-up motor and speed controller for more spirited driving. The large, chunky tires and long-travel suspension are tuned for loose dirt, gravel, and grass, letting the buggy live up to its name by soaking up bumps and launching over small jumps without drama. Beyond the nostalgia factor, the Grasshopper remains a genuinely capable and rewarding project for both newcomers and veteran RC builders looking to revisit a classic. Its straightforward mechanical layout makes it easy to maintain, repair, and modify, and the wide availability of spare parts and hop-up options means the buggy can grow with the owner's skills over time. Whether it's being built as a faithful tribute to the original release or customized with modern electronics for improved speed and control, the Tamiya Grasshopper continues to deliver the same accessible, hands-on RC experience that made it a fan favorite in the first place.
Customer reviews
Grew up with the original Grasshopper and this kit brought back so many memories. Assembly was straightforward and the finished buggy is a blast to drive in the yard.
Took me a weekend to build with my son. We had to buy the electronics separately which added cost, but overall a solid intro to RC cars.
The GF-01 chassis is simple but tough. I've bashed this thing through mud and rocks and it just keeps going. Highly recommend for hobbyists wanting a classic build.
Remember this isn't RTR - you need a radio, ESC, motor and battery. Once set up though, it's a fun little basher with tons of upgrade options online.
