The Kyosho Monster Kruiser USA-1 VE 1/8 ReadySet Electric Monster Truck pays tribute to the most popular Monster Truck in Kyosho history. This completely updated version of the USA-1 comes 30 years later with more scale detail, more power, more durability, and more suspension!
Redesigned in 1/8 scale, the "USA-1" flies the American flag loud and proud. Kyosho’s classic design has been recreated with an ULTRA SCALE body, uniquely reinforced 5-link suspension and stronger solid axles originally used on the Mad Crusher and FO-XX 2.0. Equipped with a high-power brushless motor with a 4-pole rotor and 12-slot stator generating 2300KV, the electric powered VE delivers outrageous speed and power characteristics that would rival that of the real USA-1. This high powered system makes the large truck feel small, with acceleration that dramatically exceeds the nitro powered version. As a pre-assembled Readyset, the body is immaculately finished with paint and livery to capture the history of this iconic 1990's machine. Your batteries are all that is required to start the action. With spare parts and a wide range of optional parts available to continually maintain and enhance performance, the USA-1 is guaranteed to provide thrills for a long time.
- Pre-assembled chassis with R/C system installed and finished body. Includes pistol-grip Synchro KT-231P+ transmitter
- Five-link suspension in combination with shaft-type 4WD delivers exceptional stability over rough surfaces
- Equipped with waterproof KS5031-09MW servo, incorporating high durability metal gears
- Ultra-realistic scale body has been recreated under license of USA-1, including the signature color scheme
- Optional LED light set shines bright with LED head & tail lamps and rooftop fog lamps (not included)
- Brushless motor unit is designed to handle a massive 14.8V
- Front center drive features a telescopic universal shaft to ensure high drive efficiency and prevent shaft dropout issues
- Optional 4WS (four wheel steering) increases turning power (not included)
- Equipped with a wheelie bar to prevent the machine from flipping over backwards during hard acceleration
- Charger and battery for the motor, as well as 4 x AA batteries for transmitter are required for operation
- Pre-assembled chassis with pre-set control linkages
- Factory assembled printed body
- 2.4GHz Syncro KT-231P+ transmitter
- L-shape hex wrenches: 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0mm
- Cross wrench
- 17mm wheel wrench
- (4) AA alkaline batteries for transmitter
- (2) 7.2v Ni-MH or (2) 7.4v lipo battery w/T-style connector
- Battery Charger
This product was added to our catalog on September 21, 2021
I absolutely love this truck.
If you’re looking for a hardcore Basher, get an Xmaxx or maybe a 6s Kraton. This truck isn’t for that. It’s designed for smaller jumps and stunts. Buy it! You’ll thank me later!
1. The front right steering ball link was shipped disconnected. There is almost zero chance it popped off in shipping, since there was no damage to the box and it hasn't popped off while running since. It was easy enough to fix, but gave me some concerns about the overall build quality.
2. The steering mechanism mounts to the front axle via a clamping collar. It was not properly tightened. It wasn't obvious initially, but after a few minutes of running, the wheels were pointed to one side. I had to slide the axle collar back to the right position on the axle and re-tighten it, which worked, but was made harder than it should be by the use of phillips head screws rather than hex head screws. The whole steering linkage could probably use a re-design, to at least add a locating detent/ridge on the axle for the collar to fit into/onto rather than relying purely on clamping force.
3. One cartwheel (not from jumping, just speed + turning + uneven surface) resulted in a rear lower shock mount breaking off. Fortunately there are multiple mount positions, so I was able to use the next lower one (it came mounted in the top hole). It feels like for the price, this plastic piece (which is part of the axle assembly) should be aluminum. Shock mounting points are a predictable place for things to break. Hot Racing does make a quite expensive ($160 as of today's date) aluminum axle housing that would fix this issue, but it is out of stock everywhere I've looked. To replace both axles with aluminum housings, it would set you back $320!
All of the above being said, it is still a fun, and on 4s very fast, truck. You'll probably enjoy it more on 2s, as 4s is almost too fast to use. You have to be VERY slow to increase your throttle position to get to full throttle on 4s without a backflip. The issue still exists on 2s, though less so. You'll also probably break fewer things on 2s, as your crashes will be at lower speeds.
Would I buy it again? Honestly, I'm not sure. When it works it is fun, but I do have serious concerns around the obvious design flaws and durability going forward. This feels like it might turn into one of those vehicles that will be tough to get through more than a full battery or two without something breaking.