Kyosho Optima RC 4WD Practical Upgrade & Maintenance for Beginners: Optima, Turbo Optima and Javelin (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9798877505001)

MAJOR REVISION April 2026. This book covers the Optima (the original and also the re-release version).

Welcome to the world of vintage four-wheel-drive RC performance. You are holding this book for a reason. Perhaps you have just unboxed a re-released Kyosho Optima and felt the excitement mixed with a little uncertainty. Maybe you have rediscovered an original Optima from your childhood, now dusty and in need of care. Or perhaps you have simply heard the legends about this car and want to understand what makes it so special.

The Kyosho Optima, first released in the mid-1980s, was a revolution. Before the Optima, off-road RC cars were almost exclusively two-wheel drive. Kyosho changed everything by introducing a durable, chain-driven four-wheel drive system that gave racers unprecedented traction and control on dirt tracks. The Optima quickly became a icon, winning races and capturing the imaginations of hobbyists worldwide. Decades later, its distinctive gold-anodized chassis, chain drive, and aggressive stance remain instantly recognisable.

However, owning an Optima, whether vintage or a modern re-release, comes with unique challenges. This is not a modern, ready-to-run plastic buggy. The Optima is a machine with personality, and like any classic performance vehicle, it demands understanding and care. The suspension geometry can be tricky to set up correctly. The chain drive requires proper tension and lubrication. The steering system has known weaknesses that frustrate many beginners. And when you start thinking about upgrades, the sheer number of options from Kyosho and aftermarket brands can be overwhelming.

This book is designed to guide you through exactly those challenges. It is written for the beginner who is not afraid to turn a screwdriver but wants clear strategies. We will cover practical maintenance tasks and explore sensible upgrades, helping you decide which modifications are worth your time and money.

The goal of this book is not to turn your Optima into a showpiece that sits on a shelf. The goal is to help you build a reliable, capable, and enjoyable runner that you are confident to drive, maintain, and repair yourself. Whether you want to relive the golden age of off-road racing or simply experience the joy of keeping a classic machine alive, you have come to the right place. Let us get started.


Author: Mike Yu,Rcpress
ISBN-13: 9798877505001
Publisher: Independently Published
Language: English
Published: 02/04/2024
Pages: 76
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.44lbs
Size: 11.00h x 8.50w x 0.16d