The legend of ‘King Kenny’ started with this machine
Kenny’s 1978 Championship bike is back - as an R/C model
Kyosho’s 1/8 scale electric R/C Hang-On Racer motorcycle series has long been loved for its dynamic action and groundbreaking technology. The S.D.S.S. (Semi-Direct Steering System) allows fully self-supporting riding so these models offer a level of running stability far beyond conventional R/C bikes.
Since its debut in 1992, the Hang-On Racer series has earned a loyal following, and now the 1978 Yamaha YZR500 joins the lineup. This machine was famously driven by American racing icon Kenny Roberts in his first World Grand Prix 500cc championship-winning season. After making a stunning debut in the top-tier 500cc class, Roberts won the title in his rookie year and went on to dominate with three consecutive championships through 1980, earning the ‘King Kenny’ nickname.
As the first YZR500 to be modeled in the Hang-On Racer series, Kyosho conducted detailed research on an existing 1978 machine, carefully replicating its form and intricate details. The front suspension—previously an inverted-type shock with the cylinder positioned on top—has been switched to an upright design to match the actual bike, improving both scale appearance and handling.
Built on a high-precision chassis known for quality and performance, the bike features a rider figure linked to the steering system, enabling ultra-realistic cornering posture and excellent drivability.
Whether you're a longtime fan of classic GP racing or a modern R/C enthusiast, the Hang-On Racer Yamaha YZR500 1978 with Kenny Roberts rider is a must-have kit that blends iconic motorsport heritage with thrilling R/C performance.
●Recreation of the 1978 World Road Racing Championship 500cc class winning machine and rider.
●Includes decals in the Yamaha Works colors, famously associated with Kenny Roberts.
●Highly detailed body shape based on 3D scans of the original bike.
●Equipped with S.D.S.S. for realistic full-lean hang-on cornering.
●Features an upright front fork suspension identical to the real machine.
●Mini chain and sprocket drive system faithfully replicates the original drivetrain.
●Brake calipers and discs are modeled after the real bike.
●Comes standard with three durable metal pinion gears.
●Unassembled kit includes the Le Mans DM20 motor.
Yamaha introduced its factory works bike in the latter part of the 1977 World Road Racing Championship season with its new YPVS (Yamaha Power Valve System), which controlled exhaust timing. This machine carried Kenny Roberts to his first world title.
1978 World Road Racing Championship color scheme has been faithfully recreated—including the rider figure.
The rider figure features 13 articulated joints that transfer rider weight in synch with the steering system, replicating realistic form for dynamic and thrilling cornering, just like the real thing.
Equipped with Kyosho’s original S.D.S.S. (Semi-Direct Steering System) that allows smooth cornering, even at full lean angles.
In order to pursue true scale, the front fork suspension is an upright type, just like the actual motorcycle. The brake disc, caliper, and wheel also replicate the shape of the real motorcycle.
A twin-tube main frame design arranges servo, speed controller, receiver, and other R/C components for optimal balance. Low mounting of the battery in the chassis realizes a lower center of gravity. Combined with the S.D.S.S., this layout enables remarkably stable two-wheel performance.
Optional tip-over guards can be installed to support starts and help prevent the bike from falling over during extreme lean angles in corners. They also provide effective protection for the body in the event of a crash.
The rear suspension uses a friction-damper monoshock to control an asymmetrical swingarm—just like the real machine. The rear wheel is chain-driven via sprockets, faithfully replicating the actual bike’s drivetrain layout. This setup ensures reliable operation and high durability.
Metal pinion gear has been upgraded from plastic to significantly improve strength and durability as well as higher power transmission efficiency.
The Hang-On Racer series uses a specially designed steering servo, speed controller, and battery (Speed House 1600 7.2V stick pack), available separately. The Le Mans DM20 motor comes included as standard with the kit.