TIME-MACHINE TEST DRIVE
Set your expectations to “low” if you’re looking for cutting-edge performance. ;e Grasshopper II is
a beginner mobile from the ’80s, so it’s not going to hold up to a comparison with any modern RTR. On
the other hand, if you’re comparing it to your memories of driving a G2 back in the day, then, yep, it’s
exactly the same. Scratch that: it’s better, because driving with an electronic speed control gives much
better throttle feel than a mechanical speed control, but you’ll probably be driving full-punched anyway.
;e little 380 motor is good for a surprisingly speedy 20-ish mph. ;e car is a fun sidewalk cruiser and
will happily play in smooth dirt. Rough stu; makes the suspension clunk and jolt, and you’ll be wishing it
had oil shocks if that’s the type of driving you do the most. I expect the majority of Grasshopper IIs will
be driven lightly, like the vintage Corvette that only comes out of the garage a few times a summer. But
unlike that Corvette, the Grasshopper II rerelease isn’t precious. It’s a $100 car you can easily get parts
for. So if you want to get one as a first kit for a youngster, hop it up like you couldn’t a;ord to in 1988, or
[insert project idea here] with it, go right ahead. It’s a fast and fun build with plenty of nostalgia appeal
that’s fun to cruise with and looks great on display. ✇
