Kotobukiya – 1/12 Mahoro Sports Bike

By: quadrain | July 31, 2007 on 4:26 pm | Category: Figures | 1 Comment

At Otakon this year I browsed the dealer’s room for anything interesting at the same time price checking, because we all know the dealers at cons overcharge their products. One dealer I came across (forgot who) priced half of their merchandise competitively and the rest, well overcharged; however, their Mahoromatic sports bike caught my eye and said to my friend and said, “It’s probably overcharged.” When I picked it up and saw the price tag, I was really amazed with the $75 price tag, because it’s 8,500¥ plus over in Japan (about $71). Of course the reason why I said it was a good deal was because I usually add on estimated shipping costs on top of the price (ranging from $10-$20).

This figure was released some time ago as a garage kit where the end user would have to paint and put together; however, this version is pre-painted and people would just have to assemble it. I was really surprised when I opened the box and started to put it together. I have never seen garage kit in person so it was quite a surprise to see the panels were actually pre-painted diecast metal, while the rest of the bike is plastic.

Mahoro is also a pre-painted figure you put on the cycle, with the figure nicely modeled to fit on the cycle. The Kick-Stand can be turned to set the bike in a standing position.

I did find a flaw in the design. The left panel of the cycle does not connect with the dash perfectly, resulting in a gap between them. The right side however fits nicely.

With the price I expected the detail to be nice. The dash is quite detailed with the numbers and the handle actually moves the front wheels. Too bad the mirrors are not actually mirrors

The rear tire is also quite detailed but everything is just model. Nothing buy the wheels move.

Here’s the front tire. This is also quite detailed with the brake disc and calipers, but again nothing but the tire moves. Man I gotta clean that finger print smudge >.>.

The dash and panels removed

Top view

Front left

Right