If you prefer to get your fun on 2-wheels rather than 4, then these remote control RC motorcycles are for you! From RTR self-balancing stunt bikes to licensed hobby-grade kit models, we find the best!
Want to learn how to get started in RC? Check out An Introduction to Remote Control Cars in 2020 by Matt Benfield.
The Top-Rated RC Motorcycles (2020)
| Model | Type | Scale | Age | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Upriser Ducati Panigale V4 S | RTR | 1:6 | 14+ | 4.7 |
| Kyosho Hang On Racer Honda NSR500 Electric Kit | KIT | 1:8 | 14+ | 4.7 |
| Maisto RC Harley Davidson XL 1200N Nightster | RTR | 12″ | 5+ | 4.5 |
RTR RC Motorcycles
READY-TO-RUN!
Get straight to the action with these RTR models supplied with everything required to run straight out of the box!
1.Upriser Ducati Panigale V4 S
Editor’s Rating: 4.7/5.0
RTR | 1:6 Scale | Ages 14+
Max Speed: 12 mph
Stunts: Drift functions, wheelies, burnouts. With Omni Wheel technology, the Upriser Ducati RC is able to self-balance at any speed without a kickstand or support!
Radio System: Gamepad style, 2.4GHz 4-channel (forward, backward, right and left)
Scale: 1:6
Charge Time: 60-70 minutes
Run Time: 45-60 minutes
Batteries: Rechargeable, 2-cell Li-Po battery in bike recharged from a USB cable, controller – 2xAA’s (not included)
Control Range: Up to 100ft
Recommended Age: 14+
- The Pros: Official licensed Ducati model
- The Cons: Requires a smooth flat surface to operate at its best
With realistic designs and exceptional performance, the Ducati V4 licensed ‘Upriser’ Is a fantastic pick-up and play RC motorcycle with some impressive features to boot. With its easy automatic calibration handled by the multiple rolling motors in the rear “omniwheel”, you’ll be sure the bike never falls over even while stationary. All of this without the ugly look of stabilizers, instead, performing more like a Segway. Not only that, but with drift functions, wheelies, and burnouts, every party trick you could wish to perform on a real bike is possible here. And with x2 replaceable USB rechargeable LiPo batteries included, there’s no risk of being left with a dead model down the line.
2.ROTERDON RC Motorcycle
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0
RTR | 9.8″ x 4.13″ x 4.3″ | Ages 8+
Max Speed: 7 mph
Stunts: 360° rotation, drift functions, side crab movement
Radio System: Gamepad style, 2.4GHz 4-channel (forward, backward, right and left)
Scale: 9.8″ x 4.13″ x 4.3″
Charge Time: 2 hours
Run Time: 30 minutes
Batteries: Rechargeable, 3.7v 1000mAh battery in car recharged from a USB cable, controller – 2xAA’s (not included)
Control Range: Up to 100ft
Recommended Age: 8+
- The Pros: Crazy spins and drifts
- The Cons: Slightly cheap-looking plastic
Featuring looks and features blended between a Tron “Light-cycle” and 2008’s The Dark Knight’s Bat-cycle, this is sure to catch your eye. Roterdon’s 360 Stunt motorcycle features wheels that can rotate sideways on its axis, allowing for 360° spins, sideways movement, drifting, and more! Thanks to its design, there’s no chance the bike can get stuck or fall during use, even while taking a sharp 180° degree turn or tackling slopes. Not only that, but their latest bundles are shipped with an improved rechargeable battery from previous years.
3.Maisto RC Harley Davidson XL 1200N Nightster
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0
RTR | 12” x 6.4″ x 8.7″ | Ages 5+
Max Speed: N/A
Stunts: N/A
Radio System: Steer wheel style, MHz 4-channel (forward, backward, right and left)
Scale: 12” x 6.4″ x 8.7″
Charge Time: (non-rechargeable)
Run Time: N/A
Batteries: 4xAA’s, 2xAAA’s (not included)
Control Range: Up to 50ft
Recommended Age: 5+
- The Pros: Excellent stability with the stabilizers
- The Cons: Limited frequencies, no rechargeable battery
The Harley Davidson licensed XL 1200N Nightster is a budget offering that, while lacking a lot of the more extreme features of the higher-end models, still sports excellent looks and fun despite its cutbacks. With no real proportional steering, there’s a lack of fine control, but for straight-line speeds, it can handle most surfaces with no problems due to its natural stabilizers at the bottom. With 4xAA batteries, you’ll have a healthy run time before requiring to swap out or recharge them.
4.Aveloki 2-in-1 RC Motorcycle/ Quadcopter
Editor’s Rating: 4.2/5.0
RTR | Ages 8+
Max Speed: N/A
Stunts: 360° roll, drift functions, dual-mode (land and air)
Radio System: Gamepad style, 2.4GHz
Scale: N/A
Charge Time: N/A
Run Time: N/A
Batteries: Rechargeable battery in bike recharged from a USB cable, controller – 3xAA’s (not included)
Control Range: Up to 100ft
Recommended Age: 8+
- The Pros: Take to the skies with the touch of a button!
- The Cons: Crashes may reduce its lifespan – Check local laws regarding drone registration requirements
For a truly unique combination, the 2-in-1 motorbike and quad-copter drone is a stunt powerhouse, able to take to the skies at the push of a button, performing barrel rolls, flips, and more! With a 2.4GHz connection on its comfortable gamepad controller, there are no dropouts in connection, and its integrated USB rechargeable battery helps keep the action going for longer. Available in a choice of colors and with the ability to use more than one at the same time, the Aveloki 2-in-1 RC Motorcycle/ Quadcopter is excellent for setting up stunt races between friends!
Fly Responsibly
The Federal Aviation Administration requires registration of many drones flown in the US, for hobby or commercial purposes. To learn more about drone registration requirements, visit our Fly Responsibly page.
5.Liberty Imports RC Police Patrol Motorcycle
Editor’s Rating: 4.1/5.0
RTR | 9″ x 8″ x 4″ | Ages 3+
Max Speed: N/A
Stunts: 360° spins
Radio System: Gamepad style, MHz 2-channel (forward, backward)
Scale: 9″ x 8″ x 4″
Charge Time: (non-rechargeable)
Run Time: N/A
Batteries: 6xAA’s (not included)
Control Range: Up to 50ft
Recommended Age: 3 +
- The Pros: Easy for younger kids to enjoy, safe materials
- The Cons: Sirens are quite loud, limited functions
With an option that’s a lot more friendly for younger drivers, the Liberty Imports RC Police motorcycle is a comfortable and durable pick up and play model. Using simple forward and combined reverse/turn, it’s easy for younger kids to race along the floor, while also being able to pick up decent speeds in straight lines with 360° spins! Featuring rather loud sirens and sounds, it’ll be sure to grab their attention, and with a durable, safe plastic build and antenna, you won’t have to worry while they play. While this may not hold up to scrutiny for anyone wanting a complete RC experience, toddlers will have a blast!
6.Nintendo Super Mario Kart 8 Mario Anti-Gravity RC Motorcycle
Editor’s Rating: 4.1/5.0
RTR | 13″ x 5″ x 10″ | Ages 4+
Max Speed: N/A
Stunts: 360° spins, drift functions
Radio System: Gamepad style, 2.4GHz 4-channel (forward, backward, right and left)
Scale: 13″ x 5″ x 10″
Charge Time: (non-rechargeable)
Run Time: N/A
Batteries: 10xAA’s (included)
Control Range: Up to 100ft
Recommended Age: 4+
- The Pros: Faithful licensed recreation of characters
- The Cons: No rechargeable option
Borrowing similar designs to the earlier Rotodon tumbler, this officially licensed Mario Kart 8 transforming RC motorcycle by Jakks Pacific brings the fun of the video game to your home! The bikes and riders are faithfully recreated in great detail, along with the Gamepad style controller styled to feel like a go-kart wheel. While borrowing the gimmick from the most recent entry in the popular racing franchise, these karts can transform their wheels, giving them a drifty, floaty feel, and 360° spins and turns just like the game! While it doesn’t copy the gravity-defying stunts of the games, such as wall climbing and loops, being limited to driving on floors, it can still pick up some impressive speed. An excellent pick for any Nintendo fans!
KIT RC Motorcycles
BUILD-IT-YOURSELF
Not for the fainthearted, these build-it-yourself KITS not only require assembly, but additional parts such as a receiver, transmitter, batteries, servos, and even paint! If you want realism, look no further.
1.Tamiya Dual Rider Trike (T3-01)
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0
KIT | Scale 1:8 | Ages 16+
Max Speed: N/A
Stunts: N/A
Radio System: (2-channel Required)
Scale: 1:8
Charge Time: N/A
Run Time: N/A
Batteries: (Required)
Control Range: Up to 100ft
Recommended Age: 16+
Requires: 2-Channel Radio, servo, ESC, battery & compatible charger, and Tamiya PS/TS paint
- The Pros: Fantastic detail, realistic motion, and excellent performance!
- The Cons: Toy like appearance
While the price tag and slightly childlike looks might clash when first looking at the T3-01 kit from Tamiya, the performance more than backs up its price tag. Featuring a powerful 370 brushed motor inside its 1:8 scale frame, this trike kit can reach some impressive speeds, and when paired with your chosen servo, can shift its entire weight to the side to tackle turns and drifts all while staying firmly in control at all times. If stability and durability are important, there’s always the option of upgrading its plastic bushings with a ball bearing kit. The T3-01 also has a self-righting mechanism, meaning you’ll never need to chase after it to pick it up!
While the body might resemble the notorious design blunder of the 1980s with the Sinclair C-5 and the recent family follow-up, the Iris eTrike, the T3-01 still looks modern and impressive without looking too Sci-fi. While the decidedly cartoony default rider’s looks may be off-putting for some, there is a range of visor, helmet, arms, and face options available to customize to your taste. If you can get past the childish-looking model for what is decidedly a more premium driving experience, there’s a lot to like here.
2.Kyosho Hang On Racer Honda NSR500 Electric 1/8 RC Motorcycle Kit
Editor’s Rating: 4.5/5.0
KIT | Scale 1:8 | Ages 14+
Max Speed: N/A
Stunts: N/A
Radio System: (2-channel Required)
Scale: 1:8
Charge Time: N/A
Run Time: N/A
Batteries: (Required)
Control Range: Up to 100ft
Recommended Age: 14+
Requires: 2-Channel Radio, servo, ESC, battery & compatible charger, and Paint
- The Pros: Incredible level of scale detail
- The Cons: The instructions can be a little confusing
The Hang On Racer from Kyosho is a detailed scaled-down replica of a Honda NSR500 that offers realistic handling and control along with true to life looks and performance.
With the Hold On Rider, the realism is stepped up to a new level. Featuring a rider with 13 articulating joints, the Kyosho Hang On Racer realistically leans and hangs onto the bike during turns, emulating a real biker, enabling full bank cornering with superb control. All this while sporting a faithfully recreated Honda NSR500 body from the 1991 World Grand Prix, which is free to customize with liveries of your choosing.
Also available recreated as a Suzuki S.R.T. RGV1992
Once you’ve chosen all the necessary parts, you’ll have a fantastic time seeing everything come together to form an incredible package that comes to life when in action. While handling and control might take some practice to get used to, it’s immensely satisfying once perfected. Taking a lot more time than the Tamiya to construct, this kit is best suited to more experienced builders, but if you’re looking for the best when it comes to looks, build, driving experience, and feel, the Hang On Racer is hard to beat.
RC Motorcycle Buying Advice
Expandability
Looking to expand your RC collection? check out our Curated Buyers Guides.
Volume
Depending on if your kids will be playing in your vicinity, and how much noise you can tolerate, one thing to consider is the option of a mute button to allow your kids to play while also keeping yourself sane. While this might not be a problem if your child plays with their toys in their own room. If they are instead frequently playing in areas with other people, having a mute switch can be a lifesaver.
Run time & Batteries
With smaller sizes, come more humble performance. With some models containing rechargeable batteries that are powered from the remote, playtime may be as short as a few minutes burst at a time. However those with larger internal batteries, or models that use standard disposable batteries, run time can last much longer, but with a considerable wait for charging. It’s essential to be realistic about the amount of time you expect to run at one time. If longer, uninterrupted play sessions are important, you may wish to invest in a larger model.
Remote Control Types
Dual Stick
The most common remotes you will find come in 2 distinct styles. One is the more traditional “Dual stick” type transmitter, using a more familiar gamepad style layout, with steering and acceleration placed on individual sticks, with any extra functions placed around these.
Gun Style
The alternative is the more recent “Gun” style transmitter. With a trigger for acceleration and braking, and a steering wheel style dial for turning left and right.
App Control
Most camera-enabled RC Cars can be controlled using an included remote. However, you may find some include extra options when paired with a companion smartphone app.
Some may allow for things like Gyroscopic or Touch controlled steering via the app, which may or may not be more responsive than using the included remote.
Connectivity
Connectivity is an important factor to consider depending on your ideal use scenario.
Most radio-controlled models today tend to use 2.4GHz connections, which are much more user-friendly, enable more devices to be used simultaneously and are less prone to interference.
Another connection type that is becoming more common is Bluetooth remote control models, which can be controlled using a smartphone via an app often included with the car itself.
However, for camera-enabled cars, most will use an Ad-Hoc Connection to your device using WiFi. In some cases (See the SunFounder Pi enabled car) models can also be controlled via web servers for even greater range limited only by the connection to the car itself.
On limited occasions, you may find Infrared (IR) remotes being used, which can be limited by factors such as distance and line of sight.
In rare instances, controls may also be tethered to the device physically with a cable.
The control range is dependent on a lot of factors, ranging from the connection type, distance, obstructing objects or walls, and the strength of the antenna in your device or smartphone.
Channels
In most cases when talking about RC remote channels, most are referring to the number of channels you can assign each car and remote to. This is to prevent signals from one remote affecting an unintended car.
However within the context of RC products such as Excavators, and other such vehicles that are doing more than just turning and steering, the term “Channels” is referring to the individual signals, and therefore the individual commands that the transmitter can send and receive.
For example, an RC Car that only turns and accelerates, will typically only have 2-channels. One for each function. With an Excavator that has many functions that require additional motors, such as rotating the cab, these will all be assigned a different radio frequency channel. This allows it to control that function independently without affecting other parts of the excavator.
With this in mind, the number of “Channels”, is referring to the number of individual controls available to the user.
Frequency Numbers
The second thing to consider is the frequency numbers. If devices all use the same frequency, multiple vehicles will all receive the same signal from a single remote. This makes it impossible for multiple children to use different models at the same time.
Some models may have their radios linked to a specific vehicle itself, while others will have selectable channels on both the remote control and the model itself to allow users to pick and choose who controls which vehicle.
Some models may have their radios linked to a specific vehicle itself, while others will have selectable channels on both the remote control and the model itself to allow users to pick and choose who controls which vehicle.
MHz Crystal radios Vs 2.4GHz
A much more obsolete and now rarely seen with the advent of 2.4GHz transmitters are FM Crystal synced transmitters, which work by using the oscillating signal from a tiny quartz crystal.
These work by sending specific frequencies to a receiver set to listen for a signal from the same frequency. They are however prone to all sorts of interference, are limited in the number of available channels due to a set range within government-regulated standards, and require physically modifying the hardware to change signals between devices.
2.4GHz based devices are not limited by these setbacks as they are encoded to listen specifically for it’s set receiver and transmitter when paired together, Thus have widely overtaken the market for modern devices.
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