Set Review ➟ LEGO® 42155 The Batman - Batcycle
The second wave of Technic sets for 2023 contains two licensed sets. The first of these is The Batman – Batcycle, a DC / Batman set as the name indicates. This set contains 641 pieces and is marketed for 9+
A Technic set stands or falls with the functions it incorporates. In this case these functions include the following:
Steering. A motorbike without working handlebars… I can’t begin to imagine it. Of course, this model has a front wheel assembly that pivots on the front of the chassis. The build is simple and effective, although I do wonder how Batman is going to see if anyone creeps up behind him as the mirrors on the end of the handlebars (these are chrome silver pieces, so I imagine they are supposed to represent mirrors) are tilted downwards. They do look good so I suppose there’s that, and who wants to look backwards anyway when you are pursuing your enemy at top speed.
Front suspension. Also part of the front wheel assembly and using the traditional suspension elements for this purpose. With brake disks on either side of the solid wheel hub. Locked between the handlebars and the suspension is the canopy with a very distinct Batman look somewhere between the 1960 TV show and a modern motorbike.
Rear suspension. This time LEGO has chosen a setup with double arms for the rear wheel and shock absorbers on either side of the double width rear wheel. This is complemented with a central block that (almost) prevents the seat from rubbing against the rear wheel.
Engine & drive. The core of the model is the engine of the motorbike. It packs a 4-cylinder engine with 2 interconnected crankshafts. The bottom cylinders are covered by the powerful exhaust pipes on both sides of the model. Batman is not going electric any time soon. The top cylinders remain visible for a little longer, until those are also covered with cooling fins. These are built using System elements and are held in place by the studs on the cylinder heads. While this means you can no longer see the engine working, it also means you can quite easily remove the cooling elements to show off this particular function. A nice compromise between form and function.
Stand. Of course a bike need a stand. It is a simple and effective stand, built with just a few pieces. When folded back it rubs against the chain. The chain will easily push it down the few millimetres it needs to turn freely, but personally I would have liked it not to interfere at all. Maybe a little stop to prevent the stand from going up too far and ever touch the chain in the first place.
The engine crankshaft connects to the rear wheel by means of a chain. This is the first time I see chain links in Light Bluish Grey. Traditionally these are black, but on this model those would have been completely invisible. Of course, the Batcycle needs to be dark but without the occasional detail jumping out the set would have been very boring. I think it is a very interesting choice of colour and it works very well with the model.
Overall I am positively surprised by the set. The bike looks better when built than in the picture on the box. The stand is stable and easy to use and the suspension feels good. The model is also faithful to the Batcycle from The Batman Movie, including the grey exhaust tips and the bat-like ears on the canopy.
The finished model is 33cm (13’’) long x 16 cm (6’’) tall.
We wish to thank LEGO for providing this set for review. The opionions i this review are not approved or endorsed by LEGO.
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