I was bored, have motor oil in my veins, and recently moved to a town with not much to do, so I bought a new toy, a Japanese domestic market "mini truck. I love it.
Street legal here in NC, your state may vary. Heater, wipers, lights, a real cab, and a legit, no bullshit 4wd system. I bought the "Attack" model which sports a locking differential and ultra low 1st, and reverse gears in conjunction with the standard first and reverse, so six gears in total.
Purchased it in Japan, and had it shipped here through US Mini Trucks out of Houston. This thing rules. Way better than a Cushman or any of the belt driven utility ATVs.
September 01, 2021, 09:34 PM
stickman428
Those things are so cool. I saw one of those in Southport NC a few weeks ago. I had to stop and check it out. The 4x4 lifted JDM miniature vans are cool too. They are practically an all terrain RV for two people.
I’m so tempted to sell my Sienna and get one of these.
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The price of liberty and even of common humanity is eternal vigilance
September 01, 2021, 09:36 PM
Rev. A. J. Forsyth
quote:
They are practically an all terrain RV for two people.
My good friend has the van model, he loves it. It's basically this, but with an enclosed passenger compartment. So cool.
September 01, 2021, 09:36 PM
ARman
I'm wanting both a Subaru Sambar truck and a DIAS II van.
I think it would be fun, and still useful.
Enjoy your Kei truck. The Honda ACTY is a cool little workhorse.
ARman
September 01, 2021, 09:37 PM
vthoky
Way cool, Rev! There's a dealer/collector not very far from here who has/shows/sells a lot of similar toys.This message has been edited. Last edited by: vthoky,
God bless America.
September 01, 2021, 09:39 PM
shiftyvtec
That mini truck rules. I'd take that over a RZR anyday.
September 01, 2021, 09:42 PM
Rev. A. J. Forsyth
My neighbor is a welder by trade and thinks he can make a rack to drive it up into the back of my Dodge with folding ramps that slide under into the bed. I might take him up on it. Then I can ferry it around to different places. Might be fun. Dunno
September 01, 2021, 09:44 PM
maladat
What a cool machine.
September 01, 2021, 09:47 PM
VictimNoMore
7,500 rpm redline AND a stick? Sign me up. (I have been eyeing a JDM Suzuki Cappuccino over the last year or so, myself.)
September 01, 2021, 10:20 PM
OKCGene
There are several around me, but I don't know if they are Hondas or some other brand.
They are very useful, I've found out, by talking to those who own them.
A couple of landscape guys have one, and they use the snot out of it. .This message has been edited. Last edited by: OKCGene,
September 01, 2021, 11:25 PM
ftttu
I love those! I was in Japan in ‘86, and all those ‘trucks’ were all over the place, and I thought they were the coolest thing. One in 4WD is even cooler!
Retired Texas Lawman
September 02, 2021, 02:50 AM
jgerge222
How is it getting familiar with the right hand drive?
Rev. - You did not mention A/C. Does your unit have A/C?
September 02, 2021, 09:03 AM
phydough
Wonder if a GSXR 1000 swap would be possible? That could make for a wicked, little, fun machine for the two wheel drive versions.
Oh, the bad thoughts swirling around in my head for a future project!
September 02, 2021, 09:05 AM
stickman428
^^^ I like how you think!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The price of liberty and even of common humanity is eternal vigilance
September 02, 2021, 09:25 AM
DoctorSolo
We had a Daihatsu like that when I did landscaping for the Broadmoor about 25 years ago. My favorite part of the job was driving the mini truck around. I was one of the few kids who could drive a stick.
You have sparked a sudden want for something I do not need, nor do I have time for. Thanks a lot!
Enjoy that kooky thing! And be vigilant, front impact protection is obviously not good.
September 02, 2021, 09:49 AM
HK Ag
Looks great, love the Levis Edition you upgraded too!! ;^)
I remember seeing mini trucks like this on the A&M campus years ago. I always thought they were neat.
I didn't know there is a dealer here in town, may have to look closer.
HK Ag
September 02, 2021, 09:53 AM
Rev. A. J. Forsyth
quote:
How is it getting familiar with the right hand drive?
It's not bad at all. The only time I notice is when I go to get in the thing and walk up to the wrong door!
quote:
Rev. - You did not mention A/C. Does your unit have A/C?
It does not. From my understanding, factory AC is exceedingly rare for these things.
As far as a street bike engine swap goes, I thought about it too but this thing is geared incredibly low. 4th gear at 70 kph and you're turning close to 5k RPM. That 120kph speedo is a pipe dream. The little 3-banger in it is plenty of engine.
The non Attack models do have a 5th gear but I wanted the upgraded 4wd system.
September 02, 2021, 10:12 AM
P250UA5
quote:
Originally posted by VictimNoMore: 7,500 rpm redline AND a stick? Sign me up. (I have been eyeing a JDM Suzuki Cappuccino over the last year or so, myself.)
An Autozam AZ1 would be my go to for a JDM kei car.