Kit Review

Straight build + Stickers

Box contents

Two additional cowls are included on top of the default one.

Trying out the different cowls

A modified simple stand is included in clear material.

The spare cowls can be stored on the back of the stand.

Auxiliary parts for securing an HG kit

There are also extra joint parts included for HG kits that have two holes on the back.

HGBC Machine Rider - Trying out the HG Gundam 00 Diver Ace as a rider. It looks a bit awkward, like an adult riding a tricycl

Trying out the HG Gundam 00 Diver Ace as a rider.
It looks a bit awkward, like an adult riding a tricycle..

To switch to the stand position, first raise the seat and cowl section upward.

Rotate the handlebar as shown

Rotate the seat section 90 degrees.

Fold the wheel sections together toward the back

Tilt the seat section slightly forward and the stand position is complete.

HGBC Machine Rider - HG Ogre GN-X mounted in the stand position (1/3)

HG Ogre GN-X mounted in the stand position

This kit is the Machine Rider, released as part of the HG Build Custom series — as you can see, it's a bike-shaped mecha model kit. While previous Build Custom releases felt more like accessories, this one comes as a fairly complete standalone piece that pairs up with HG kits.

Being a two-wheeled bike, it can't stand on its own without support, so a clear stand is included to hold the rear section in place for display. On top of the default cowl, two additional cowl styles are included so you can swap them to your liking, and the spare cowls can be stored on the back of the clear stand. You can also transform it into a stand position — where the bike is upright — by moving the various articulated sections on the main body.

When seating an HG kit, separate fixing parts are included to lock it in securely. That said, it's hard to get the HG kit to sit flush against the Machine Rider, so it ends up looking a bit like an adult awkwardly perched on a tricycle. Honestly, the stand position actually feels like a better fit for pairing with an HG kit.

It does feel like this mecha model kit was somewhat inspired by Kotobukiya's Hexa Gear line, but the overall build quality is clean and tidy, so if this kind of thing is your style, it seems like a pretty fun item to play around with. :-)

HGBC Machine Rider | 2018.8 | ¥1,200

AIThis page was translated by Claude Sonnet.