The Roboriders were released in
2000 and overlapped the
Slizers.
Like the Slizers, they departed from the usual Technic subject matter
and parts. In this case, rather than anthropomorphic robots we
have robotic motorcycles. Four of them were micro sized models
with almost no features at all, six were small sized play sets with a
single feature, and the final model was substantially larger. The
common feature of the sets used a specialized flexible housing to throw
the wheel discs. Sadly, this feature didn't really work at all
which helps explain why this series only lasted a single year.
The special disc throwing feature of a Roborider. It doesn't work. |
Special parts for the Roborider theme
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Each model was a different color and the color matched a themed name and
personality. Each also had a unique printed robotic
"face", although the micro models reused these parts from the larger
models. The discs were also unique to each model, and extra discs
were available as a
supplemental set. These models are a good source of cheap connector parts in rare colors.
An assortment of Roborider discs
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Roborider "faces"
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The smallest 4 set were released under multiple numbers since they were also available in Japan packaged with Kabaya candy.
By
2001 this type of set would disappear from Technic and become Bionicle.
