HPI Savage
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The HPI Savage is a 1/8th scale radio controlled monster truck manufactured by HPI.
The original version was the now-discontinued Savage 21 which served as the basis for the vehicles that came after. It featured a two-speed transmission, heavy-duty slipper clutch, four-wheel-drive, HPI .21ci³/3.4cm³ pull-start engine with rear exhaust and a HPI 27 MHz three-channel pistol grip radio. A "reverse module," sold separately, mounts inside the transmission and utilizes the radio's non-proportional third channel and an additional servo to add the convenience and fun of reverse when the model is first brought to a complete stop.
Shortly after the Savage 21 was released, the Savage SS was released. It was an unassembled version of the Savage 21
The Savage 21 was replaced by the updated Savage 25. This version added both a larger HPI .25in³/4.1 cm³ engine for additional power and torque as well as HPI's unique Roto-Start electric starter system. The Roto-Start kept the weight-saving advantages of the pull start with the extra added convenience of electric starting via an external electric starter. This starter, standard on most new HPI models, incorporates a gear-driven one-way bearing mounted on the engine in lieu of the pull starter. The external starter is a motor-driven gearbox which spins a steel shaft and is powered by a standard 7.2v Ni-Cd battery pack. A pinned ball joint similar to those found on "dogbone" axles mates with a socket on the rear of the engine. An limited edition version of the Savage 25 added a three-speed transmission along with updated wheels and tires. These parts can easily be retrofitted to previous versions. A mechanically identical variation of the Savage 25 replaces that model's Lexan pickup truck body with that of a Kawasaki KFX700 all-terrain vehicle with articulated rider figure designed to move with the model's steering motions. The Kawasaki version seems to be the only Savage that does not sell well, with low demand for a vehicle that looks like that.
When the Savage 25 was released, The Savage 4.6 SS kit was updated to include the more powerful engine and better differentials and other upgrades
Shortly before the New Savage X came out The Savage 25 LE (limited edition) Which was a ready built 4.6 SS and different coloured shock absorber springs it also included a commemorative shell.
A new Savage has been released called the E-Savage. This version is an electronic 1/10th scale monster truck inspired from the original Savage series. It runs two GT550 14.4v electric motors and a TVP Chassis for added durability. It follows behind the Traxxas E-Maxx, Hot Bodies E-Zilla, and Kyosho Twin Force trucks as a large electric MT.
The current RTR version is the HPI Savage X. It has a redesigned, more powerful version of the S-25 engine. The Savage X has composite side plates and is often seen as a cheaper and weaker Savage, though this has not been proven. The Current SS version, the Savage X SS, has a .28 4.6cc engine that has 10% more displacement then the S-25 Model.
The Savage has a strong reputation as a "bash truck", able to withstand tremendous abuse. It is often used as a beginner's nitro vehicle.
