AYK BUFFALO

The AYK Buffalo was the next generation 2WD buggy following the AYK Sidewinder. It featured a newly improved transmission which now sported the motor directly at the rear (with a lower center of gravity). The front suspension was modified to support a new double wishbone axle system and a front stabilizer, however, wheel control was sacrificed since this new system had a lot of slop in the camber. Remnants of the Sidewinder still remain, however, in the rear trailing arm system. info provided by Inet

AYK PRO RADIANT

The AYK 4WD Radiant Pro is highly similar to the Radiant/Maverick/Boost. It is a chain driven 4WD. The Radiant Pro shares not only the same orange colored suspension as the Boost, but the Boost body as well. This is not really a surprise considering that Race Prep in Canoga Park, California, took over the US distribution for AYK after the Boost was introduced. The Radiant Pro won National ROAR titles via the skillful Race Prep Racing Team (the Dunn brothers). Race Prep offered various options for the Radiant Pro including the fiber saddle back battery tray and a protective lexan bottom shell. In addition, the Radiant Pro also came with optional front axles and wheels that allowed it to only go forward (many races did not allow reverse). The wheels that fit on these axles had locking bearings in them that did not allow them to spin in reverse. info provided by Inet

AYK GATOR

The AYK Sidewinder was the successor to the 566B Super Trail. It's a 2WD off-road buggy that clearly exemplifies the innovative use of aluminum that AYK is known for. It is certainly one of AYK's most unique buggies mixing both artistic flair and functionality. The AYK Sidewinder came in two versions, one with a solid lexan body and the other with a body/rollcage. It was introduced to compete against the Kyosho Scorpion. The goal was to create a lightweight buggy with a low profile and tight wheel control.






Several features stand out in this model. For one, AYK switched its transmission from a horizontal (566B) to a cross-wise position improving performance. In addition, it used front double semi-trailing arms (considered state-of-the-art at the time) and enclosed its shock absobers inside the body shell, limiting their exposure and improving aerodynamics. The rear trailing arm suspension is similar to the Tamiya Frog (which in fact won the German championship in 1984).

The Sidewinder was also marketed in alternate packaging known as the "Gator". The model was identical, but the packaging had obvious differences.  info provided by Inet    SOLD!

New Built AYK Radiant

AYK's more popular 4WD buggy came in the form of the AYK Radiant. Keeping in line with their competition of the time, the Radiant looks very similar to the Kyosho Ultima. It sports an anodized aluminum chassis with a chain driven 4WD system with a mid mounted motor. The unique front suspension uses knuckles with upper and lower ball joints for support on upper and lower arms. It also comes with an optional 2 speed transmission. One major flaw is in the lexan Radiant body. The rear panel where it mounts to the chassis is extremely thin and rarely survives the first crash without beginning to tear.






Typical of AYK model duplication, the Radiant shares its design with the AYK Maverick and the AYK Boost. It would later be released in the US by Race Prep as the Radiant Pro (with orange suspension parts instead of black).

When Race Prep (Canoga Park, California) took over the US distribution of AYK's Radiant in the early 1990's, they also introduced various hop-ups for the Radiant/Maverick/Boost, including ball differential, aluminum suspension arms and upgraded shocks. info provided by Inet