During its year of introduction this set was priced 72.50 guilders.
Set 857 was released under the "Technical Set" series in 1979 in Europe. It finally made it to the US in 1980 with the number 8857 as an "Expert Builder" set, the first set which used the now standard 4 digit identification number. This motorcycle featured a steerable fork and a chain driven 1 cylinder engine. Traditional studded construction is used almost exclusively with the exception of the frame.
Despite the fact that many LEGO® motorcycles have been released over the years, this one is unique in many ways. The parts list consists almost entirely of standard bricks, plates, and slopes. The fenders, especially the rear, have compound curvature, yet were made entirely of plates. All of the exterior design details were made in this way with traditional LEGO® bricks. The frame, however, was built from pinned beams, which allowed the unusual angles which could never have been produced with studded construction. This set is also unusual in that the primary functionality, the engine, is completely hidden when the model is completed.
Future motorcycles would usually use unique, narrow wheels, but this set used the same wheels as the auto chassis. It also marked a couple of firsts. The 16 tooth gear was used for the first time here, as was the chain link. Realistic motorcycle functionality really required a chain, so here the engine is driven off the rear wheel via a chain.
Besides that never ever another motorcycle set was released with a sidecar.
Main model
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Steering |
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The front fork can be steered using the handle bars. The fork simply pivots around an axle passed through a set of plates (with holes) on the frame. Because of the sidecar, this motorcycle can not lean, so the turning radius is quite large. |
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Engine |
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The engine is driven by the rear wheel through a chain. The chain has a new 16 tooth gear at either end. Motion is geared down through a set of 24 and 8 tooth gears. The final gear set is a pair of 16 tooth gears which does not change the ratio, so the final ratio is 3:1 between the engine and the wheel. The engine uses the offset axle holes of the 24 tooth gears to make a crankshaft. Connectors placed end to end and clocked 90° form rods which connect to a specialized 2x2 square piston. The "cylinder" is actually square. The mechanics of this engine are completely hidden below the fuel tank when the model is completed, so you can't see the engine in motion. Even with the tank removed, the frame blocks most of the cylinder. On the left side, you will also note a shift lever which is spring loaded with a rubber band. It doesn't do anything, but it is a nice touch. It only shifts down! |
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Side car |
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The sidecar does not have any technical function, but it looks cool! I suppose, at the very least, it acts like a kickstand to hold the motorcycle up. The sidecar is made entirely from bricks, plates, and slopes. The only Technic element is the axle and the beam which supports it. |
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Wheels and Tires |
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This set contains 3 sets of wheels and tires of type:
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By Technicopedia