As some of you may know I own a Japanese KEI Class Truck (minitruck). It's a '99 Suzuki Carry 4x4. The thing is a blast to drive and never fails to turn heads. Maybe it's the right hand drive or maybe it's the stunningly handsome man behind the wheel. I prefer to think it's the latter.
Anyway, as fun as these are to drive they aren't exactly street legal in Texas. That may be about to change thanks to yours truly and State Rep. Phil King. Thru my one man campaign I convinced Rep. King to introduce HB4495 in the Texas Legislature!
HB4495 will make these KEI Class vehicles street legal (excluding Interstates) and give us a 55MHP speed limit. Currently I am able to drive it on the highway under farm use provisions, like a John Deere Gator or Kawasaki Mule. But, I have to display a SMV sign and a flag on an 8ft pole. I'm also restricted to a 25 mile radius from home. HB4495 will change all that!
Heheh.... I'm giddy!
9 comments:
I have been considering a purchase of one said vehicle, from your post you love it. Is there any concerns I should worry about? I will only use it for farm use and goofin about.
Just like buying any used vehicle, buyer beware. Look for hidden damage, engine problems, high milage, ect. If you are a big guy (over 6ft) you might want to get a Jumbo cab if you can find one. Has a bit more room inside.
All the minitrucks you will find are used. Parts are available, but pricey. Be prepared to do most work yourself. Very few garages that know how to work on them. Good news is factory repair manuals are available.
Other than that they kick serious butt! More power and comfort than a Gator or Mule. Mine came with a/c and I added carpeting and a stereo.
http://www.minitrucktalk.com is a good place to learn more about them.
Thanks for the site and the info. I'll check it out. They look like a hoot to drive -- top heavy?again thanks for the info!
Not topheavy in my opinion. I haul 250 gallons of water in a 300 gallon tank 2-3 times a week. It hauls it just fine. There trucks were designed to work and will go anywhere.
Top speed on mine is around 75mph.
That looks awesome. Great for hauling out a deer (something larger than your average Texas whitetail) or a large hog.
I hope my son doesn't see this post...
Does it have a similar engine to the '80s era Samurai?
Mine has a 660cc Suzuki F6A 3 cylinder engine. There are models that are factory turbocharged and/or supercharged! But 660cc is the limit for a KEI class vehicle in Japan.
Emission standards are very tough in Japan. After a certain age it is cheaper to buy a new truck than get an inspection certificate.
They also make KEI class cars and vans. Do a Google search for Suzuki Cappuccino. It's a little Go-Kart on steroids.
The Cappi reminds me a bit of the Suzi that Red Bull used, don't remember the model.
In college, I had a Fiat 850 Spyder - it would go 70 mph downhill with a tailwind...but it was loads of fun (when I wasn't replacing the stub axles or ignition condenser).
Googled the KEI-cars/trucks. I'd want the Mega-Cab version, although really I'd probably prefer a Pinzgauer. If HB4495 passes, are you going to import a container of them?
The RedBull 2-seater was the X-90.
No, I'm just an owner not a dealer. I bought mine in Boyd at North Texas Minitrucks. Jason is a good guy.
I believe he has a Jumbo cab and a van in stock.
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