Review: 76245 Ghost Rider Mech & Bike
Posted by CapnRex101,LEGO absolutely adores mechs and motorbikes because these vehicles are consistently popular and are readily adaptable for various characters. 76245 Ghost Rider Mech & Bike illustrates their versatility, combining the now-customary mech design and an enormous motorbike!
These are accompanied by an impressive Ghost Rider minifigure, whose appeal is markedly increased because the famed character has only appeared twice before. Unfortunately, the price of £29.99, $34.99 or €34.99 feels expensive.
Summary
76245 Ghost Rider Mech & Bike, 264 pieces.
£29.99 / $34.99 / €34.99 | 11.4p/13.3c/13.3c per piece.
Buy at LEGO.com »
Despite an impressive minifigure and motorcycle, I expected better for the price
- Excellent minifigure
- Detailed motorbike
- Expensive
- Difficult to pose
- Conspicuous blue pins
The set was provided for review by LEGO. All opinions expressed are those of the author.
Minifigure
Two versions of Ghost Rider have appeared in minifigure form, representing Johnny Blaze and Robbie Reyes. This iteration could take inspiration from Johnny Blaze again, although the jacket actually resembles Danny Ketch's garb more closely, particularly in combination with the metallic silver spiked belt.
Additionally, the chain across the torso looks good and the trans-orange flames on the head are extremely effective. This dual-moulded element was produced for the original Ghost Rider figure in 76058 Spider-Man: Ghost Rider Team-Up, although the actual skull has been updated with an alarming grin and exaggerated eyebrows.
The Completed Model
LEGO has produced various Marvel character mechs since 2020, consistently sharing the same proportions and articulation, until now. The height of 12cm matches prior mechs, although those launched this year incorporate static limb elements. Unfortunately, these supplant the articulated elbow and knee joints found across the series previously.
Fewer joints inevitably limit articulation, but the shoulders, waist, hips and ankles provide some options for display. The fixed angle of the arms and legs looks reasonable too, helping the mech take natural action stances. I dislike the narrow feet though because they appear unsuitable for Ghost Rider. Their use on 76171 Miles Morales Mech Armour was much more successful.
The colour combination of orange and black looks fantastic, as ever, beside grey accents on the arms and legs. Moreover, the use of 1x1 pyramids on the shoulders offers some detail and I like how black wheel arches are integrated, shrouding the joints. The chest appears rather bland by comparison, but does include a 2x2 angled corner tile to recreate Ghost Rider's double-breasted leather jacket.
In addition to the specialised chest cover, which has been used since 2017, the 2023 character mechs also include dark bluish grey torso pieces. These replace the prior brick-built assemblies torsos and closely resemble elements designed for the NEXO Knights Battle Suits, albeit lacking pre-formed ball joints on either side.
Instead, the ball joints are positioned behind the cockpit, with curved slopes finishing the back of this mech. Moreover, a light bluish grey chain can be wrapped around the torso, again matching the minifigure, or secured in the hands. Those hands include new fingers, with potentially useful connection points for clips along their edges.
Ghost Rider is famously associated with motorbikes, particularly choppers, which are commonly known as the Hell Cycle. This example is huge, measuring 29cm in length to accommodate the accompanying mech. Nevertheless, the proportions of this vehicle are similar to minifigure-scale chopper designs, with enormous front forks.
However, the forks are relatively spindly, connected to the motorcycle's body using a single 4x6 angled Technic beam. The blue Technic pins are also conspicuous and detract from the broader model, although I like the pearl silver teeth and printed eyes attached immediately above those pins. No stickers are included, which is always appreciated.
Seating the mech on the motorcycle is more difficult than I was hoping, particularly because the hands are not actually fastened to the handlebars, only gripping them loosely. Nevertheless, the vehicles look good when combined, striking a balance between contrasting and complementary colours. The repeated orange details are certainly welcome.
Despite not connecting directly to the hands, the handlebars are adjustable to accommodate the arms in a natural position. Fortunately, the mech can be clipped onto the seat, while its feet slide neatly into place above the footrests. Presumably the narrow feet were necessary to fit around the motorbike's frame, which features reasonable engine detailing.
I like the pearl dark grey shoulder armour component atop the motorcycle body, with pearl silver tubes forming the exhaust assembly flanking the rear wheel. The spewing flames look great, but perhaps a few more should have been included across the model. However, the rounded fender looks superb, perfectly following the curvature of the tyre.
Overall
Ghost Rider remains extremely popular and this minifigure seems certain to prove desirable for many, given his rare appearances in LEGO sets. The design looks marvellous, particularly given the returning dual-moulded head. Unfortunately, the accompanying vehicles are underwhelming on the whole, even though Ghost Rider's motorcycle is quite detailed.
The sheer size of the motorbike is also appealing, while its integration with the mech is excellent for play, of course. I think the combination could have been refined though, as the articulation of the mech is very limited. Moreover, the price of £29.99, $34.99 or €34.99 seems very expensive for a Marvel Super Heroes set with only one minifigure, which is disappointing.
74 likes
40 comments on this article
And the prize for most superfluous set so far this year goes to....
All I can think of is Transformers Action Masters.
@johleth said:
"And the prize for most superfluous set so far this year goes to...."
Can't say I disagree.
Of all the characters, Ghost Rider was probably the best choice to have a mech riding a vehicle. That being said, the price is awful and I don't see kids being all that interested. You could easily get two mechs as well as $5 left over for the same price.
Looks pretty cool, but I don't really need it.
Regarding articulation, I think the lacking elbows and knees are to the set's benefit, as it's less moving parts, making the combination of the mech riding the motorcycle a smoother, quicker process. I could see added joints being fiddly and rather messy.
Yeowch those blue pins! Could they BE in a more visible position on the bike?
"LEGO absolutely adores... motorbikes."
Motorcycles kill. To wit.
"the articulation of the mech is very limited."
If you'd spent any time riding a motorcycle, you'd understand how it limits articulation. I think the mech looks realistically stiff and hunched. Like an old man getting off the toilet.
Seriously, I have to admit that this is the first mini-mech set that has interested me at all.
Love the set other than the very visible blue pins, love the ghost rider fig.
Got no nose, hair’s on fire…it’s Michael Jackson, back from the dead!
Two things:
1. Ghost Rider is the rare character who's a fantastic visual and a boring story character. Name me a classic Ghost Rider story from the comics akin to "the Dark Phoenix Saga" or "the Death of Gwen Stacy." I'll wait. (Disclosure: read almost all of the 1991-onward Ghost Rider run. It...got boring by 25.)
2. If you try to research "how many characters have been Ghost Rider?" you're going to have a bad time. I couldn't even tell you from looking at this minifig if it's Blaze or Ketch. It's *probably* Blaze. Probably. Who knows.
Next time give us the 10,000 BC Ghost Rider with his mammoth!
Wow what a hell of a set.
(Someone had to say it)
Is anyone else having a problem with the website search bar where when you start to type a set name/number it don't show suggestions anymore?
It saddens me that NEXO Knights is only really remembered for its shield (and apparently its mech body) piece.
@ResIpsaLoquitur said:
"Ghost Rider is the rare character who's a fantastic visual and a boring story character. "
Absolutely agree. I can't understand how it is possible to screw this character so much.
Ant this set is simply meh...
I like the minifigure. The set is really underwhelming. So Bricklink it is, once there will be sufficient number of minifigs on offer
@HidesFromSun said:
"Is anyone else having a problem with the website search bar where when you start to type a set name/number it don't show suggestions anymore?"
Yes, me (Firefox v109.0)
I don't understand why they keep pushing Ghost Rider. Since when was he in any prevalent shows or movies in the past handful of years? (outside of Agents of Shield)
Just the other day I thought, wouldn't it be awesome if LEGO produced some more mechs. There really aren't enough of those already...
*rollseyes*
@Ridgeheart said:
"It's dumb, it's superfluous, it's incredibly goofy and I love it. Those are useful pieces, and a good-looking bike. Also, a good-looking Ghost Rider.
Even if it IS just Danny "also-ran" Ketch."
It could be Blaze. He wore the Ketch costume in the late 2000s and in the Nick Cage movie. (It's a visually better costume, anyway.)
I could do with a Star Lord mech armour. Also one for War Machine and Ultron would be good
@chefkaspa said:
"Yes, me (Firefox v109.0)"
Thank you, at least I know it's not just me :)
@ResIpsaLoquitur said:
"Two things:
1. Ghost Rider is the rare character who's a fantastic visual and a boring story character. Name me a classic Ghost Rider story from the comics akin to "the Dark Phoenix Saga" or "the Death of Gwen Stacy." I'll wait. (Disclosure: read almost all of the 1991-onward Ghost Rider run. It...got boring by 25.)
2. If you try to research "how many characters have been Ghost Rider?" you're going to have a bad time. I couldn't even tell you from looking at this minifig if it's Blaze or Ketch. It's *probably* Blaze. Probably. Who knows."
Nicholas Cage Ghost Rider
@fourstud said:
"I don't understand why they keep pushing Ghost Rider. Since when was he in any prevalent shows or movies in the past handful of years? (outside of Agents of Shield) "
It's the 50th anniversary of the character this year, that might have something to do with Lego doing this set.
This big figure-small skullhead looks badass!
On the last pic, what’s that red thing between his legs? :-o
I do like Lego mecha, and I thought, this one was certainly different from the others ... but the entire line, this year, is so absurdly-overpriced (and given the fixed limb pieces, you're getting a lot less) that I honestly can't justify buying them.
LEGO money grab for a figure people want but a godawful justification for the set price... I want the figure though, so will either buy it on BL or wait for the set to hopefully get discounted heavily somewhere.
@PhantomBricks:
It certainly makes more sense than having Kai wearing a mech that’s riding a vehicle while his sister has to walk.
@Kalhiki:
In general, I think less articulation in the limbs makes it easier for small hands, especially if they’re holding one in each hand. Simpler design accommodates a firmer grip, and there’s less fussing around with all the moving parts. If an adult wants more articulation, they can always design new limbs, but I suspect the clunky limbs are here for the long term.
@PurpleDave said:
" @PhantomBricks:
It certainly makes more sense than having Kai wearing a mech that’s riding a vehicle while his sister has to walk.
@Kalhiki:
In general, I think less articulation in the limbs makes it easier for small hands, especially if they’re holding one in each hand. Simpler design accommodates a firmer grip, and there’s less fussing around with all the moving parts. If an adult wants more articulation, they can always design new limbs, but I suspect the clunky limbs are here for the long term."
Yeah, that vehicle was bizarre. To be fair, Nya has gotten used to running alongside her teammates since she rarely has her own vehicle...
As I said in the comments of the announcement article:
Wtf is that ghost rider
I just got it for the Ghost Rider minifig to go with my Sanctum Sanctorum for a supernatural Marvel themed display. Hopefully to make it more worth it, I can use parts from this set and the Miles vs Morbius set car, as well as some random stuff, into a good minifig scale Hellcycle.
The motorcycle is cool, but mostly relatively common Technic parts rather than anything amazing like the legendary 7158 .
On the up side.....there's a retro mobile phone stuck onto the side of the engine!
@ohrmazd said:
"As I said in the comments of the announcement article:
Wtf is that ghost rider"
A person makes deal with devil (literally) to sell his soul to help some he loves / cares for, and, in return they can become a flaming skeleton with strength / endurance rivaling the Hulk to send bad people away to hell forever (but only when innocent blood has been spilled). Ghost Rider also has a power called "penance stare" where he can make bad people feel all the pain they've ever inflicted. Usually rides a flaming motorcycle, though it can be a fiery car or even a hell-mammoth.
OR, it could mean a guy who rides ghosts like a cowboy rides a horse. Giddy-up little ghostie!
@Murdoch17:
I’m waiting for the version that rides a flaming e-scooter that you have to rent by the mile. Or the really old one who rides one of those flaming mobility scooters. Flaming Heelys are a bit hard to model at that scale (not the flame, but the fact that there’s actually a wheel inside the foot), but flaming roller skates we can do. We can also do flaming ice skates, but that probably won’t end well.
@PurpleDave said:
" @Murdoch17:
I’m waiting for the version that rides a flaming e-scooter that you have to rent by the mile. Or the really old one who rides one of those flaming mobility scooters. Flaming Heelys are a bit hard to model at that scale (not the flame, but the fact that there’s actually a wheel inside the foot), but flaming roller skates we can do. We can also do flaming ice skates, but that probably won’t end well."
Personally, I want a steam-powered hell-train...
It's a cool bike/set (although the mech looks a bit ridiculous when sitting on the bike, with the tiny minifigure head), but those blue technic pins really hurt my eyes.
Why does LEGO keep doing that? I don't understand it at all, it's so ugly!
I'm seriously considering buying this despite the high price. It's so METAL! Reminds me of Judas Priest's Painkiller!
@Ridgeheart said:
" @Murdoch17 said:
" @PurpleDave said:
" @Murdoch17 :
I’m waiting for the version that rides a flaming e-scooter that you have to rent by the mile. Or the really old one who rides one of those flaming mobility scooters. Flaming Heelys are a bit hard to model at that scale (not the flame, but the fact that there’s actually a wheel inside the foot), but flaming roller skates we can do. We can also do flaming ice skates, but that probably won’t end well."
Personally, I want a steam-powered hell-train..."
9467, now leaving the station."
Love that set! The flapping wings and glow-in-the-dark pieces. I motorized it for our Halloween display.
Remove the clip for the mech to hook on to, make some slight modifications and you'll have a UCS style Hellcharger in scale with the 76105 UCS Ultron Edition Hulkbuster!