How many pieces are in the Desert Hopper?

Desert Hopper contains 92 pieces.

What age is the Desert Hopper recommended for?

This set is recommended for ages 7-12.

When was the Desert Hopper released?

Desert Hopper was released in 2008.

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🏛 Racers

Set #8490

Desert Hopper

The Desert Hopper is a fun, pocket-sized racer with a cool pull-back motor.

Before you buy

Who it's for: Ages 7+ · Beginner build Ideal for kids aged 7-12 who enjoy building and racing cars.
Build: 92 pieces · about 1 hours Build time is an estimate.
Price: $9.99 list price · 10.9¢ per piece
Availability: Retired at LEGO

★★★☆☆ 3.7 community rating

Users appreciate the Desert Hopper for its fun pull-back action and simple build, making it great for kids. Some find the overall design basic and the piece count low for the price on the secondary market.

$9.99

Best Price

$84.00

📝 Our Take

AI-assisted editorial summary, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

The Desert Hopper is a fun, pocket-sized racer with a cool pull-back motor. This set captures the thrill of off-road racing in a small package, complete with a ramp for launching the buggy into the air.

This set is perfect for younger builders or anyone looking for a quick, engaging build. The pull-back motor adds an element of play, and the included ramp enhances the fun.

Skip this if you're seeking a complex or highly detailed model. Consider larger Technic racers for a more challenging build experience.

✨ New

Ask BlockTalk about this set

AI assistant with full set data

BlockTalk

Hi! I'm BlockTalk, your LEGO expert. Ask me anything about the Desert Hopper - building tips, investment potential, comparisons, or anything else!

Try asking:

How well does the pull-back motor perform? Is this set a good introduction to Technic building? How does this set compare to other small racers from the same era? What is the best way to display this set with the ramp?

🧱 Building Experience

AI-assisted build estimate, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

🧩

Pieces

⏱

Estimated Build Time

📊

Beginner

Difficulty

👤

7-12

Ages

Build Highlights:

Simple and quick build
Pull-back motor provides engaging play
Includes a ramp for jumping action
Sturdy design for active play

📈 Investment Analysis

AI-assisted investment analysis, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

→ Price stable

B-

Investment Grade

⏳ Retired

The Desert Hopper, being a retired set from 2008, has seen a significant increase in value. Its relatively low piece count might deter some investors, but its collectibility as part of the Racers theme and the inclusion of the ramp make it appealing. The stable price trend indicates consistent demand. However, the lack of unique or rare parts could limit substantial future appreciation. Investing in sets like these depends on the condition and completeness of the set.

Not Financial Advice: Content is for educational purposes only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Full disclaimer

📖 About This Set

This desert buggy Power Racer with pull-back motor is ready to jump, and it even comes with its own kangaroo-crossing ramp to get airborne! Can you make the Desert Hopper jump further than your friends? Combine with #8491 Ram Rod to make a 4-wheel-drive pull-back racer and ramp! Includes jump ramp, gate and racer with a pull-back motor! Desert Hopper is 5" (13cm) long!

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

Compared to other racers, the Desert Hopper stands out for its simplicity and the inclusion of a ramp. While larger Technic sets offer more complex builds, this set provides a quick and fun experience, particularly for younger builders. It's a good alternative to more expensive or intricate models if you're looking for a budget-friendly option.

📦 Parts Inventory

Official piece count: 92
Parts cataloged in this inventory: 41 unique parts, 92 pieces

Missing a piece? Check this set piece by piece, with look-alike colors flagged and element IDs for replacements.

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2412b 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Tile Special 1 x ...

Part #: 2432 1× Yellow

Tile Special 2 x ...

Part #: 2460 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Pin with ...

Part #: 2780 12× Black

Brick 2 x 3

Part #: 3002 1× Black

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Plate 4 x 4

Part #: 3031 1× Yellow

Plate 2 x 8

Part #: 3034 1× Yellow

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 32034 1× Blue

Technic Pin Long ...

Part #: 32054 2× Black

Technic Bush 1/2 ...

Part #: 32123b 12× Yellow

Technic Beam 2 x ...

Part #: 32140 2× Yellow

Technic Axle and ...

Part #: 32184 2× Black

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 32523 2× Yellow

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 32524 2× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3702 2× Black

Technic Axle 6

Part #: 3706 2× Black

Technic Axle 8

Part #: 3707 2× Black

Plate 2 x 6

Part #: 3795 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Technic Brick 1 x...

Part #: 3894 2× Light Bluish Gray

Equipment Signal ...

Part #: 3900 2× White

Cone 2 x 2 x 2, O...

Part #: 3942c 2× White

Technic Beam 1 x ...

Part #: 40490 2× Black

Tile 1 x 8 with G...

Part #: 4162 1× Light Bluish Gray

Technic Axle Pin ...

Part #: 43093 6× Blue

Brick Wedged, Cur...

Part #: 45677 1× Yellow

Pullback Motor 9 ...

Part #: 47715 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Wheel Arch, Curve...

Part #: 47755 1× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Curved 3 x ...

Part #: 50950 2× Dark Bluish Gray

Brick Sloped 30° ...

Part #: 54200 2× Trans-Clear

Sticker Sheet for...

Part #: 54889 1× [No Color/Any Color]

Tyre 37 x 22 ZR

Part #: 55978 2× Black

Wheel 18mm x 14mm...

Part #: 55982 2× Black

Wheel 30.4 x 20 w...

Part #: 56145 2× Black

Tyre 30.4 x 14 VR...

Part #: 58090 2× Black

Technic Engine Bl...

Part #: 61069 2× Yellow

Technic Car Spoil...

Part #: 61073 1× Black

Plate Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 6141 2× Trans-Red

Ramp Cover, with ...

Part #: 61768 1× [No Color/Any Color]

Technic Pin Long ...

Part #: 6558 2× Blue

Technic Axle 3 wi...

Part #: 6587 2× Dark Bluish Gray

The parts selection is fairly standard for a set of this size, with a good mix of Technic pins and axles. The black tires are a useful element for MOC builders creating small vehicles.