I bought a Twister Hammerhead 250SS from MeninTools.com a few months ago. So far I really love the machine. It came shipped in a 650 lb crate with partial assembly required. A couple of hours later it was on the road.

I now have 124 miles on the kart and it runs better as it goes. The initial tune-up was easy. The one thing to break was the exhaust hanger/clamp, so I fashioned a temporary out of aluminum scrap and am requesting a new one be shipped.

These karts are not indestructable, but they are awesome. The kart floats like a fine 4 wheeler, but your passenger can sit beside you instead of up on your back! The Hammerhead 250SS runs very smooth, starts easily, climbs hills, takes tight turns on narrow trails, has headlights that rule and it just doesn't stop. Some folks dislike the speakers, but I think they are great for chillin around camp and hearing some tunes when driving slow through the woods.

The basic kart, frame, engine and vitals are awesome and strong. The seats are the BEST I've experienced in a kart. Many folks here talk of USA vs CHINA and I can tell you that the USA companies are using Chinese parts. My previous 4 wheeled ride was a Manco Scorpion and it was fun, but very primitive and clumsy compared to the 250SS.

I don't think the 250SS is good for kids. It is an adult kart that will require care and respect to stay in Cadillac form with creature comforts intact. For example, many folks complain about broken fenders and stuff. Well, they don't break themselves and mine are going strong. Some parts are clearly cheaper than others, most notably are the boots and rubber components. The frame, seats, engine and all the parts that count are strong, however.

If you are looking for a sweet, compact ride with some comfort and cool trick toys then the Twister is the one. We here in the east have trees and like it that way. The Twister is the narrowest 2 seat ride in its performance class. In my opinion it is the best. I wish Honda and Yamaha would build a new buggy and stand behind it, but til then it'll be the Hammerhead Twister 250SS. BUT, If they ever do get (back) into the buggy market, a Honda similar to the Twister would probably cost $8K...

If you are planning to buy a buggy and take it to big trails for a beating then the Twister may not be best because you'll break all the cool stuff. If you are more into cutting your own trails and doing the rabbit-thing through the woods as you party and camp, then the Twister is the one if you like a hot rod with nice touches.

Fuel? It gets about 50+ miles to the gallon...

Speed? I've had mine up to 42 and didn't want to go any faster on our trails.

Weight? @ 650lb wet

Ride? Comfy, Cushy and Controlled

Appearance? Turns Heads

Price? $3799 shipped direct

Support? Don't know yet, will update later, but so far have not needed any help with the kart.

VIDEO Test Ride:
I made a video of a ride around the farm last week. It's me and my wife cruising the 250SS around. The original music is from my band, the Walnut Grove Band. The video is posted at Google Video here:
http://video.google.com/videop...RI4Pi4gLNqPXzBw&hl=en

I've also got some other photos of various farm and power toys I've tried out here too (Manco Scorpion, Baja Mini, Yamaha TT-R 90 modified pit bike, Honda XR100R, a Lowrider):
http://www.pbase.com/walnutt/farm_toys&page=all

Well, have a good weekend and happy karting!

PS
I'm no typist, so sorry for the typos, but wanted to get my opinion and video out there so folks considering a Twister Hammerhead 250SS can see what this Virginia fellow's experience has been with this cool machine.

I agree i think the machine is amazing and pretty durable.
Yes i have broken parts but i ride REAL hard.

Your video didn't work, but id love to see it.
I dont like the speakers much they serve little purpose really if they where more in the "cabin" maybe you could hear them better but being behind you and pointing back they dont serve much use other then when the machine is off like you said.

You can turn them around and point them forward but you cannot use all 3 mounting bolts.

Well, shucks, let me try to post this link again to this Twister Vid:

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=1361737819452066642&q=twister+hammerhead+&ei=OGeLSMqzKI3O4gL34amRCA&hl=en


p.s. Those insane buggy junkie videos are nuts in a cool wau. Someday maybe I'll be able to beat my buggy up like that, but for now I am pimpin' around the woods and fields.

I will check out your video tomorrow I'm just on my phone at the moment doesn't run video so well. Glad you liked the video we are going to be filming more real soon. Rolled twice in a month and still not on video.

Can i make the video smaller some how? Its huge almost full screen so quality takes a nose dive.

I added a Jensen audio system and did some towing. You can read more about it and see more photos, plus link in the Mini Buggy Mods section:
http://www.buggynews.com/topic14819.html

Start thinking about some mods. You will see a noticeable difference in performance...acceleration response and torque.

Glade

I just got a 2007 HH SS and i just wanted to know what parts are breaking on the machine. Is there any spare parts I might want to.

Spare CVT belt or 2 definitely.

Make sure to check all the fluid levels, change them regularly.

Check every bolt you can find and make sure they are tight.

At least once per year, inspect your rollers for flat spots. Replace as necessary.

Check the brake pads from time to time for wear. Replace as necessary.

Hope this helps.

-Mike