Listen Here!

Japanese Workhorse…

What a time to be alive. Think about it, you live in a time where you can get on a hand held computer, push a few buttons and have a product in your hand that was made halfway around the world in a few days. For as much of a global economy as we live in there are still regional products that don’t make it around the world and when encountered in another environment seem alien. For Kris Laser and his son Kris Jr. their 1996 Honda Acty Attack truck would be an every day work truck in Japan, but while driving on American roads its a show stopper everywhere it goes!

For American readers, imagine shipping a white Ford F-150 to Japan and people freaking out and taking pictures everywhere you go. Constant questions of what is that, where did you get it and how much does it cost would be very strange to imagine as we see these trucks every day. The JDM Acty truck to Americans is this…The Acty lineup is designed to be economical, agile work vehicles, and generally lack luxury options, although air conditioning and power steering are available along with various trim, decoration, and customization options. Kris’ Acty is a 2nd generation "Acty Attack" version of the truck, intended for farmers in particular, this model has a differential lock in the rear and features Ultra-Low forward and reverse gears.

Kris Sr has always been attracted to the Honda brand and as he states, “when you turn the key or pull the cord, they start and run.” He’s has owned multiple Civics, Accords, Ridgelines, mini bikes and his son runs nothing but Honda engines in his lawn service company. Needless to say if Honda makes a motor for it chances are the Laser’s have one. “While we (Honda) are not cutting edge on tech, we make up in reliability,” and I’d have to say this continues to be the selling point for any Honda. Honda brought this mindset to the US in 1959 as the “friendly motorcycle company.” In 1973 Honda introduces the Civic hatchback at the outset of America's first energy crisis. With an MSRP of $2,150, a fuel-efficient 4-cylinder engine, and a front-wheel drive/front engine layout, the Civic is virtually an overnight hit with American car buyers. The rest is history! The invasion of the cheap, reliable, economic vehicle changed the American landscape for passenger cars however the American market never got the Honda version of their work truck.

Why an Acty Attack work truck? Kris states that one day while cruising one of his mini bikes he saw the van version of the Acty fleet at a gas station and immediately fell in love. They took some pictures with the mini van next to the bikes and the next day at work started doing some research. Like most of us who are looking to purchase a vehicle, he did a ton of research and went down the Acty truck rabbit hole. Kris sent it to his son who also fell in love so they began checking out importers to get one to the US. Acquired from the Japanese importer Duncan Imports in Virginia, the Acty trucks are generally white however when the lavender colored truck popped up online Kris knew he had to have it. After a phone conversation and a PPI inspection Kris purchased the 1996 Honda Attack Acty truck.

The Laser’s truck is powered by a 660cc 3cyl Honda which is basically a motorcycle engine in the rear that is as quiet as can be. With the engine being behind the cab the weight is very well distributed and also allows for that quiet ride. If you think this thing will get you anywhere fast, Kris states, “there is nothing about this thing that makes me want to go fast…75mph is fast in this thing.” The engine is backed by a manual transmission which makes it a little tough for us tall Americans to work the clutch. With the typical Honda reliability Kris states that even after sitting for weeks at a time the Acty truck starts right up every time, “and that’s what you get with Honda.”

The interior is largely stock with the exception of the steering wheel which was needed to help with knee clearance as Kris is 6’2”. While he “fits” in the truck it is not something he would like to go long distances in. “Its not a daily driver, it’s one of those things you take out every once in a while.” Its a tight fit and not the most comfortable drive but as Kris says you forget about it because you’re having so much fun. The industrial materials on the seats, floor and headliner let you know pretty quickly this was not made for comfort but for rugged use. Stated earlier, the Personal steering wheel is about the only custom part that allows for Kris to gain a little leg room when he’s driving. However, Kris does have upgrades planned for the interior with custom leather and suede seats, headliner, bed liner floor and a custom sound system.

What is it like owning a RHD Japanese import? Well the biggest thing is knowing that the US infrastructure is not setup for a RHD vehicle. Things like fast food drive thrus, toll roads and even police coming to speak to you all happen on the other side of the vehicle so make sure you always have a passenger. Everything is flipped as well when you’re driving, the blinker stalk and shifter are on the other side with the shift pattern being opposite as well. While these Acty trucks are rare in the US they are not in Japan so parts and information on servicing the vehicle is readily available! Every time he’s in a parking lot, red light or at the gas station, “its never an easy in and out thing.” There’s always people staring around it and wanting to ask questions. “Its a 24 hour parade of waiving, honking at you, looking 2 and 3 times because they see you driving on the wrong side of the car.” Unfortunately if you want to buy one of these to woo a lady Kris states, “this is not a chick magnet!”

Keeping with the mini theme the Laser’s also collect mini bikes in the form of a Honda Grom 125 and a Kawasaki Z 125. Kris Sr. got interested in these during Covid when he purchased a scooter to ride around town and quickly found it wasn’t fast enough. After upgrading a few times he had a buddy who was looking to sell a Honda Grom. Kris states, “its an inexpensive way to really enjoy yourself.” The Kawasaki is pretty much stock with plans to only upgrade the exhaust. You can get most of these bikes for under $3500 and is a great way to get into the hobby without breaking the bank.

By day Kris works in the autonomous driving industry and while we couldn’t speak specifics know that he has converted me into thinking it’s closer than we think. Being in the field he gets to work with all types of vehicles and is on the cutting edge of technological advancement in the auto industry. He also runs a small detail business aka “The Shine Guy,” where he takes on projects that he enjoys. Don’t be bringing your Honda Odessy in looking for Kris to clean out the puke! Kris Jr. is a student at Penn State and runs a yard maintenance business. Kris Jr is on the lookout for another Acty truck however he wants one with a dump bed to use for his business!

I cannot thank Kris and Kris Jr enough for taking the time to talk mini JDM trucks! You can find Kris Sr. on instagram @kei_laser or rolling around car meets in the Pittsburgh area. Kris Jr. can be found @kris-laser-jr- (those are underscores, coding doest like your insta name Kris!) on instagram or maintaining yards in the northern Pittsburgh area! If you want a car detailed by Kris you can find him on instagram @the-shineguy (underscore again). As these JDM mini trucks become more popular in the states, I’m looking forward to seeing them at local car shows around the country. I can’t wait to see the new interior next year from the guys rolling around town and seeing if I can get a go in it at some point!