Archive for the ‘Go Karts’ Category

Shifter Karts For Sale

Thursday, March 31st, 2011

Caught somewhere in the middle between regular go karts and Formula One racing are shifter karts. Shifter karts are advanced go karts which reach speeds well over 100mph. Those looking for shifter karts for sale should know a little bit about the aspects of shifter kart racing before they make any purchase.

Shifter Kart Design

Not only are shifter karts faster than other models of go karts, but they are also more demanding. As the name suggests, shifting is required in order to change gears. This differentiates the shifters from other go karts, but it also enables them to go much faster. There is a bit of a learning curve with these go karts. In order to gain maximum speeds, the vehicle’s transmission needs to be kept at a constant RPM. This means that the driver has to time the gear shifts just right. A bit of practice is all it takes to master the kart’s shifting.

Shifter Kart Speeds

There are three basic types of shifter karts: the 80cc kart, 125cc kart, and the 250cc kart. The 125cc is the mid-range kart and can easily travel speeds of over 100mph, while the high-powered 250cc can top out at 150mph. These lightweight karts can easily go from 0 – 60mph in less than 5 seconds. Because of their fast speeds, the shifter karts have front brakes, a feature which is uncommon among other types of go karts. The fact that these karts are lightweight and travel fast should not deter the wary driver. Shifter karts are well-known for being durable – a feature which is very welcome when traveling speeds of over 100mph.

Shifter Karts For Sale

Those looking at shifter karts for sale will find that there are many options for both new and pre-owned karts. Professionals will probably be interested in a new purchase, but beginners will likely be fine in a quality used kart. Because of their speed capabilities, shifter karts are often much more expensive than other types of go karts. For a beginner, testing out the waters on a used kart is probably the best economic choice.

Shifter karts prove that go kart racing can be an exhilarating experience. A sport that is gaining popularity across the world, shifter kart racing allows individuals to reach speeds that are often attainable only by racing professionals. Find shifter karts for sale and soon you too can join in the shifter kart craze.

 

Racing Go Karts For Sale

Thursday, March 31st, 2011

Go kart racing is a fun and exciting way for almost anyone to participate in motor sports. Before you decide to start racing, you need to purchase a go kart. Be sure to consider the racer’s age, racing type, and engine when searching go karts for sale, in order to find the one that best fits your needs.

Racing Age

Go kart racing is available for all ages. Typical race classes are divided into age groups of 5-7 years old, 8-12, 13-15 and 16 and up. Naturally different go karts will be used for each age class. The difference is primarily found in the engine power. Kid karts will have a much lower horsepower and smaller frame than the adult karts. Knowing this is important when you are looking at go karts for sale. Most karts will indicate if they are intended for use by someone other than an adult. Be sure to make a purchase which corresponds correctly with the rider’s age, or he or she may not be allowed to participate in a race.

Engine

The engine is the heart of the racing go kart. Racers usually utilize either a 4 stroke engine or a 2 stroke engine. 4 stroke engines can reach speeds over 50mph, while the more powerful 2 stoke engines can push 100mph. Popular engine manufacturers include Vortex, Komet, Comer, Yamaha, and Briggs and Stratton. Each company tries to put their own twist on making the best engine, so be sure to check out this element of the kart before you buy.

Types of Go Karts

There are several different types of go kart racing. The most popular forms of racing are speedway racing and sprint racing. Speedway involves going around a dirt or paved oval, or speedway. Sprint racing is performed on a paved course. Finally there is endurance racing, which is typically only for advanced riders. Knowing what type of racing you will do will affect the type of kart you purchase. Speedway go karts are often modified since they only make left turns during the race, while endurance racers need a special lie-down kart. Knowing in advance will help you in your quest for the perfect go kart.

Go kart racing is a fun, enjoyable activity for the whole family. Keep the preceding points in mind when searching go karts for sale and you will be sure to find the perfect go kart to get you on your way.

 

Go Kart Engines

Saturday, March 19th, 2011

Go karts have long been a popular, both as an amusement park staple and on the racing circuit. Because there is such a wide range of use from pleasure karts to racing karts, there are several different kinds of go kart engines available. The three standard types of engine are the electric engines, 2 stroke engines and 4 stroke engines. Each engine is designed with a specific type of go karting in mind.

Electric Engines

The first go kart engine is the electric engine. This is the type typically found the amusement park go kart. It is very environmentally friendly, as it runs on a battery which is charged after each use. This makes it especially nice for karts which run on indoor tracks. The engine is low maintenance but also expensive. Its high cost means it is typically only found on models run by go kart businesses which can afford the expense.

Racing Go Kart Engines – 4 Stroke

The second type of engine is the 4 stroke engine. This engine can be used for both pleasure and racing, and is a good choice for someone who wants to own their own go kart but isn’t interested in competitive racing. This engine typically boasts a 5-20 horsepower, although it is possible to get a 4 stroke engine with more power. Karts with this engine can easily reach speeds of up to 50mph, making it the perfect engine for the go kart enthusiast who wants to own a kart but is not interested in high-performance racing.

2 Stroke Engines

The last of the go kart engines is the 2 stroke. Specifically designed with racing in mind, the 2 stroke can reach speeds of over 100mph. This engine is very expensive and will require a lot of maintenance, so it is probably only a good choice for those who are serious about racing. Some 2 stroke engines offer a fixed gear, which means that no shifting is required. Because of their high-powered use, 2 stroke engines heat up very easily. The engines used to be designed to cool down with air, but water is now more commonly used to keep these engines from overheating.

The three types of go kart engines are all designed a bit differently, as their intended use varies. When building your own go kart, it is crucial to find the appropriate engine. The engine is the heart of the go kart and the right engine will assure the user has the pleasurable riding experience or the race they desire.

Go Kart Frames

Saturday, March 19th, 2011

Having a successful go kart ride largely depends on the frame. Go kart frames are the most important aspect of the vehicle’s make-up. The frame (also called the chassis), provides the skeletal structure of the kart. A poorly built or shoddy frame will have a very poor effect on the ride. Finding the proper go kart frame is essential for ensuring that the kart provides adequate protection and maneuvers the course with ease.

Metal Frames are the Sturdiest

Go kart frames can be made from wood, metal or hard plastic. The sturdiest frames are typically designed from a light-weight metal. There are generally two types of frames – stiff frames and flexible frames. A stiff frame is formed when short bars are welded together, while a flexible frame is made up of longer bars. The perfect frame is formed when it is stiff enough to be sturdy and provide protection, yet flexible enough to handle tight turns and maneuvers with ease.

Frame Design

The go kart frame needs to be well-built in order to provide adequate protection to the driver. Poorly designed frames can result in the kart breaking down or flipping, both dangerous situations. While most go karts used to be built primarily on stiff frames, these break down more often. A stiff frame does not always respond well to the rigors of the ride. Flexible frames tend to respond better to the surface, yet they need to be solid enough to provide a firm structure. A solid frame is also important in reducing the “side bite” in which the kart drifts from side to side or slides during a turn.

Surface Matters

The design of the go kart frame also depends largely on the type of surface on which it will be used. Dirt tracks result in much more wear and tear on the go kart, therefore it is important for an off-road go kart to be built on a frame with a narrow front and wider back. Conversely, asphalt and concrete go karts do better with wide fronts and narrow backs. In order to get the best use out of the go kart frame, be sure to choose one which appropriately corresponds with the track.

Go kart frames are an essential part of the vehicle’s make-up, and their importance should not be overlooked. Ensuring that your go kart has the right frame will guarantee that you have a pleasant and safe ride.

Go Kart Kits

Friday, March 18th, 2011

Go kart kits are an excellent way for the hobbyist or enthusiast to build their own go kart. Coming in a wide range of types and complexity levels, those who desire to build any kind of go kart will likely find that there is a kit available to suit their needs.

Wide Range of Kits

There are kits available for almost every type of go kart, so it is important that you get the correct design you want. A racing go kart kit creates a kart that’s much different from a recreational go kart, and buying the wrong type of kit will likely result in a purchase you regret. Kits are available for the very basic model to the more advanced. Basic models are often easy to assemble and are a great choice for beginners. Advanced models are much more complex and require a lot more time and skill. Having an idea of the type of go kart you would like will help you find the appropriate kit.

Types of Kits

Not all go kart kits are the same. Almost all contain everything needed to assemble a kart except the engine and clutch, but after that they vary in make-up. Some kits come with un-welded parts, which means the user will need to have access to a welder to assemble the pieces. Some kits come without tools, so it is important to double check and make sure you have the necessary supplies on hand. Finally, some kits come with detailed instructions while others have only a blueprint. Make sure to purchase a kit that appropriately reflects the level and ability you desire.

Advantages of Kits vs Pre-assembled Go Karts

There are a great many advantages to buying a go kart git over a pre-assembled model. Building a kart from a kit is a great hobby. It is also an excellent project to work on with children. Go kart users who build their own machine find they have a great sense of pride over their handiwork. It is also easy for kit users to customize their go karts during the building process, giving them the benefit of being able to design the exact kart they desire.

It is easy to see why using a go kart kit is a fun and creative way to assemble a go kart. The wide range of go kart kits available means that there is something out there for everyone, from the hobbyist to the enthusiast.