And tips for building a go kart?

Question

I am 15 and I want to build a go kart. I haven't built one ever before so I am seeking advise. I would like to know the following info about building go karts:

-How much do they cost
-Is it better to buy a kit or build with plans
-Where can I get parts, plans, kits, etc
-How fast do they go
-Can they go on grass and gravel
-Fuel economy
-Any other tips or tricks from your experience

Thanks much for any help you can provide!

Answer 1

I built my own, it's not hard. You don't need a kit, I just drew mine out, and welded it up. I needed a good bit of square tubing, a welder, a grinder, and a good bit of room. I just did a frame, didn't bother with a rollcage or roof. I set the seat down in the frame so it sits level, giving you a better center of gravity, so you don't roll. The frame is the easy part. Finding an engine can be a little more troublesome. I just lucked out I got a donated 5 horse Briggs and Stratton. Small engines are fairly expensive, but if you're mechanically skilled, you can buy a trashed one and fix it up for pretty darn cheap. A 5 horse chain clutch is also much cheaper than a 15 horse as well. With 5 horsepower, I just ran it one wheel drive. I ran the sprocket to the clutch via chain, and hooked up the steering with a gear and chain from my own bike, which works surprisingly well, it's like power steering it's so easy to turn. It's pretty easy to do, you weld up the sprocket to the end of the steering column, and run the chain past it and weld the chain (zip-ties work too) to each end of the front axle. As for performance, I can hit 30 mph fairly easy, and if I had enough room I could probably hit 35. I drive on grass, but if you plan to do that I'd fit meaty tires and hook it up live axle (both wheels turn) as I've cut up my lawn pretty good. Fuel economy? I can run all day on the gallon tank. Check eBay for engines, you might even be able to find a ready-built one for pretty cheap. I fitted some blue and red driving lights and a strobe relay powered by a 4-wheeler battery just for the hell of it, it's pretty damn fun to pull up to a party with it. Just check around, and be prepared to donate a good amount of time, good luck!

Answer 2

It depends on what kind of kart u want to build. There are like 3 categories. 1) racing go kart Some of these go like 165mph, but they're fkin expensive as ****. Research Rotax, zip north and go kart parts on google for the prices 2) off roaders These r the business. You get like mini ones, or sand buggies. A typical farmyard go kart has around 5-15hp and will do about 50mph. Tyres with huge treads and killer suspension. Most have no gears, just a reduction box for more torque (power) 3) domestic go karts Probably the cheapest and it really has to be all custom. I can't really explain much because it's all up to you. Here are a few of the key parts: Steering - tie rods, stub axles, steering column, steering wheel, rims, tyres. Drive train - sprocket and carrier, axle, rims, tyres, chain, centrifugal clutch, engine Braking - master cylinder, brake caliper, brake fluid, Track go karts have no suspension, and they go the fastest Off roaders will take you almost anywhere Homemade backyard karts are just for muckin about with mates P.s. If you wanna do this properly, your gonna need time, money and almost definitely a welder. Mig Welders are the easiest and the best. About £30-£50 on ebay or gumtree All the best

Answer 3

Hey were both the same age. I've been building custom go karts and mini choppers since i was 11 years old when my father tought me how to weld. I would sugest to follow plans or designg your own. I dont like kits because it takes all the fun of building a go kart. I have allways got all my parts from BMIKARTS.com, they have everything at a realy good price. Feel free to contact me with any questions i can help you with any thing.