150cc adult kart - gearing change?

[cdhd2001]

I have been looking at buying an adult size offroad go kart for trail riding.

My primary question is about speed vs. power (climbing) vs. cost.

Seems most dealers recommend a 250cc kart for two adults. But, the 250cc karts which are identical to the 150cc karts except for the engine are nearly twice the cost.

From my research the 150cc karts are geared for 40-45 mph. This seems excessive for trail riding. Most utv's are rated for 20-30 mph.

So, I was wondering if I changed the chain drive sprocket sizes to a lower gearing (approx. 25% change, 30 mph) if it would improve the hill climbing enough to be acceptable. I think it would be okay considering these are 8+hp engines. Should also save some on the wear of the cvt.

Has anyone does this before?

Thanks!

 

[ward34]

ya all you need is a jack shaft and some rigging and you will have to find the best gear ration for the speed and power you wont but i would go with 1:2 ratio for the engine side of the jackshaft and 1:6 ration on the axle side of the shaft and that should give you a good balance of speed and power but post some pics

 

[fowler]

no id go the 250 as u will want the speed at some stage

yes u dont go 40 over big rocks and stuff but u dont want to drag yourself around at bugger all to get to these trails

plus at some stage u will get bored of crawling over logs and wash outs and just wanna go for it

 

[landuse]

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