Best new cart for under $2k?

K

Kartdude2000

New member
Messages
26
Reaction score
0
Long time lurker and off and on kart owner.

So I went to take off the cvt assembly from the cart today and broke the bolt that goes into the engine driveshaft.

Ugh.

Don’t feel like throwing another predator in my old cart. I’m done with my rusty old one. Time to upgrade anyway as kids are older now and need something with better brakes and more speed.

With all of that said, I have NO idea what a good semi off road (dirt roads, grass fields etc) kart is these days.

Any suggestions? And I have no desire to pick up a project. I want something NIB. Bright and shiny.

Thanks everyone!!

Btw, I completely get that this is a DIY forum but am looking to tap into your knowledge of who manufactures solid karts these days. Not to mention that after one season even a new kart becomes a DIY project!
 
K

Karttekk

Well-known member
Messages
1,836
Reaction score
428
Location
Elizabeth, PA
Your last "domestic" karts were American Landmaster products like the Carbide buggy, the Marauder fun kart and the Black Widow fun kart. The company has since focused on UTV's. The Marauder is still available at some Dunham's Stores, possibly the Black Widow too. Most vendors are offering the buggy style kart now, Hammerhead Off Road and Trailmaster being the most popular ones.

https://www.hammerheadoffroad.com/

http://www.bvpowersports.com/

https://www.dunhamssports.com/product/marauder_go-kart/S0000729541.html

https://www.dunhamssports.com/product/black_widow_go-kart/S0000153296.html

---------- Post added at 09:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:31 PM ----------

Read about the Marauder here. I think you can modify the speed by turning the throttle screw to limit how far the gas pedal travels.

https://gokartsusa.com/Marauder-Gokart-American-Sportworks.aspx
 
K

Kartdude2000

New member
Messages
26
Reaction score
0
Karttekk said:
Your last "domestic" karts were American Landmaster products like the Carbide buggy, the Marauder fun kart and the Black Widow fun kart. The company has since focused on UTV's. The Marauder is still available at some Dunham's Stores, possibly the Black Widow too. Most vendors are offering the buggy style kart now, Hammerhead Off Road and Trailmaster being the most popular ones.

https://www.hammerheadoffroad.com/

http://www.bvpowersports.com/

https://www.dunhamssports.com/product/marauder_go-kart/S0000729541.html

https://www.dunhamssports.com/product/black_widow_go-kart/S0000153296.html

---------- Post added at 09:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:31 PM ----------

Read about the Marauder here. I think you can modify the speed by turning the throttle screw to limit how far the gas pedal travels.

https://gokartsusa.com/Marauder-Gokart-American-Sportworks.aspx
Click to expand...


Thanks!

Looks like most of these use predator/Honda clones for engines?
 
K

Karttekk

Well-known member
Messages
1,836
Reaction score
428
Location
Elizabeth, PA
Kartdude2000 said:
Looks like a good engine. Unfortunately I want to be closer to $1500. I should really just grab another predator engine and car setup and swap it....but want something new and shiny with good brakes...
Click to expand...

If your "bright & shiny" budget is $1500.00, why not go another $200.00 if for a Marauder if can you find one? For another $200.00 you're getting a new American Landmaster product that has a 3 year engine warranty plus they're electric start. I just sold a Hammerhead Mudhead youth kart with that same engine, thing ran great. You stated earlier you were trying to get away from installing engines from gumball machines, those Predators. Something to consider.

https://www.dunhamssports.com/product/marauder_go-kart/S0000729541.html

Same engine on the Mudhead, their karts are pricey but well built with parts available.

https://www.hammerheadoffroad.com/product/mudhead-208r/
 
K

Kartdude2000

New member
Messages
26
Reaction score
0
Karttekk said:
If your "bright & shiny" budget is $1500.00, why not go another $200.00 if for a Marauder if can you find one? For another $200.00 you're getting a new American Landmaster product that has a 3 year engine warranty plus they're electric start. I just sold a Hammerhead Mudhead youth kart with that same engine, thing ran great. You stated earlier you were trying to get away from installing engines from gumball machines, those Predators. Something to consider.

https://www.dunhamssports.com/product/marauder_go-kart/S0000729541.html

Same engine on the Mudhead, their karts are pricey but well built with parts available.

https://www.hammerheadoffroad.com/product/mudhead-208r/
Click to expand...


Thanks. Looks like the marauder could work. Not seeing anyplace local (New England) that has them. Shipping is exorbitant. Will keep digging. Thanks for all of the great info!
 
Functional Artist

Functional Artist

Well-known member
Messages
4,411
Reaction score
1,694
Location
Toledo, Ohio
BMI karts (here in Ohio) offers "free shipping" on their karts :thumbsup:

I don't think this what you have in mind :lolgoku:
...but, this one is Super Kool! :2guns:

Trailmaster Super Traxx 200
The 200cc Tracked Vehicle PTV Super Traxx 6.5hp is a dual track, 6.5 HP, heavy duty clutch powered off-road machine.

•That's right, no tires and wheels.
•The Super Traxx runs on two 7" wide tracks, looks like a small tank.
•The Track system allows you to conquer all types of terrain from off-road riding, to snow covered hills, sand beaches and muddy fields.
•Track systems are not new technology, they can be found on tanks, construction rigs and high end utility vehicles. We are using this system to bring the consumer an affordable, easy to use, all-weather track kart.
•The TrailMaster Super Traxx 200 is super cool and one-of-a-kind vehicle.
•This rubber tracked ATV is in a class of its own.
•The Super Traxx 200 is super fun to play with in the backyard or in the woods.
•The Super Traxx is able to tackle all terrains including dirt, sand, snow and mud.
•This personal tracked vehicle can even handle shallow creek crossings with low impact and high traction.
•The Super Traxx 200 is simply engineered with minimal parts

https://www.bmikarts.com/Trailmaster-Super-Traxx-200_p_5700.html

* They have many others available too :cheers2:
 

Attachments

  • traxx200_thumbnail.jpg
    traxx200_thumbnail.jpg
    13.5 KB · Views: 61
K

Karttekk

Well-known member
Messages
1,836
Reaction score
428
Location
Elizabeth, PA
JTSpeedDemon

JTSpeedDemon

2019 Build Off Winner!
Messages
4,026
Reaction score
147
Location
Texas
Why has no one recommended the GoPowerSports vintage kart kit???? https://www.gopowersports.com/standard-vintage-go-kart-kit/ It's about $1200, but it's a very nice frame, and while it is a kit, you'll learn a lot by building it and make it easier to fix later since you'll know how it goes together. Also, you can bet that if properly built, it'll last much longer than the ASW and Trailmaster offerings and the likes. (read: a lot more systems and complex components to break, with much less aftermarket support, and model specific parts)

Sure, I'm biased, I hate minibuggies(I refuse to call it a kart if it has a roll cage and full suspension), but I love simple, true go karts.
 
K

Kartdude2000

New member
Messages
26
Reaction score
0
Karttekk said:
If your "bright & shiny" budget is $1500.00, why not go another $200.00 if for a Marauder if can you find one? For another $200.00 you're getting a new American Landmaster product that has a 3 year engine warranty plus they're electric start. I just sold a Hammerhead Mudhead youth kart with that same engine, thing ran great. You stated earlier you were trying to get away from installing engines from gumball machines, those Predators. Something to consider.

https://www.dunhamssports.com/product/marauder_go-kart/S0000729541.html

Same engine on the Mudhead, their karts are pricey but well built with parts available.

https://www.hammerheadoffroad.com/product/mudhead-208r/
Click to expand...


Looks like I’d have to get a marauder shipped which adds $400 to the price.

For that price ($2k shipped) I could get something like the trail master blazer...

But again, maybe they are junk parts in the trailmasters. I only use it on the weekends and want the kids to be riding it and not me tearing it apart to fix it...
 
K

Karttekk

Well-known member
Messages
1,836
Reaction score
428
Location
Elizabeth, PA
Kartdude2000 said:
Looks like I’d have to get a marauder shipped which adds $400 to the price.

For that price ($2k shipped) I could get something like the trail master blazer...

But again, maybe they are junk parts in the trailmasters. I only use it on the weekends and want the kids to be riding it and not me tearing it apart to fix it...
Click to expand...

Pretty much everything is Chinese but these are the higher quality machines that seem to be holding up well and parts are available. Look around locally for a used one. Kids outgrow them or the cops stop people from riding them so the owners dump them.
 
JTSpeedDemon

JTSpeedDemon

2019 Build Off Winner!
Messages
4,026
Reaction score
147
Location
Texas
Mmmmm, he did say he wanted a semi off road kart, I think dirt roads and grass fields are within it's reach. At any rate, it's his choice, but at least it's out there.
 
K

Kartdude2000

New member
Messages
26
Reaction score
0
Ok so found a mudhead local used that looks clean and am going to grab. How would you translate mileage on a cart? Meaning, what’s considered a “low mileage/high mileage” kart?

Thanks again


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
K

Karttekk

Well-known member
Messages
1,836
Reaction score
428
Location
Elizabeth, PA
First thing is tire wear if they're original. See if they're worn unevenly from something bent or loose or just worn from use. Check for excessive play in the steering linkage, check for any engine smoke or noises, slipping drivetrain, overall condition of the paint and seats. After a while you'll be able to see if the karts were taken care of or trashed. The last one I sold had fenders torn off, fender bracket mounting holes stripped, roll cage twisted, additional paint sprayed on it. Look at it as you would a used car. If it looks clean, runs okay, steers straight, doesn't rattle or have any strange noises you should be okay.

---------- Post added at 09:36 AM ---------- Previous post was at 09:33 AM ----------

I think the Mudhead is a good choice. I've been dealing with Hammerhead Performance for some time. They're great at answering any questions, have just about everything in stock you might need and are very professional. Good luck, holler if you need anything. Post some pictures when you get it.

https://hammerheadperformance.com/
 
K

Karttekk

Well-known member
Messages
1,836
Reaction score
428
Location
Elizabeth, PA
Double check for any frame cracks also, forgot to mention that. I doubt you'll find any but check closely anyway.
 
K

Kartdude2000

New member
Messages
26
Reaction score
0
Karttekk said:
Double check for any frame cracks also, forgot to mention that. I doubt you'll find any but check closely anyway.
Click to expand...


I bought it. It runs fine, stops and goes straight. That’s all the kids need. Thanks for all the help everyone. I paid too much but the dealer wanted $2700 delivered for a new one and that’s not gonna happen.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top