BKS Bob's Kart Shop "Budget Racer"? Looking for Info.

[gokartdave]

Sometimes I wonder, then I also wonder how many were actually made. Here is a pic of my other 1. It says Go-fur.

 

[Steveg101]

Hello,

This does look like one of the karts that was built BY BKS. Most likely my father had a hand in building it. I'm Bob's granddaughter and daughter of his oldest child. They manufactured karts for many years, originally out of Wedron, IL, then out of Norway/Sheridan where they built a track from the ground up that is now owned by Concept Haulers Motor Speedway. When it was owned by my grandparents it was BKS (Bob's Kart Shop). I'd be happy to talk to my dad about this kart if you are still in possession!

Hello,

I made this post and proceeded to forget about it completely, so forgive me for never responding. The tecumseh that was on it was really worn so I stashed it away and swapped on a modern tillotson 212, got her up to 48mph out here on the country roads. I ended up selling it off to a father-son who were going to race and enjoy it much more than I had been doing. That small metal plate near the seat read "BKS Wedron, Illinois" so that's what I went off of. I had found an old ad page that listed some BKS models and the "Budget Racer" looked the most similar. Awesome to see your comment here, just rewatched Junkyard Dig's episode with Bob recently, was so cool to see the man behind the machine.

 

[bkstheworld]

Whats your break setup like? I just got my hands on a bks grasshopper that needs some work. There's no breaks and I'm looking to go with the factory setup since I have no access to welding on something custom.

 

[gokartdave]

It is a mechanical brake. There should be a plate welded to the frame that it will bolt up to. I can get a picture of the brake caliper itself this sat. Let me know if this helps.

 

[bkstheworld]

Yes I also have a plate like so and here's a picture.

 

[gokartdave]

Yes I also have a plate like so and

Yes I also have a plate like so and here's a picture.View attachment 151224

Looks like you have a drum brake. That will have to be replaced. Mine has an 8" plate 1/4" thick.

 

[bkstheworld]

How'd it go? Was you caliper bolted up with a longer bolt?

 

[gokartdave]

Looks like you have a drum brake. That will have to be replaced. Mine has an 8" plate 1/4" thick.

My mechanical caliper is an airheart not sure how old it is.

 

[gokartdave]

How'd it go? Was you caliper bolted up with a longer bolt?

Yes it's bolted to that square plate in your pic.

 

[gokartdave]

Yes it's bolted to that square plate in your pic.

 

[gokartdave]

Do you have the original pedals?

 

[bkstheworld]

Do you have the original pedals?

I wouldn't be able to say if they are original.

 

[gokartdave]

I wouldn't be able to say if they are original. View attachment 151244

I can get better pics if needed but here's 1 for now.

 

[bkstheworld]

then yeah my current pedals aren't the same factory ones

 

[bkstheworld]

Any kits you recommend for my throttle system?

 

[gokartdave]

Any kits you recommend for my throttle

I bought mine yrs ago at Meijer. It's bicycle brake cable replacement kit. Comes in multiple lengths. Been working great.

 

[bkstheworld]

Same stuff for your brakes too?

 

[gokartdave]

Same stuff for your brakes too?

No brake is a solid bar. I'll get you a pic later today. I believe it's 30 something inches long an thread at 1 end. Will also need a spring.

 

[bkstheworld]

Is that a small locking collar holding that spring in?

 

[gokartdave]

Is that a small locking collar holding that spring in?

Yes. I believe it's 1/4" I can check when I get home.