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An info/identification thread for the Brister’s go kart line with brochures, ads, catalogs and original karts. If you wish to add photos or documentation, ask a moderator to unlock the thread. 
Please, photos-only gentlemen. This is a go kart ID thread that is all about the Brister's Thunder Karts brand.
*Not my brochure. Wish there was a photo of L-450. They started adding Honda motors as an option but do not list the horsepower ratings of the two motors. Guess the red Honda engines matched the red Briggs engines in their established red-white-blue color scheme.
"The Brister family started building karts in 1959. Brister's discontinued their go-kart line in favor of their Chuck Wagon utility vehicle. Brister's was then bought out by Manco, which was then bought out by American Sportworks, and is operated as a wholly owned subsidiary."
More from the web... [copied from oldminibikes forum]
BRISTER BEGINS ANEW
A few weeks ago we reported that Charles (Chuck) Brister had resigned as president of Karts International Incorporated (KII), owner of Brister’s Thunder Karts and USA Industries. In the meantime, he has formed another company and will continue in the fun kart manufacturing business. Herewith is a statement received on May 15 explaining the situation:
Roseland, Louisiana — Charles “Chuck” Brister, a karting industry icon, announces the formation of his new manufacturing company, Brister Design and Manufacturing Company, Inc. (BDM), located in Roseland, Louisiana.
“I am pleased to announce the formation of my new company,” said Brister in a prepared statement. “BDM’s mission is to provide our customer’s with high quality, innovative products, delivered on time and supported by the best customer service and sales programs in the industry.”
Specializing in the manufacture and distribution of go-karts, mini-bikes, parts and accessories, BDM will offer eleven (fun) kart models designed for kids and adults alike ranging from 5-HP to 11-HP with tire packages for off-road adventure.
Having spent the better part of his adult like developing and manufacturing motorized products ranging from go-karts and lawn and gardening equipment to pressure washers, Mr. Brister has several patents including Clutch Lube System, throttle Override System and Safety Fuel Cap. Beginning with Brister’s Thunder Karts, a family-run company established inn 1959, he has helped the karting industry from the garage-built toys of the 1960s to today’s highly engineered off-road vehicles.
“With well over 100 years of karting experience, the team of professionals that have come together to form BDM are committed to carrying on the tradition of innovative design, manufacturing and marketing excellence that is synonymous with the Brister name,” Brister said. “Backed by financial strength and a solid business plan, the team at BDM is supported by state-of-the-art equipment operated by well-trained and motivated employees. It is our objective to become the undisputed leader in producing the finest, high-quality, attractively priced kart available. As we accomplish this objective, we will also raise the bar on the level of service and support that customers receive and BDM will become the benchmark by which all other suppliers will be evaluated.”
As a charter member and president of the American Fun Kart Association since 1998, Brister has worked closely with the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) establishing manufacturing standards for the fun kart industry. His designs, features and safety improvements are visible throughout the marketplace.
Later this month, distributors and dealers will be receiving BDM new product and program information. For more information, call 985-748-4889
BDM = Brister's Design & Mfg. Co *[logo seen on later products, just a three letter abbreviation]
I generally hate acquisitions and mergers. Manco gobbled up Brister's and they are no more. It's not like GM acquiring Saab. At least Saab was viable for a decade...
A rarely seen BTK Brister's Thunder Karts Charger
Various other Brister's karts:
Please, photos-only gentlemen. This is a go kart ID thread that is all about the Brister's Thunder Karts brand.*Not my brochure. Wish there was a photo of L-450. They started adding Honda motors as an option but do not list the horsepower ratings of the two motors. Guess the red Honda engines matched the red Briggs engines in their established red-white-blue color scheme.
"The Brister family started building karts in 1959. Brister's discontinued their go-kart line in favor of their Chuck Wagon utility vehicle. Brister's was then bought out by Manco, which was then bought out by American Sportworks, and is operated as a wholly owned subsidiary."
More from the web... [copied from oldminibikes forum]
BRISTER BEGINS ANEW
A few weeks ago we reported that Charles (Chuck) Brister had resigned as president of Karts International Incorporated (KII), owner of Brister’s Thunder Karts and USA Industries. In the meantime, he has formed another company and will continue in the fun kart manufacturing business. Herewith is a statement received on May 15 explaining the situation:
Roseland, Louisiana — Charles “Chuck” Brister, a karting industry icon, announces the formation of his new manufacturing company, Brister Design and Manufacturing Company, Inc. (BDM), located in Roseland, Louisiana.
“I am pleased to announce the formation of my new company,” said Brister in a prepared statement. “BDM’s mission is to provide our customer’s with high quality, innovative products, delivered on time and supported by the best customer service and sales programs in the industry.”
Specializing in the manufacture and distribution of go-karts, mini-bikes, parts and accessories, BDM will offer eleven (fun) kart models designed for kids and adults alike ranging from 5-HP to 11-HP with tire packages for off-road adventure.
Having spent the better part of his adult like developing and manufacturing motorized products ranging from go-karts and lawn and gardening equipment to pressure washers, Mr. Brister has several patents including Clutch Lube System, throttle Override System and Safety Fuel Cap. Beginning with Brister’s Thunder Karts, a family-run company established inn 1959, he has helped the karting industry from the garage-built toys of the 1960s to today’s highly engineered off-road vehicles.
“With well over 100 years of karting experience, the team of professionals that have come together to form BDM are committed to carrying on the tradition of innovative design, manufacturing and marketing excellence that is synonymous with the Brister name,” Brister said. “Backed by financial strength and a solid business plan, the team at BDM is supported by state-of-the-art equipment operated by well-trained and motivated employees. It is our objective to become the undisputed leader in producing the finest, high-quality, attractively priced kart available. As we accomplish this objective, we will also raise the bar on the level of service and support that customers receive and BDM will become the benchmark by which all other suppliers will be evaluated.”
As a charter member and president of the American Fun Kart Association since 1998, Brister has worked closely with the ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) establishing manufacturing standards for the fun kart industry. His designs, features and safety improvements are visible throughout the marketplace.
Later this month, distributors and dealers will be receiving BDM new product and program information. For more information, call 985-748-4889
BDM = Brister's Design & Mfg. Co *[logo seen on later products, just a three letter abbreviation]
I generally hate acquisitions and mergers. Manco gobbled up Brister's and they are no more. It's not like GM acquiring Saab. At least Saab was viable for a decade...
A rarely seen BTK Brister's Thunder Karts Charger
Various other Brister's karts:
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go kart companies after millions in lawsuits and china flooding the market with their junk all we are left with is finding and resistating old karts the best we can so people will not forget American karts rule
