Building a kart.

[otaybay]

ok so im going to fabricate myself a nice frame with steel tubing. My questions are.

What size tubing should i use?

There is this 1 guy willing to sell me a 8hp Honda motor.

Or should i get x2 6.5HP engines?

I need power. i weigh 250 LB's, 6'0 and play football... so what size engine should i use that can move me nicely threw some grass or on the road? at around 15-20mph.

Another question, Does anybody have any good simple plans for a kart, No longer then 7ft, No wider then 50 inches?

The only thing that will confuse me is steering..

Please post and help meh

 

[theo]

Get a small motorcycle engine more power and cheaper.

 

[modelengineer]

Motorbike engine, around 150-250cc will do what you want, 2 or 4 stroke doesn't really matter, both will move you faster than 20mph with really good acceleration.

And as theo says, they can be had for cheaper than a 6.5 horror fright engine.

 

[otaybay]

Do you know where i can get one for cheep? i dont really care if its used.. cause new ones are like 350... cheapest 250cc i can find is $250 but F'd up..

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Hond...rcycles_Parts_Accessories?hash=item2557e02b07

I'm sort've on a budget. im only 15 and turning 16 in like.. a month.

i tried craigslist but only thing i found was like.. 6..8..10hp engines

 

[KieranM]

6.5 horror fright engine.

bit of a typo there modelengineer eh

 

[mrfreyguy]

Try searching cl for parts bikes. Alot of times you can find a engine from one that needs little to no work. I think finding the right thing always depends on what keyword you use when you search.

 

[newrider3]

i tried craigslist but only thing i found was like.. 6..8..10hp engines

Don't search "kart engine", search stuff like "motorcycle engine" or "250cc bike" etc etc etc.

 

[otaybay]

Does anybody have some nice basic plans for a frame? that can support meh :d

 

[theo]

Are you looking for a kart or buggy, suspension or no.

 

[otaybay]

Looking for a kart with slight offroad, (Like grass and stuff)

Also, would a 200cc engine do good?

Also the plans im looking for are basic ones with square tubing since i dont have a pipe bender!

 

[theo]

If it's a 200 bike engine then it will be ok.

 

[otaybay]

nvm about the 200cc The guy wants to sell whole bike not just motor. whole bike $600 >_>

 

[otaybay]

Sorry for double post.

But would a 8hp Honda Gx240 be good? i think its 242CC according to some research on google.

 

[Blazkowiez]

HP rating does mean more stock than the displacement, stop falling for the hype of the displacement. HP is not an archaic measure of strength. Look at the HP and the rev rate, you are looking at a 4 stroke engine which typically will rev to 3600 rpm. If you're willing to spend big money on this 8 you may do better with 2 6.5hp engines. This 8hp Honda is a great engine, but look at the shaft, typically these had a 1" shaft, 1" clutches cost much much more than 3/4" shaft clutches.

What size tires do you intend to power the kart with?

Can you show us a design or have you gotten to that point yet?

If this is your first project, a bike engine may not be the right thing for you, I think of quad or bike engines as being an advanced mounting process, this is not for newbies and so far we're talking in the terms of beginner karting. I know everyone says you will go faster and have a cheaper build (most of the time), but you will spend 3-4 times the effort and time on building your kart around the bike engine.

 

[otaybay]

No design yet ... i just wanted to do somthing basic.

Somthing like this guys...

http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=3690


Also another question, My dad says using 2 motors will get messed up if there not synced properly, will snap axle or somthing.

Is there a way i can use 1 for each tire?


As for tires.. i was thinking.. 12" Or a lil bigger.. and nice and wide..so grass doesnt get ripped up..

These for tires maybe?

http://cgi.ebay.com/NEW-SET-OF-8-IN...cmdZViewItemQQptZGo_Karts?hash=item414e9364d7

 

[devino246]

You do have to make sure you sync the engines, it'll just take a little tuning.

It wouldn't snap the axle, probably just make one of the clutches slip a little.

If you have 1 engine for each wheel, then the kart will always pull to one side.

 

[newrider3]

If you have 1 engine for each wheel, then the kart will always pull to one side.

NO it will not. Almost every old school racing kart ran a dead axle with one engine per side.

Also, do you ever see a 1 wheel peel kart pull to one side? No.

 

[otaybay]

well how will x2 5Hp engines hold up with 350-400 pounds Total weight, Frame + Riders