Chinese Go Karts, What to look out for?

[Nick291]

Hi all, I was wondering what I need to be aware of, if I was to buy a Chinese made Go kart. What should I look out for? Are they Reliable? Any generic info on what you think should be made clear about them.

Regards,
Nick291

 

[KartFab]

Initial cost is good. Parts are cheap. You get what you pay for. Most used Chinese karts have major electrical and engine issues. Trailmaster and hammerhead are supposedly good.

The more wires/moving parts, the more opportunities there are to screw something up. A good rule of thumb for Chinese stuff is this "is this something that can be easily screwed up?" If so, avoid unless it already has a good reputation.

 

[Nick291]

Initial cost is good. Parts are cheap. You get what you pay for. Most used Chinese karts have major electrical and engine issues. Trailmaster and hammerhead are supposedly good.

The more wires/moving parts, the more opportunities there are to screw something up. A good rule of thumb for Chinese stuff is this "is this something that can be easily screwed up?" If so, avoid unless it already has a good reputation.

Ah right, That's good to know, thanks gran_pann, this has helped me further my understanding and be wary of what *could* go wrong with them.

 

[KartFab]

Ah right, That's good to know, thanks gran_pann, this has helped me further my understanding and be wary of what *could* go wrong with them.

What *WILL* go wrong with them.
Normal low maintenance go karts need bearings replaced, chain stretches, tires rot, and engine carbs need cleaning.

Chinese karts have all of those problems plus:
electrical wiring gets messed up somehow?
top end needs replacement
charge coil/magneto goes bad a lot
and general quality issues, rubber/plastic etc just isnt made the same and weathers a lot faster, even the paint fades faster.

(this is just my opinion on what i have seen, especially the used go kart scene on craigslist)

Chinese costs less up front, but will give you major repair/quality issue headaches for as long as you own it

my advice is not to buy one, but if you do buy one, get a year's worth of use out of it, always store it in your garage and use treated gas, then sell it for a little less during christmas time.

 

[Nick291]

I am thinking of buying two, one I can keep and one I can sell and hopefully be able to make a profit out of. But I feel the electrical issues and stuff will stop that from happening as they will cost a bit of money to sort out

 

[DeathMachine]

Haven't owned any Chunese karts, but a few of the mini bikes and motorcycles.

In addition to the above, I have found thinner wall tubing used, subpar welds, and 'soft' bolts that strip/ break easily

 

[Nick291]

I think I would have to replace them then, just to be on the safe side!

 

[lyfesaver]

As someone who owns a Crossfire 150R, has almost bought 2 Trailmasters and a Kandi, plus a Baja Dune, I can tell you this - unlike the ATVs and dirt bikes, not all Chinese "Buggy" style karts are the same.

As Gran_pann is correct in his assessment for the most part, I would like to add a few things.

You have two styles, brand named karts like TrailMaster and Hammerhead who take pride in their design and work. Wires are gauged correctly, welds are at least par, design is well thought out, etc.
Then you have the generic karts that were designed and then sold to various manufactures, Kandi being one of those. This design is is first and foremost CRAP. Just look at it and you can tell from the get go, they had no idea what they were doing. You have all seen the design, they have mirrors and blinkers and the netting in the back. Front has two brush guards right next to each other in the middle, not out on the sides where it will actually brush stuff out of the way, but instead you get smacked in the face a bunch. These karts may or may not (most likely the latter) have good welds and the right wires, etc.

The same exact thing for the engines. They are all GY6es, but the TM's and HH's have ones that the manufacturer was proud to put their names on, like Howitt and others. These engines will run for their expected life (hours) and beyond with little to no upkeep. Again for the generics, they are subpar. At least this time design is not a factor, its just the cheaper metals and plastics as well as no quality control ion the manufacturing process.

ALL that being said, its about the price and cost to operate. I would buy a Kandi (sells at 1,800 new) for $500, replaces wires and touch up some welds for another 200 or so. I just would not take it on the more aggressive trails as I would get beat up.

Hope this helps.

 

[Nick291]

That does help lyfesaver, thankyou. Have you heard of a company called Bode?? Are their karts any good?

 

[lyfesaver]

I have not, but their 150cc and 250cc karts are the exact ones I mentioned that someone designed and then sold the designs to a bunch of companies (like Kandi).

They do have some other karts too that are 4x4 and even racers. I would put it to you this way: Bode seems (from never riding in one) to be just like Kandi and others, but takes a bit more pride. If the price was right I would take a chance, but be prepared to POSSIBLY sink some more money into it fairly quickly. Just dont be shocked is all.

 

[Nick291]

Well they do a type of kart which is kind of what I am looking for in my only other thread. They only seem to be a trade seller though which may be a slight issue.

 

[lyfesaver]

Yes. Here is what I suggest:
New Karts:
TrailMaster
HammerHead

Used Karts:
TM & HH
Tomberlain Crossfire 150 or 150R (Discontinued)
Baja Dune 150 (Older models look like Crossfires, newer look like HH)

Also, used but still doable with a small bit of tweaking:
Manco / American Sportsworks
Carter Brothers
Stryker

 

[Nick291]

We will have to see what I decide to get. Anyway thanks again lyfesaver!

 

[oldbeagle]

I would warn you AWAY from China made power products. It's all cheap copies of something better made elsewhere. A friend stupidly bought a Chinese ATV. It had problems in the 30 day warranty and finally the crankshaft starter gear stopped turning the engine and there was no kickstart backup! Not only that, but everything plastic was low quality and the frame was thinwall tubing. There is NO way it could stand up to long term use.

 

[plane jocky]

As someone who owns a Crossfire 150R, has almost bought 2 Trailmasters and a Kandi, plus a Baja Dune, I can tell you this - unlike the ATVs and dirt bikes, not all Chinese "Buggy" style karts are the same.

As Gran_pann is correct in his assessment for the most part, I would like to add a few things.

You have two styles, brand named karts like TrailMaster and Hammerhead who take pride in their design and work. Wires are gauged correctly, welds are at least par, design is well thought out, etc.
Then you have the generic karts that were designed and then sold to various manufactures, Kandi being one of those. This design is is first and foremost CRAP. Just look at it and you can tell from the get go, they had no idea what they were doing. You have all seen the design, they have mirrors and blinkers and the netting in the back. Front has two brush guards right next to each other in the middle, not out on the sides where it will actually brush stuff out of the way, but instead you get smacked in the face a bunch. These karts may or may not (most likely the latter) have good welds and the right wires, etc.

The same exact thing for the engines. They are all GY6es, but the TM's and HH's have ones that the manufacturer was proud to put their names on, like Howitt and others. These engines will run for their expected life (hours) and beyond with little to no upkeep. Again for the generics, they are subpar. At least this time design is not a factor, its just the cheaper metals and plastics as well as no quality control ion the manufacturing process.

ALL that being said, its about the price and cost to operate. I would buy a Kandi (sells at 1,800 new) for $500, replaces wires and touch up some welds for another 200 or so. I just would not take it on the more aggressive trails as I would get beat up.

Hope this helps.

ive got a kandi 150 love it never a issue