Engine from a motorcycle - which type?

[ImJay]

Hello there.

As you can see I'm new here, and hopefully this question will go along nicely.
About me/the kart: I've finished my final year of highschool, and now I finally think I have some time to build a kart alongside other studies and work. I'm aiming towards an offroad kart with a nice sized motor and turbocharged, off course (I would love to have a turbo petrol car, but I'm just not old enough yet). Fully independent suspension and direct drive through cv shafts to get the power to the wheels; all the while documenting my progress.

I'm preferably looking around for a twin cyl motorcycle engine, but I'm not sure of too many (most been around cars and dirt bikes) motorcycles that were built with them. The reason for a twin cylinder is that the engine will be hooked up to a turbo, so more exhaust will cut a huge amount off my cost list, and lag . I don't really mind getting a full (written off) bike and tearing that down, as it would actually save some money on wiring and other components.

Something along the lines of a Vfr400 and up to a cbr250/600, though I'm open to suggestion. I'm down here in Australia so keep that in mind. I someone could pitch in their 5cents about a type of bike.

EDIT: Forgot to add that I would prefer to steer clear of any inline 4s to keep the overall kart size down.

MEGAEDIT:
I don't mean to bring up an old thread, but I feel it would be better than creating an onew one - so forgive me, all.

To the Aussie guys where would the best spot to to get a used 250/300/450cc quad bike? I have to tone my build down a lot and a quad bike would give me a lot more than just an engine. Would ebay/gumtree be the best spot?

Thank you guys again, I hope to actually get some build pics up in the coming months.
- Jay.
Happy holidays everyone,
Jason.

 

[fowler]

Where in Aus are u

If u can't have a turbo then must be Vic or NSW

A turbo on a bike is really not worth it

A car is obviously turboed to achieve extra power

A turbo is a fast cheap method for designers and engineers to achieve more go

Bike engines due to there size (less balence issues)
can achieve this power upgrade in other forms such as higher rpm
Or valve timing that just wouldn't work on a big heavy vehical like a car

Not to mention that u can't just bolt a turbo on and hope for the best
That works on deisels
But petrols are built light and to far lower compression ratio

In paticular bike engines are designed to be as light as possible
And are offern tuned to run at 5 minutes to midnight already

If u are after an off-road buggy the look up edge
They are a perth mob that design and build off road machines like no other
Well above any commercial product
But quite a bit smaller and cheaper than a full blown sand rail

If u are looking in the 600 range then u are in piranha area
The mid range of there Buggys

I've got an 08 gsxr 600 in my piranha


If u really wanna go then look into there barracudas
Using either a busa engine or a zx14

Due to living in this otherwise great country
U really have no choice but to but a full bike

Go to insurance company auctions
They sell the writen off bikes and cars of their clients
U want a statutory wrote off
This means the bike can not be repaired and re licenced

This drops the price a lot

But a whole bike

U can take all the engine components and all the electronics

Then sell all the other stuff
The plastic panels and frame parts can fetch a pretty penny for people wanting to repair there own bike

I know people who have done this and have not only recouped the cost of the whole bike but made money off it

 

[ImJay]

- snip -

I'm in Qld so a turbo petrol isn't legal unless you're out on your opens.

The turbo is mostly for my own knowledge and benefit to tune and play around with it for days on end. Plus I have a few mates around that love their cars and have a tonne of gear laying around that are willing to donate, including td030.


Hows the kart go? I bet that would fly.

Do you know of any general companies that do so?

Thanks for the reply,
~ Jay.

 

[OzFab]

Do you know of any general companies that do so?

Do what? Auctions? Check out Pickles; they have branches in Geebung, Acacia Ridge & Archerfield. They're just one of many...

 

[ImJay]

Do what? Auctions? Check out Pickles; they have branches in Geebung, Acacia Ridge & Archerfield. They're just one of many...

Didn't know they did salvage auctions too.
Auction day here I come...woot!

 

[fowler]

I'm in Qld so a turbo petrol isn't legal unless you're out on your opens.
~ Jay.

That must suck
Stupid regs

I did my learner test in a 200 series
Twin turbo deisel
Lol
Bit differant in west aus

The td030 is going to be way to big for a bike

U are going to want somthing like a forester turbo
Or one off one if those deisel gulfs
Tiny turbos off small engines
Pushing small boost

Turbo kits for a gsxr are everywhere
But the gixxer boxes are weak as piss
A stock motor in a buggy destroys motors
Some pull the nix down every 3 races to check for damage

U may be limited to Kawasaki
Honda don't make any big end bokes like those two

Avoid getting a euro bike

U are going to have to source a **** load of custom parts
The jap bikes have a good range of kits and parts floating around on the net

 

[ImJay]

That must suck
Stupid regs

I did my learner test in a 200 series
Twin turbo deisel
Lol
Bit differant in west aus

The td030 is going to be way to big for a bike

U are going to want somthing like a forester turbo
Or one off one if those deisel gulfs
Tiny turbos off small engines
Pushing small boost

Turbo kits for a gsxr are everywhere
But the gixxer boxes are weak as piss
A stock motor in a buggy destroys motors
Some pull the nix down every 3 races to check for damage

U may be limited to Kawasaki
Honda don't make any big end bokes like those two

Avoid getting a euro bike

U are going to have to source a **** load of custom parts
The jap bikes have a good range of kits and parts floating around on the net

Turbo is fine here on a diesel...luckily. Was a learner in my Pj Xl turbo diesel.
I've seen (if I remember correctly) 4psi off a gc190 clone with a td03. And if I do get a twin there will be a little more boost.

Whatever I get my hands on really. I'm not afraid to morph some parts into others where I can. I'm keeping my eyes on some 250s for now as there's a fair few around (by the looks) and will fit my build better than most.

 

[fowler]

If u get yourself a big jap bike then u have a 4 cyl

A 259 is a bit small for a buggy like what u want

 

[ImJay]

I guess it really comes down to anything I can get my hands on for a good price.

 

[ImJay]

I don't mean to bring up an old thread, but I feel it would be better than creating a new one - so forgive me, all.

To the Aussie guys where would the best spot to to get a used 250/300/450cc quad bike? I have to tone my build down a lot and a quad bike would give me a lot more than just an engine. Would ebay/gumtree be the best spot?

Thank you guys again, I hope to actually get some build pics up in the coming months.
- Jay.

 

[jman231994]

Yea I'd say eBay or gumtree, I picked up the engine for my buggy still with most of the quad frame off a Facebook pit bike sales group.... Have a look around for one in your area, this one is called "newcastle thumpster buy swap sell" if that gives you a better idea what to look for

Also check your local scrapyards, I have one that lets you wander through and then buy stuff on weight, I've seen a few quad engines there before(all after I got mine conveniently )


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ImJay]

I've joined a few groups keeping my eyes out for a good deal.
Only places I've been to around here is the wreckers and they charge a **** of a lot.

Thanks for that!