First Build Need Opinions

[Shadowbob700]

I am a new member looking to start my first ground up build. I have grown up around motor sports, from dirtbikes, quads, go karts, etc. I currently build and modify motorcycles and have always wanted to build a buggy, like a Badland Buggy or something similar. Being that I do have kids and a family to feed, and will be starting college soon, I am looking to build a smaller buggy first, also that would give me experience in buggy building. So far the two main plans I have been interested in is the Spider Carts Arachnid, and the DiyDen Dirt Devil kart. I am looking for somewhere around 15hp, and top speed of 40mph or so. I am not against using a dirtbike motor or similar for a power source. My main concern is durability of the chassis. I don't want to have to baby the kart and cant say ive never had a go kart front end off the ground off road. If I were to use stronger tubing, and built the Dirt Devil, could it stand up to pretty heavy abuse offroad with 15 or so hp? Not completely jumping it by any means, but blasting through fields, trail riding, and sandy dune areas? Sorry for such a long post, just trying to be clear. Thanks in advance.

 

[Whitetrashrocker]

Welcome. You sound like you'll fit right in.

All I can say is research. Steal ideas from the designs you like. And post pics as ya go.

 

[Shadowbob700]

Thanks, definitely have been looking at different designs, would like to atleast base it around a plan to get started, then modify it as I go and find out what works.

 

[OzFab]

My main concern is durability of the chassis.

That comes down to correct engineering which, you would think, has already been done by the designers...

If I were to use stronger tubing, and built the Dirt Devil, could it stand up to pretty heavy abuse offroad with 15 or so hp? Not completely jumping it by any means, but blasting through fields, trail riding, and sandy dune areas?

It should stand up to that "abuse" already but, if you want to use "stronger tubing" go up a size or two; it's better to use larger thin wall material than small thick wall material; larger material adds strength, thick wall material adds weight...

Sorry for such a long post, just trying to be clear.

Don't be, it's always better to offer info that be asked for it

 

[Shadowbob700]

So I think I will be going with 1.5" square tubing with a .083 wall as its easy to find locally. Would that work alright? And what size axle would be good for an off-road kart? Think a 1" should hold up? I'm not a big guy, only 160lbs

 

[Kartorbust]

.083" should be fine, it's 14 gauge. Just have proper bracing. 1" solid steel axle is a good choice. Sounds like you are choosing swing arm suspension for the rear end?

 

[Shadowbob700]

Yes the rear end on the dirt devil are almost like a four wheeler swing arm

 

[Kartorbust]

This what you're wanting to build?

 

[Shadowbob700]

Yes I tried to post the pic but wasn't sure how. Want to build that and beef it up alittle.

 

[tinamcjittles]

With good suspension you shouldn't need to over-build it too much, and if you do go with the bike motor then you have to use a CBR600... They're only like 115 horsies! nothin major

Post vids of the sweet jumps you take this thing on!

 

[Shadowbob700]

Lol one day I'll build a bigger buggy with a sport bike motor. Funny you say cbr because I am a Honda guy.

 

[Flyinhillbilly]

With good suspension you shouldn't need to over-build it too much, and if you do go with the bike motor then you have to use a CBR600... They're only like 115 horsies! nothin major

Post vids of the sweet jumps you take this thing on!

This is what I did with my GSXR600.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xfdug9XF1G0
Probably a good thing I sold it.

 

[Shadowbob700]

Must have been fun lol