Gear Ratios

[tramont]

how do gear ratios work which gives you the most speed im new to carting

 

[Doc Sprocket]

Speed and acceleration are a trade-off. Lower gearing (numerically higher, like 7:1, 8:1, etc) give you better acceleration off the line, more low-end torque. Higher ratios (numerically lower, like 5:1, 4:1, etc) give you a greater maximum speed. Like everything else in life, gearing is a compromise. You trade torque for speed. You can gear for 100MPH, but you'll roast your clutch and it won't even have enough power to start moving downhill without a push. You can gear for 10MPH, and you'll have a tire fryer that, well, only does 10MPH. It's all about finding the ideal compromise for you and your kart.

Tell us about your kart- engine size and type, kart weight, your weight, rear tire size, and where and how you intend to ride it, and we will help you figure out your ideal reduction ratio.

 

[qnzkyat96]

Speed and acceleration are a trade-off. Lower gearing (numerically higher, like 7:1, 8:1, etc) give you better acceleration off the line, more low-end torque. Higher ratios (numerically lower, like 5:1, 4:1, etc) give you a greater maximum speed. Like everything else in life, gearing is a compromise. You trade torque for speed. You can gear for 100MPH, but you'll roast your clutch and it won't even have enough power to start moving downhill without a push. You can gear for 10MPH, and you'll have a tire fryer that, well, only does 10MPH. It's all about finding the ideal compromise for you and your kart.

Tell us about your kart- engine size and type, kart weight, your weight, rear tire size, and where and how you intend to ride it, and we will help you figure out your ideal reduction ratio.

what's up... looks like you know a lot about go karts... its also my first go kart... if you could please help me out on this thread . thanks
http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?p=167285#post167285