go kart is done! but...

[tinknocker]

i finished my go kart this morning by putting on the tie rods, i went and test drove it and at speeds under 10mph the go kart doesnt seem to want to turn. I understand its mainly because the rear axle locks both wheels together like a spool, but its also because it lacks weight in the front... when i stand on the front and steer the go kart (with the engine off, duh) it steers perfectly. any ideas in adding frontal weight? Its the same design as spiderkarts Recluse go kart, only 1' longer and a 420 cc engine which weighs like 80lbs

 

[B.M.800]

Then add some weight to it. What does your kart look like? Maybe you can put the gas tank upfront, or add a beffy bumper?

 

[T-man]

You could weld on some larger square tubbing ( like 2x4 ) in front like a bumper .... cap off the ends ... drill a hole in the top and fill it with sand. That would add some weight.

 

[racerc2000]

when you added the inch what was the reason? engine room or driver room?

if its like this.

you can move the foot pedals farther forward. and if the rider not tall enough for the pedals like that you can move the seat up. that will add more front biased weight.

 

[tinknocker]

Not 1 inch, 1 foot, i think ill just weld on some solid steel for weight. Thanks..

im having greater problems now though, my clutch is smoking and my chain flew off lol...

 

[tony7281]

I didn't want to add any weight to my kart if I didn't have to. I changed my front tires and it made a world of difference. It had the old lawn mower turf saver tires, and now i have knobby tires. Just another idea.

I also have a dual pedal set up for kids and adults. See below for before and after.

 

[Fran Golbie]

Tony that is what my kart (Trouble) looked like when I first got it.Same color and everything.I use mine in parking lots and in my yard.When I re-stored it I changed the gears to a 10 tooth on the jack shaft and a 60 tooth on the axle.Tire size is 16x7.50-8.turf saver.Works well for what I do.I had a cop friend of mine clock it with a radar gun and it did 39 mph.

 

[Russ2251]

...at speeds under 10mph the go kart doesnt seem to want to turn.

Nature of the beast and takes getting used to.
It's really bad when trying to make short "U" turns.
When I run around the full parking lot the problem is barely noticeable.
Being I have twin engines, I am seriously considering splitting the axle to eliminate the problem completely.

 

[Fran Golbie]

Lets see some pics of that 2 engine kart.I have one but I'm looking for ideas for my next build.

 

[dave1701]

TRUE FACT: One's Go-Kart is never finished.

 

[Russ2251]

Lets see some pics of that 2 engine kart...

In my album.
Some improvements have been made since those pics/YouTube vids were taken.