good kart?

[McNelius]

PICTURES ADDED AT BOTTOM

Hey, I don't know much about racing karts at all. But a neighbor is selling a "tony kart" that i think he said has an 80cc motor. It's been sitting in his driveway on a trailer for a while now, so I am not sure the exact condition. But he said for the kart and some rack to put it on to be able to work on it, he will sell it for $800.

Anything I should check for on it? is that a good deal, or should I try and haggle him down?

Thanks for any input,
Corey.

 

[Rickracer]

If that's an 80CC motorcycle engine, AKA a shifter kart, better snag it, most of the ones I see go for $1800~$2200 and up. If you could post some pics of it that would help.

 

[McNelius]

If that's an 80CC motorcycle engine, AKA a shifter kart, better snag it, most of the ones I see go for $1800~$2200 and up. If you could post some pics of it that would help.

He was telling me it's the type where you shift into first with the clutch, but then you don't use the clutch for any of the other gears. Is that a shifter cart?

 

[Spcamno]

Yes, what he described is a shifter kart which you only use the clutch on the 1st gear and the rest you don't.

I would agreed on Rickracer if the kart is in running condition you better pay him the $800 and run (its a steal).

Also, I assume he is getting out of the sports so I would ask him nicely what else (spare parts) you can have for free.

Ton Kart,Birel, Rotax just to name a few are all brand name go kart.

Here's a link to more info on shifter kart

http://www.ehow.com/video_4417600_what-shifter-kart.html

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

Yea, with most motorcycle engines you don't have to use the clutch to up-shift after first, but its a good idea to let off the gas when you shift.

 

[modelengineer]

and an even better idea to use the clutch anyway. The gearbox will last a lot longer.

 

[Rickracer]

On my CBR600 street bike, (my normal daily ride, unless it's raining), I don't use the clutch upshifting or downshifting, unless I'm braking by downshifting. To downshift, I put a little pressure on the shifter, crack the throttle a little, and it pops right down to the next gear. It can work the same on a kart,

 

[kitcarguy]

You better grab that kart now. Tony Kart is one of the Best (If not the best) in the industry.

 

[anderkart]

That might be a great deal, Tony's are a top brand. Thing is values drop quick with age so you really need to find out what year it is. Another thing I was wondering about was if its been stored in an enclosed trailer or out in the weather? Condition makes a huge difference too.

Did he say he's going to fire it up for a test drive. (don't be surprised if he demo's it and wont let you drive)

Those folding race-kart roll around stands cost $150 - $250, they come in handy so that's a plus. I had to pay $100 for a nice used one.

I'd ask him how many hours he figures are on the top end and if its due to be freshened up soon. You might also ask if the cylinder can still be bored out again if needed.

Hers some used shifter kart ad and info links that might help ya out:
http://www.google.com/search?source...T4DMUS_enUS221US222&q=craigslist+shifter+kart
http://www.google.com/search?source...&rlz=1T4DMUS_enUS221US222&q=Tony+shifter+kart

 

[McNelius]

well i just checked it out. with not much knowledge on it, it looked to be in pretty good shape. It's been outside but it doesn't look like it's weathered much. the water was evaporated from the radiator. But he said for $800 he's going to sell me the kart, the stand, a full race suit, and a helmet. doesn't look to be too old, and compared to most karts i have seen it seems to be in much better shape than other karts and a better price.

I think i am going to pick it up though, seems like a good deal. will let you know

 

[McNelius]

kinda realized i am getting ahead of myself. first I should make sure it will start

if it starts, i will pick it up for sure.

will let you guys know tomorrow, and maybe some pictures if everything goes well.

 

[Rickracer]

If it doesn't start, and you pass on it, let me know where it's at,

 

[McNelius]

lol, los angeles

 

[kitcarguy]

To be honest who cares if it does start? I mean after all if it has been sitting outside for a few years you will most likely end up tearing it down and going through it anyway.

 

[McNelius]

yeah that's true...

 

[McNelius]

Here are some pictures of the kart that I just took.

 

[Rickracer]

Look at it this way, even if the motor is brand spankin new, it's gonna need going through in 20 to 40 hours anyway, and there are way more than $800 worth of parts there. I'll probably have about $1200 into my kart by the time I finish my RM 250 shifter conversion on my kart, and it still won't be as nice as that one,

 

[McNelius]

i took it to a shop that claims it needs about $500 worth of work. Brakes, carb, fuel pump, and a new gas tank. But even then they have not tried to start it yet so there is no promise that the motor will even start up. So since I have no knowledge on these kinds of karts I am going to pass on it.

the guy at the shop told me not to pay anything over $500 for it, so I offered the guy $400 and he said he will take it. Or $450 for all of that stuff he was going to sell to me for $800. if anyone wants it for $400 or $450 for everything let me know.

If any of you want the kart let me know. I can buy it from him and then ship it to you. Obviously you pay for shipping and just give me the money I paid for the kart.

I understand how this can sound like a setup, or a scam, but it's not. If you are local you may come check it out first, and pick it up in person. I have absolutely no problem with that. Only doing this cause you guys have been really helpful and nice about all my questions. So if you are interested let me know.

 

[1992suburban]

where are you??

LOCATION MAN!!

 

[Kaptain Krunch]

brakes carb fuel pump and new gas tank? you should never have to replace a gas tank (is it cracked?). Brakes, the most they could need is new pads, maybe new lines (50 tops for all that). Again, carb should almost never need replacing, so at worst you would have to clean it ($5 max for a can of carb cleaner and roll of toilet paper). Fuel pump, assuming its a mikuni diaphragm one, would be more more than 10-20. Thats a total of maybe 80-100 absolute maximum.