Honda CT90 engine on a kart?

[Cyfun]

Does anyone here have experience with using an engine from a CT90 or one of the Lifan clones on a kart? I've tried searching around but haven't found much.

They seem like they'd be perfect kart engines since they're cheap, reliable, and have their own clutch and transmission. Plus, since they're already geared down, I could put a nice small sprocket on my axle.

 

[modelengineer]

If I was building another kart I'd use a CT-110P, just because they're dirt cheap around here. A think a CT-90 would be great.

 

[Cyfun]

I've been eyeing a Lifan 120cc or 140cc. The 120cc has an automatic clutch and electric start, and the Lifan kit comes with a carb, CDI, and everything else you need to make it run for $300ish. http://www.dratv.com/co12auelboat.html

The GPX and Piranha engines seem pretty similar. I guess they all put out 8 to 14hp.

One of the main reasons I wanna use one of these engines, though, is that they natively put out 12v for lights, so I can make the street legal kart I've always wanted.

 

[modelengineer]

You'd be better off buying a second hand bike engine. It will likely be much cheaper and you still get an alternator for +12V. Look on craigslist for your area for damaged bikes with good engines.
To give you an idea, my 2007 GS-500f bike engine with only 9,500km's on it currently cost me $350. I say currently because I still have good tyres and wheels, speedo, swingarm, front brakes, etc. to sell on ebay. That should get it down to $0. The bike cost me $1000 which is a lot, but in the US you can get much cheaper ones.

 

[Cyfun]

True. I've been keeping an eye on Craigslist for old/wrecked bikes, but haven't found many good candidates. I did score a '94 Ninja ZX9R parts bike, but it's going to need some work, and the engine is way too big for this kart.