Is it worth it???

[Partially-Retarded]

Hi! New here & first post!!

To just get straight to the point... My kids want 4 wheelers.... Not just any 4 wheeler.... But those cheap $300 asian crap piles...

I've been trying to convince them into go karts.... Just to be a little different then the rest of the fricken neighborhood....

Today I was given 2 go kart frames.... figured I can make a project out them with the kids.... a 10 year old girl who has daddy wrapped around her finger.... so she'll probably get her cheap 4 wheeler.... & my 9 year old boy who is about as mechanical as a garden hose, but he still is young & has a lot to learn......

My thoughts were to take the money that would be used on cheap 4 wheelers & repairs to that cheap crap & build some righteous go karts.....

Do you all think it is worth it for children..... or a waste of time?


I got pics that I will upload in a few moments..... But right now I'm getting ready to snipe bid a inflatable sheep on eBay!!

 

[Partially-Retarded]

Hi!! Me again.

I won the sheep.....

I have many pics from different angles of the carts, but I'll just give you a couple pics to base judgment on weather it would be worth it or not.

#1 is a live axle cart....

#2 is a single axle cart....

 

[Pito]

surely if you supply the goodies you control what they get ,,,,,,,,, not to be mean about it but surely your years give you a bit more wisdom than your kids don't you think if you make it close to what they might like does there need to be a problem & it is you supplying the goodies isn't it but still at the end of the day the kids may still have their way ?????????????????????????????

 

[Pito]

sorry forgot to say welcome to the site i am sure you will enjoy it good luck in your venture

 

[RobertD]

You've got a GREAT starting point -- frames are the hard part, parts are easy!

It's a hard question. I would say that you shouldn't get a crappy 4 wheeler simply because you already know what's goign to happen -- they will fall apart. I know someone that bought one of those chinese scooters, "BAJA" brand, and has replace the CARB twice. Honestly.. They're not quality from my opinon, get a real one or dont' get one.


For the go kart:

I would say that you should get your kids involved for sure. But, when they want something, you just can't force something different at them. (well, yes you can!)

I dunno. I had a 3 wheeler around that age, and then got a kart around 12-13. i loved them both.

Welcome and keep us updated!

 

[ineed2fly]

Sheep?

 

[kibble]

As long as you remember: "Baaaaa!" means "NO!".

 

[ironman]

nice frames to start 2 great project keep us posted.had one of those cheap 4 wheelers they are fun until after a few weeks they brake..man its always nice when some one gives you something for free

 

[Pa and Corby]

build the carts

I vote build the carts together with your kids! I bet even though they may not be mechanics, they will take a interest in it, if You let them help a bit, and when your done I bet they take care of them too! I have a 10 yr old grandson that I am raising, I knew a guy with a cart that just needed a motor, the cart is real similar to yours centrifical clutch, strap brake and live axle. I had a old but not used much 3.5hp briggs motor, my friend with the frame (who also owns a small engine repair shop, installed the engine and went over the whole cart! It ended up costing me $300 bucks with me supplying the motor. I kept the G- son updated on the project and he was real excited about the whole thing, he rides it everyday after school, and knows how too check oil, air pressure, gasoline and put the chain on when it comes off! Go for it man, we are here to help!

 

[Pa and Corby]

me again

Sorry to keep rambleing on, but after seeing how much fun the grandson was haveing, I bought myself a old yerf dog that is set up for a single adult, got it for $250 and yeah its rough but both me and the G-son are working on it, he hands me tools and tells me what to do! My point is get them involved in the rebuild and they will be proud of there carts and take care of them! any body can write a check for a quad! good luck Bro

 

[ironman]

Sorry to keep rambleing on, but after seeing how much fun the grandson was haveing, I bought myself a old yerf dog that is set up for a single adult, got it for $250 and yeah its rough but both me and the G-son are working on it, he hands me tools and tells me what to do! My point is get them involved in the rebuild and they will be proud of there carts and take care of them! any body can write a check for a quad! good luck Bro

hey you got any picutres of it yet .you should take one of you and your grandson working on it together one thing he will always remenber.i know i would have if when i was younger my grandfather would have been cool like that.

 

[RobertD]

Yeah, let's see the family karts -- and then the drag race!

You're totally right -- get the kids involved, it's such a good experience for them. My dad had me turning wrenches early -- and I turned out OK!

 

[oscaryu1]

Yeah, let's see the family karts -- and then the drag race!

You're totally right -- get the kids involved, it's such a good experience for them. My dad had me turning wrenches early -- and I turned out OK!

+1. I started doing car oil changes at 11

Just putta governor on those engines when you get them...

Do NOT buy that chinese junk. I doubt they can actually even reach those specified speeds... The only chinese stuff I'd buy are those Honda Clones. I have one, AMAZING.

 

[Partially-Retarded]

Sheep?

It's cheaper then a wife!!! And I can be as baaaaaaaaad as I wanna be with no complaining.

I didn't think the kids would be interested.... Until I got 3 BIG boxes from the UPS guy yesterday. Both the kids gathered around & kept asking.... ARE THOSE PARTS FOR OUR CARTS? Unfortunately they weren't cause I haven't ordered anything for them....

I guess now that I know they are interested I will now look closer & see what I will need & start gathering parts....

 

[Pito]

just read your last post good to see that logic prevails now its up to you to do a good job on the things good luck buddy & all the best

 

[oscaryu1]

It's cheaper then a wife!!! And I can be as baaaaaaaaad as I wanna be with no complaining.

I didn't think the kids would be interested.... Until I got 3 BIG boxes from the UPS guy yesterday. Both the kids gathered around & kept asking.... ARE THOSE PARTS FOR OUR CARTS? Unfortunately they weren't cause I haven't ordered anything for them....

I guess now that I know they are interested I will now look closer & see what I will need & start gathering parts....

Just buy some used frames and some cheapo engines :toetap05:

There are alotta Honda Clones out there that are great! Although most of the bolts aren't torqued to spec

But I have one, and they run the same if not better (I'm pretty sure better) than Hondas!