kart for the kids

[fallguy]

been collecting parts for a few years, now that the one kid is going to be 6 and the other is 2 i think its time to build them some thing they can use for a few years.

honda gx200, its black yet its not a clone...
TAV2 torque-0-verter
airheart manual brake kit
18" tires
bmikart parts, spindle kit, steering wheel, sprocket, throttle linkage.
4130 tig welded tube frame

so i have two questions for now. will the kids be able to turn the 18" tires or should i install a rack.. was just going to do a simple steering system, but i dont know if they will be able to turn the wheel that easy

how will this gx200 and converter do with a 66 tooth sprocket and a 12 tooth on the converter. will it get of the line ok? the converter should help.

was going to make it look like a toyota fj40 with a roll bar... but dont know if i will do that right away... thats why its so stubby.

 

[souperman000]

looks good right now, a little small even if they are groing into it though IMO.

Welcome to the forum

 

[r_chez_08]

Looking good so far.
However, can I reccomend a jackshaft? If it is for young kids, you are geared for too high speed IMO.

 

[fallguy]

i think the fat tires make it look a little shorter than it is, me and a buddy (over 6' tall) were tacking up the frame and we figure we could still drive it (legs bent like on a rental kart).

as for the jack shaft, i was thinking of that but i thought the TAV2 kinda acted like one... but i guess it shifts up to over 1:1

would a throttle stop not work that well?

thanks for the input guys

 

[landuse]

would a throttle stop not work that well?

A throttle stop limits RPM, and doesn't allow the clutch to engage as fully as it should. The clutch will then start slipping

 

[mysteryboy28]

just ditch the 66 tooth sprocket for an 88 tooth (if they make them, or similar, and it's not too hard to put on) and youll be all set at a cool 26 mph with plenty of torque for climbing hills. otherwise yeah, you'll need a jackshaft if you want it slower.

 

[mysteryboy28]

rack steering would be nice, i think it would be worth it. it'll be easier for your kids to steer for sure. i hate the steering i've done on my 2 karts (no rack), but they're functional.

 

[fallguy]

as it sits (its just tack welded) i have clearance for a 9" #35 sproket. so i dont think i can get a 88t in there. im using a Azusa split sproket that i can get up to 84t

so i might have to slide the two tubes that the motor is mounted on back a bit and i can fit a taller sproket.

 

[mysteryboy28]

eh, maybe a jackshaft wouldn't be a bad idea. leave the sprocket as-is, make a 5/8" jackshaft with 17t and 12t sprockets. that'll get you about 20 mph maybe? increase the 12t to 13t or 14t for a little bump in speed.

 

[flowerman]

Yeah use a jackshaft otherwise you're kids will be driving round at 40mph lol

 

[fallguy]

haha will this setup have the torque to move this thing with the taller gearing?

my 6year old has a mini Z skidoo (they have a honda GX160 stock) and she has good throttle control, she just putts around i bug her to go faster but she does not.

 

[fallguy]

well got some brackets laser cut and bent for the seat rails.. you can just loosen the bolts and slide the seat back.


next is the pedals and steering

 

[Blazkowiez]

Looking slick so far, good deal.

 

[fallguy]

as for the gearing thing... it seems to still have a ton of bottom end, i dont think it will have a hard time climbing a hill or anything. as for the top speed being too high i will just put a throttle stop in it.

i would put a bigger gear on the back but the ground clearance would be pretty low, and the way i have the engine right above the drive shaft i dont have a ton of room, as it sits the gear goes up into the converter.

 

[r_chez_08]

Have fun burning up belts on the tav with a throttle stop.
It fully engages at just over 2000rpm. Your kart is geared for 40 @3600rpm.
If you wanted your kids to drive at 20 you would need to only allow the engine to rev to 1800rpm, before the clutch engages.

However, I think there is a product available that limits the ratio on the tav.