Kart Pics

[FullOnMetal]

Hello,

I'm fairly new to this site but it has helped me out greatly. Here are some pics of my finished kart. 6.5hp engine, 6:1 ratio, hand control for throttle and lever for brake set-up. Had it out for the first time today with the bigger wheels & tires. Works pretty good.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[RobertD]

looks great! is that a live axle in the back? if so, tell me some about the turning performance with using it. also any chance for a pic of the steering setup?

 

[FullOnMetal]

Although it is a live axle it seems to turn pretty good...on grass anyway. Thats as far as i've gone so far. As far as the steering, I built the whole set up. The tie rods are 1/4" round bar with 1/8" flat bar welded to the ends then I used clevis pins to secure everything. It is a good sturdy setup, but I will try and take some pictures of it for you.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[my_mini_bike]

thats a really cool kart. did you make it all yourself? and are those golf kart wheels?

 

[mikeandike]

i have a live axel on my go kart and from pushing it around it turns like crap on a flat surface but i took one of the keys out of the wheels so now its a single wheel drive.

 

[FullOnMetal]

I must agree with you mikeandike, when I push the thing around it turns really bad but when I drive it, it turns pretty good. Go figure!!!:
I wanted it live axle for when I get in the mud and snow.

And yes I did build the whole thing myself, right down to the steering wheel. I wanted it to be as mechanical and home built as possible. I also mounted a kill switch on the steering wheel just in case things get out of control! Those are indeed golf cart wheels. I wanted something with four lug wheels that I could swap out because I also have a set of knobby tires and wheels as well.

I am using a 12 tooth clutch and 60 tooth sprocket but I am thinking because of the tire diameter I need a bigger sprocket. Is that how it works? The bigger the sprocket the more power and less speed?

Thanks,
Mike

 

[RobertD]

yes that's correct about the sprocket. Many mini bikes use a 72 tooth sprocket, so you could go bigger if needed.

 

[2or3wheels]

Your going to use the knobby tires for more off-road what and not im guessing. So you want more power to get going. so a 72 for the knobby's would be best.

 

[FullOnMetal]

That's what I was thinking. I may put a 72 tooth sprocket on before the knobbies.

Thanks,
Mike

 

[vix]

im very new to this so sorry for the stupid question... what is a live axle? or and does your cart have a clutch? or direct drive? thx

 

[RobertD]

no worries! http://www.diygokarts.com/kart-parts/go-kart-drive-axle.html

 

[RobertD]

no worries! http://www.diygokarts.com/kart-parts/go-kart-drive-axle.html

 

[vix]

i got it! im going to stick with both the real wheels moving, im making a go kart for the road, however it advises a single wheel drive.

 

[FullOnMetal]

Vix,
Just watch your ratio if you are using a live axle and larger rear tires. I have a 12 tooth clutch with a 60 tooth sprocket, I should have used a 72 tooth. I can't change it out now because everything is welded (weld on hubs, sprocket, brake disc, etc). I would have to build a new rear axle (and use the existing one for a new cart . And yes, I am using a centrifugal clutch. Good luck with your project!
Mike

 

[vix]

oh by the way guys i brought my engine, ducar 169cc 6.5 hp, i have a question, the rear axle how do you keep it from sliding side to side? i mean the bearing hold it togther to spin but what stops it moving side to side? thx guys your helping a lot.

to the pros if i got a 6.5hp 196cc engine, 12 tooth and 72 speed, how fast could i possibly go?

im a speed freak JUST money slowing me down lol

 

[FullOnMetal]

You can get collars that slide onto the axle and are fixed with set screws. I also tack welded mine in place for extra security. These collars can be put on either side of a pillow block bearing, etc. and your axle will never move.

Mike