Modified Honda gx200 vs stock Lifan 160cc engine

[zacharias.pap]

I purchased a go kart frame a couple of months back and i have started thinking about engine options. I am currently trying to decide between a modified honda gx200 and a stock lifan 160. My budget is 500 euros so the gx200 will get a governor removal, a billet flywheel, billet rod, ported head, stiffer valve springs, exhaust and replica mikuni carb. With all of the above mentioned mods it should be at around 15hp. The lifan 160cc engine has 4 gears, 14hp and can rev up to 9500rpm stock (4 stroke).Which ine of the 2 would you choose and why?

 

[KartFab]

lifan has gears so its a no brainer as far as speed and acceleration goes.

If you want the honda to make power, all the power is made in the cam, carb, and head, then you spend a lot of extra money on things to keep it together (billet rod, flywheel, chromemoly push rods, roller rockers).

Ive put in some decent $$ into a nice little Honda clone, and it makes anywhere from 17.5-21.5 hp depending on who's dyno you put it on. It would probably get beat by the lifan even though the lifan has less hp, its all about the gears.

 

[zacharias.pap]

lifan has gears so its a no brainer as far as speed and acceleration goes.

If you want the honda to make power, all the power is made in the cam, carb, and head, then you spend a lot of extra money on things to keep it together (billet rod, flywheel, chromemoly push rods, roller rockers).

Ive put in some decent $$ into a nice little Honda clone, and it makes anywhere from 17.5-21.5 hp depending on who's dyno you put it on. It would probably get beat by the lifan even though the lifan has less hp, its all about the gears.

I have seen your youtube channel and you are actually a big inspiration for me. I will probably end up goinf with a honda gx200 beacuse that way i wont have to fabricate a plus i dont really know how to ahift gears since i am still 15 and in my country you can get a license from 18 so most likely modified gx200 it is

 

[KartFab]

Get a nice cam for that thing. The cam really does make the engine. I swapped out cams from a stage 2 or 3 build back to stock and it floated the valves at 4500 rpm (big block). A cam really does make a lot more power than what people realize over the stock cam.

 

[Kartorbust]

I have seen your youtube channel and you are actually a big inspiration for me. I will probably end up goinf with a honda gx200 beacuse that way i wont have to fabricate a plus i dont really know how to ahift gears since i am still 15 and in my country you can get a license from 18 so most likely modified gx200 it is

It really isnt all that hard to shift gears on a bike engine. Usually its 1 down, Neutral is half up from that, and 3 or whatever up. Some of these Chinese engines with only 3 or 4 gears are N down 1+ up. I don't drive stick often, but it's really not that hard to learn. Clutch pulled back, shift, rev up a bit, release clutch and go. Trying to find the sweet spot without stalling isn't that hard either, especially if you are geared properly.

I find that quads (4 wheelers, quad bike) are easy to learn to practice shifting as they generally have low end torque to get you rolling without issue.

 

[zacharias.pap]

It really isnt all that hard to shift gears on a bike engine. Usually its 1 down, Neutral is half up from that, and 3 or whatever up. Some of these Chinese engines with only 3 or 4 gears are N down 1+ up. I don't drive stick often, but it's really not that hard to learn. Clutch pulled back, shift, rev up a bit, release clutch and go. Trying to find the sweet spot without stalling isn't that hard either, especially if you are geared properly.

I find that quads (4 wheelers, quad bike) are easy to learn to practice shifting as they generally have low end torque to get you rolling without issue.

I am not afraid that i wont be able to shift, since i have deiven some manual cars (On closed roads always) and havent stalled them but what i have never is having to downshift for a corner...

 

[ezcome-ezgo]

Shifting gears is a skill that must be learned. It is essential to life.

 

[karte_m0lim]

I am not afraid that i wont be able to shift, since i have deiven some manual cars (On closed roads always) and havent stalled them but what i have never is having to downshift for a corner...

Take reference point.. Aproach slowly.. Start to brake at that point..

Then repeat that.. Every time bit faster..

At some point you wouldnt make a corner..

Meaning second to last attempt was the right one

On your topic, I would go with shifter..

You need to put lots of money in engine alone plus clutch..
And you already have it on shifter..

Only shifting mehanizm has to be done, but if you need help, I can take few pictures of my ****er.. It is very simple..

 

[zacharias.pap]

Only shifting mehanizm has to be done, but if you need help, I can take few pictures of my ****er.. It is very simple..

I want the shifter to be in the normal shifter kart location not to the side like other homemade shifters. Plus the clutch pedal on the steering wheel.

 

[karte_m0lim]

I have clutch on lever under steering wheel on left hand and shift lever on right side, under (in front) of steering wheel..

You can check my thread Honda NSR125 on All Kart in Photo Gallery & Project Log section...

 

[zacharias.pap]

I have clutch on lever under steering wheel on left hand and shift lever on right side, under (in front) of steering wheel..

You can check my thread Honda NSR125 on All Kart in Photo Gallery & Project Log section...

Your go kart gave me inspiration to try harder to find a motorcycle engine and i have found a hole honda cbr 125r for sale for only 250 euros so i will most likely be getting that hole motorcycle and using its parts for the go kart and selling whats left.

 

[karte_m0lim]

Glad to hear that. I pay for mine 200 euros but engine alone with wireing loom, carb and CDI..

Maybe to look bit more and try to find 2stroke engine?
Much more power from same ccm... And 2stroke smell better :-D

But keep us informed what you decided and as all know,

 

[zacharias.pap]

But keep us informed what you decided and as all know,

This is the motorcycle that i was talking about

 

[karte_m0lim]

Chain on left side.. You may easily get engine sprocket right between axle bearings.. It's pita but solvable..

Hope you gonna finish it soon.

 

[zacharias.pap]

Chain on left side.. You may easily get engine sprocket right between axle bearings

There is no keyway there,so i am thinking about doing a jackshaft setup

 

[karte_m0lim]

There is no keyway there,so i am thinking about doing a jackshaft setup

I didnt said that is good thing .. But yes.. Js will solve problem and you can keep all sprocket really small.