My first kart project

[OzFab]

Can you guys help me understand this better please? The calculator on this site http://www.diygokarts.com/speed-calculator.html states that 11/12T clutch with 60T is one of the most common ratios. That was the OP's starting point.

We've discussed this before; that ratio is based on a lightweight kart with small tyres. The heavier the kart, the more torque you need to get it moving. Likewise, larger tyres have a larger circumference &, therefore, again, need more torque to get them moving.

Anything that requires more torque should use a lower gear ratio

landuse,

You said that will cause clutch burning issues. Because of small power engine? With 11" tire, that's only 24mph.

I understand how the calculators work. I'm just trying to understand if you guys were trying to find a way to get the top speed lower due to the age of the driver? Or the engine won't have the torque to get the kart rolling?

My point was base on the age & (lack of) experience of the driver(s).

My kart has 5:1 gearing & has loads of acceleration but, it also has 10" tyres, a worked engine & it's super light; the only reason I can't pick it up by myself is due to it's size, my buddy & I can easily carry it with one hand at the front & two at the back for balance purposes only...

 

[landuse]

landuse,

You said that will cause clutch burning issues. Because of small power engine? With 11" tire, that's only 24mph.

I understand how the calculators work. I'm just trying to understand if you guys were trying to find a way to get the top speed lower due to the age of the driver? Or the engine won't have the torque to get the kart rolling?

Like Fabroman says, for a lightweight kart, a 5:1 gear ratio would work OK with small tyres. With your kart you have a small engine, so the torque that the engine has might not be enough to push the kart with the gear ratio that you have. The smaller the engine, the lower you have to gear to get something moving.

I could be wrong about the setup you have, so you are going to have to do some testing first. I don't think I am though

aren't there, and don't you?

Well.......sometimes

 

[mysteryboy28]

i knew it! lol.