New at go karts need help

[nVte]

Hello my name is Nate,
I am new to this forum and go karts in general. I am 15 years old and ever since i was a little kid I have always been really interested in pretty much anything with a motor. I have a dirtbike and can ride ok but my dad has to do all the engine stuff because I just never learned and he doesnt have the time to teach me. I really want to build a go kart with my dad but I dont understand barely anything about the frame, engine, drive train, or tires, what I am saying is I would love to get into karts but I want to know everything about how they work first. I wouldnt expect anyone to explain to me everything there is to know about go karts but if you could link me to some pages that would teach me that would be great. Sorry if i sound like a complete noob but im sure yall had to learn sometime too. Also if you think the best way for me to learn would be to actually just build one that is fine because money really isnt an issue. The reason i want to learn this is I cant really understand what the other threads are talking about until i understand the basics. I would greatly appreciate any help you could offer me and if I left anything out just ask questions ill answer as soon as I can but school just started up so itll be later in the day.

Thanks!​

 

[BirdFanatic]

i dont have the links but i can tell you were to start learning your engines from go get a old lawn mower for 15 20 bucks and tinker on it sometimes if your lucky you can find them just sitting in the trash

 

[firemanjim]

Nate! If you want to learn about go karts, you came to the right spot.....
There is two ways of learning this stuff, IMHO. Buy a used beater and learn how it works by fixing the broken crap.... Stick with this route. You learn to fix something and get rewarded by getting to ride. If you build one from scratch, not knowing how, and mess up a little, then it starts taking too long, then you meet a girl, then you say "aww screw it", ill never finish, and never do......
Yep, just fix up a beater for now, learn and earn... You got to start some where. We will be here for your stupid questions.... There is no such thing as a stupid question (unless you're just being stupid ) around here. If you don't understand, say so, and some one will explain it for ya!
Good luck, kid! I'll be here waiting/watching..... Wait, that just sounds creepy and illegal.....

 

[OzFab]

Welcome to the forum...

The first thing we need is your location so, if you could complete your profile page, that will help a lot...

Sorry if i sound like a complete noob but im sure yall had to learn sometime too.

I couldn't have said that better myself

Also if you think the best way for me to learn would be to actually just build one that is fine

That's it, the best thing you can do is to find a used kart that needs a little work, tear it to bits (paying careful attention to what you're doing), clean & repair, repaint everything & put it back together; obviously, if you have any questions along the way, we will be here to help...

my dad has to do all the engine stuff because I just never learned and he doesnt have the time to teach me.

The second best way to learn is to watch (the best way is to do) &, maybe, ask questions along the way; while your dad is carrying out repairs, what are you doing?

If you have a mechanically inclined mind, most of this is relatively easy to grasp so, it shouldn't take long to learn...

 

[nVte]

thanks for all the quick replies! Fabroman i updated my profile like you said. To the rest of you ill be looking on craigslist for an old/cheap go kart maybe 100-500? Sorry not sure how much they usually cost. ill tell yall tomorrow when i get home if i see something. thanks again for the help im sure ill have plenty of questions in the future too lol

 

[firemanjim]

See, now I know where you live! When you wake up tomorrow, you will have a few links already posted for you to look at. We can give you some experienced advice on which one to get or not, and why.....

 

[OzFab]

When you wake up tomorrow, you will have a few links already posted for you to look at.

Tomorrow? You think it would take me that long?

After having a quick look at craigslist, you should be able to find a decent kart (most are probably too good ) for around $200...

http://atlanta.craigslist.org/eat/snw/4576907324.html
http://atlanta.craigslist.org/sat/snw/4577653900.html
http://macon.craigslist.org/snw/4592123681.html
http://macon.craigslist.org/bar/4594432808.html If this guy is willing to split the lot, you could pick up the kart for around $150. In fact, you could probably get any one of those for around $150 (not that they seem overpriced)

Happy hunting; we'll be here if you have any questions...

 

[firemanjim]

You're fresh into the game.... My day is all but done... I figured you'd throw some up, but jeez.... Gives me a lil head start next time.....

 

[nVte]

thanks again i really appreciate it! Ill look into it more after school tomorrow its almost 12 and i gotta get up at 5:30. But really thanks alot yall!

 

[OzFab]

You're fresh into the game.... My day is all but done...

Yeah, that's true; it's only 2pm here...

I figured you'd throw some up, but jeez.... Gives me a lil head start next time.....

 

[landuse]

Welcome to the forum Nate. I see you have already experienced some of the helpful info we can give you

 

[MancoGX390]

Hi Nate! I mainly learnt all the stuff i know from Youtube! I don't know enough to compete with the profeshinal guys on here but i know enough to get me by! I'm glad i know what i know and i owe a massive thanks to the experts on here because else i wouldn't be able to do and know what i know now! I tinker around a lot with my Honda GX390 and my 8hp Briggs flathead and its easy once you know what to do! These guys here know what they are talking about so they will help! Also you can try and build a go kart if you feel up to it or you can buy one off ebay or craigs list that needs work, theres so many things you can do! Hope this helped! Also a good starting place would be something smallish with a 5.5hp engine but what ever suits you, the yellow kart below is the first one i ever bought!

 

[Poboy kartman]

Welcome to the forum! !!!!! I like dumb questions. ....they're the only ones I can answer! !!!!!!!

Post up some pictures of what you get. .......

 

[firemanjim]

 

[Orange Krate]

All really great advice posted here. Use extreme caution with craigslist. I've had good and bad experiences. Swap meets and flea markets are other good places to find cheap used karts.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[nVte]

ok im back and there is 3 of them im looking at on craigslist im gonna drive by them and check them out sometime next week maybe

 

[Poboy kartman]

ok im back and there is 3 of them im looking at on craigslist im gonna drive by them and check them out sometime next week maybe

Where have I heard that before? ????????? Oh yeah. ....Jimmy Hoffa's last words. .....JK!!!!!!

 

[firemanjim]

ok im back and there is 3 of them im looking at on craigslist im gonna drive by them and check them out sometime next week maybe

They probably won't be there next week, if it's a good kart/deal.....

 

[nVte]

still havent got around to actually going and looking at one, keep in mind all 3 are over 100 miles away. i kind of live out in the country.

 

[OzFab]

That makes it difficult so, you should make a day of it; contact around 3 or 4 sellers & line them all up for the same day...