new build. need ideas

[MountainMan]

hey guys im new to building karts or anything of the sort and im kind of tired of paying a mechanic to fix my truck after i take it up in the bush so i've decided i want to build a offroad kart without suspension or a huge engine because this will be my first build. anyways i just wanted to get some suggestions or ideas about how it should be done or what type of engine i should put on it.

this is a pic of a wimpy version of what i want to make

link to pic is http://gokartsusa.com/azusa3557gokart.aspx (uploaded pics arnt working)

and i want to stay under 600$ possibly a bit more if tires put me over. also im thinking for the engine i will use a new 13hp brigs and stratton that i can get for 275 right now

 

[sideways]

If I was you I'd get a motorbike engine, which is about a million times better than a briggs for less than the price that the briggs you mentioned is.

I'd also get the plans for this. That'd be easy enough to add suspension to when you want it, easy to put a bigger engine in too.

Thanks

Hayden

 

[TimG]

If I was you I'd get a motorbike engine, which is about a million times better than a briggs for less than the price that the briggs you mentioned is.

I'd also get the plans for this. That'd be easy enough to add suspension to when you want it, easy to put a bigger engine in too.

Thanks

Hayden

Thats good advice !! What size motorcycle engine would you use, do you have any sources for the engine.
This type of cart is my next project

 

[sideways]

Thats good advice !! What size motorcycle engine would you use, do you have any sources for the engine.
This type of cart is my next project

I would use something around 250cc, maybe bigger. You'd want suspension with anything bigger than a 250 though. As for sources for engines, ask around locally, you'l find someone with an old bike they don't want. If not, you should be able to get one from a motorbike wrecker, check eBay and craigslist too.

Thanks

Hayden

 

[MacfarlaneRacers]

Whatever You Have In Your House/convo or whatever you call it use it if it will fit.
Then you can upgrade to better things.Thats my idea with my kart.

Thanks
-Craig

 

[r97]

if you take other people with you when you go on the trail it might be worth thinking bout a 2 seat buggy. heres plans that i know of,
http://www.desertkarts.com/

http://www.ubuilditplans.com/SII.html

http://www.edge.au.com/Home

 

[TimG]

I do like the SII buggy from U-buildit....but to costly for me. The Taipan (as mentioned above) has the classic tough cart look and can be built within my budget.
I don't have the plans for the Taipan. It looks easy enough to modify the dimensions to carry 2 people or at least me and my son. Anyone have any experience with the Taipan.
Thanks
Tim

 

[r97]

shouldn't be a huge challenge, would just require a bit of thinking, and re-working of the steering. not sure that the tiapan is really in your budget of 600 either, but to bring down the price on any kart you build try to get parts from a crashed motorcycle or something.

 

[sideways]

I do like the SII buggy from U-buildit....but to costly for me. The Taipan (as mentioned above) has the classic tough cart look and can be built within my budget.
I don't have the plans for the Taipan. It looks easy enough to modify the dimensions to carry 2 people or at least me and my son. Anyone have any experience with the Taipan.
Thanks
Tim

I think I remember someone making a 2 seater Tiapan . The Edge Products has a forum where you can ask them any questions you want.

If you've got 2 people you'd probably want suspension, just basic single a arms up front and a swing arm rear but if you going to do that then you're probably better off designing it from scratch.

Thanks

Hayden

 

[r97]

like your avatar,
http://www.edgebuggyforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=6200

 

[sideways]

like your avatar,
http://www.edgebuggyforums.com/viewtopic.php?f=4&t=6200

Lol yeah, that's me. I used to have that avatar on this forum, maybe I should change it back......

Thanks

Hayden

 

[TimG]

shouldn't be a huge challenge, would just require a bit of thinking, and re-working of the steering. not sure that the tiapan is really in your budget of 600 either, but to bring down the price on any kart you build try to get parts from a crashed motorcycle or something.

Thanks for the input....did'nt mean to hijack this thread from Moutainman. I've wanted to do a tuff shifter cart for a while now.

 

[bighead]

Look for an cheap Honda Odyssey FL250 and modify it. You can pick up some basket case Fl250 from $200 to $400. Easy to mod and everything you need is already there.

Edit: I miss the two seater part.

 

[Justin]

Look for an cheap Honda Odyssey FL250 and modify it. You can pick up some basket case Fl250 from $200 to $400. Easy to mod and everything you need is already there.

Edit: I miss the two seater part.

All The Honda Odysseys i have found look NOTHING like The ones you posted.