Off Road Kart Construction

[MasterGrigg]

Hey everyone,

A friend and myself have started our first ever attempt at building an off road kart. So far we have a frame that we found on eBay and we are running an FJ1100 on it.
Aside from everyone informing us on how we are going to die horribly because of it's immense power and so forth a few problems have arisen with the construction.

We've solved a few but the main concerns at the moment are:

The sheer weight of the large engine mounted on the back of the kart, the second it takes off it lifts the front end and there is a complete loss of steering.
What would make an appropriate ballast?

The rear axle is slightly bent, not so much as we can't use it but enough to make us a little bit nervous to drive it considering the heavy engine sitting directly above it.
What sort of shops would sell something suitable for an axle?

We live in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia so if anyone lives nearby would terribly appreciate suggestions for anywhere local to solve these problems.

I will try to get some photos of it uploaded over the next few days.

Thanks guys

 

[fowler]

need photos

i live in perth, do u fancy a drive

who was telling u of a horrible death
they may be right
look up edge buggies they have some good designs and the forum has some good threads on suspension and steering geometry

i added a small car battery to front of my first kart, but it wasnt wheel standing just badly ballenced

 

[tcgs13]

Wheelie bars!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
\

 

[Aladinbama]

I saw a kart made with a Kawasaki 1000cc motor. I have no idea how he got it all together, but that thing flew (literally). His biggest problem was twisting parts in the drivetrain.
Good Luck and Post some Pictures (and wear gear )!

 

[kaymo]

pics or it didnt happen! no really wear gear plz we dont need any donor body parts just friends lol