tire size-clucth question

[mattgr]

ive heard the statement somewhere that a centrifugal clutch for go karts cannot power a tire larger than 15 inches; is this assuming that it has a 6:1 gear ratio? I have a 24inch motorcycle tire for my motorcycle and are planning to use a 10:1-9:1 gear ratio, would this be okay? running at 5000 rpm-36-40mph

 

[Jerryburger]

Your ratio should be good. I think when they say "no bigger than a 15": wheel" they're assuming the common 5>1 ratio (60/12). I've done okay with 4.5>1 with 16" wheels on a light weight kart... no problems. (38mph @ 3600 rpm)

 

[kart_racer20]

you should be ok on my racing kart i run wide tires that are about 32 inches in tire cercrunfance (sp) depending on how much stagger i need to get the kart to handle

 

[mattgr]

you should be ok on my racing kart i run wide tires that are about 32 inches in tire cercrunfance (sp) depending on how much stagger i need to get the kart to handle

im talkin 22in diameter yeahhhhhhhhhhhh baby

 

[BAMBY]

are you questioning the 60tooth final drive sprocket?
if you think you need more teeth than that, would check out this site: http://www.rebelgears.com/
maybe give em' a call and see if you cant work a deal.
BAMBY

 

[Jerryburger]

I ran 26" wheels (10-speed wheels) at a 9.5>1 ratio with NO problems. I think "they" (the manufacturers) are assuming the worst case scenario on their recommendations..... Heavy kart, tall ratio, fat-newby slipping the clutch at 12mph up dirt hills for miles... etc. I've only fried one clutch so far, and I deserved it:
Fat-Heavy-Olde-Phart in a kart with 8hp BS, 3>1 ratio and 16" wheels. The clutch didn't hook up (stop slipping) until 33 mph.
The same kart with a 4.5>1 ratio does great.