What Size Tire/Rim?

[IWannaGoFast]

Hi guys, I'm in the process of buying a Margay go-kart chassis, it doesnt have wheels or an engine, but thats ok. I wanted to know what size should i get, i dont have it yet, but i wanted to know if maybe Margay has a standard tire/spindle size so i could order some before i get the kart.

Thanks, Nate

 

[OzFab]

I would wait until you have the kart before ordering any parts. Too often I've seen people do this only to have the item sold on them.

Also, you'll have a better opportunity to measure the axle/spindles once you have the kart at home.

 

[IWannaGoFast]

Ok thanks.

 

[anderkart]

Fabroman has some good points but If you want, I could help you order tires and rims that would fit now. You'd just need to ask the seller these questions to make sure everything fits:

What diamiter rear axle does the kart have?

Does the kart come with rear wheel hubs?
If it does, are the hubs made to fit the Metric (or American) 3-bolt pattern rims?
This link has info about this:--> http://www.cometkartsales.com/store/wheels/wheels.htm

And does this kart come with front wheel hubs?
If it does, again ask if they are for the metric or American bolt pattern rims?
(no biggie if it doesn't come with front wheel hubs, we can just order spindle mount front rims that'll fit without using hubs)

You'll also want to know if the wheel mounting studs are 1/4", 5/16" or metric size. And if it comes with lug nuts or not.

Also ask him if the kart comes with both front spindle nuts?
And if it comes with the front wheel spacers or not, you'll probably need about 10 of those spacers.

 

[IWannaGoFast]

Ok thanks man, do you think a Margay frame w/o engine or wheels, and the stuff anderkart said unkown, is worth $200, i cant talk the guy down, hes pretty firm on it.

 

[IWannaGoFast]

http://columbus.craigslist.org/for/3079134898.html

Thats the link, if somebody happens to live in this area, dont take it, please. I really want to get into karting. Its the frame and he said he would include the rear axle, the rest of the stuff is for the other one. Also is this a straight rail (? on spelling) or an oval racer? One more thing, do you think this is an adult frame? Im 6' and 210 if that helps.

 

[anderkart]

That frame looks alright, Its a strait-rail type made for racing on pavement with right/left turns.
It'd be a great kart to ride around for fun, but Its an older 1980's model that wouldnt have much of a chance of wining when racing at a track against newer models.

If that frame hasn't been seriously wrecked/damaged It'd be fair deal for $200. Although it looks like you'd have to buy a brake caliper/master cylinder/brake-lines. Those could easily cost you $200-$300 more... Plus you'd also need set of axle bearings/cassettes, rear wheel hubs, tires/rims/lug nuts/spindle-nuts/spacers, sprocket, hub and chain, plus a motor mount. You could easily end up spending another $500-$1000 for those (brand new high quality) parts, and that's not even counting an engine, clutch, throttle cable and kill switch. Although you could probably shop around and find all those parts used for much-much less.

Here in Arizona you could buy a complete kart just like that, all ready to ride with a 6.5hp clone engine for like around $500. I'd probably suggest you keep shopping for complete rolling racekart that only needs an engine/clutch and chain, I see-em on my local craigslist all the time in the $200-$300 asking price range.

 

[anderkart]

I'd help you try to find good deals on new or used parts if you buy that Margay, but I found these ads in your area you could check out:

http://columbus.craigslist.org/mcy/3036352036.html (this one is a strait-rail frame)

http://columbus.craigslist.org/mcy/2966554023.html (this might be a racekart, I'd ask for pics or go look at it...)

 

[IWannaGoFast]

Yeah the first one the guy got rid of like 2 weeks ago and he didnt close the ad. The second one ill check out. There was also a $100 dollar one that somebody bought 5 days ago. Once again, the guy didnt close ad. Ok ill keep looking, thanks for the useful info. I did not know it was that expensive to put together the frame.

 

[anderkart]

Check out how the left frame rail curves in top pic. Most any brand of offset racekart will have a curved left frame-rail very similar to that. These are also referred to as a LTO (left turn only) chassis. These karts turn left better than right, they're specially designed for racing on oval tracks.

Lots more pics of this kart here at this link: http://www.diygokarts.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6364

Heres a pic of my strait-rail chassis kart made for tracks with Right/left turns:

 

[IWannaGoFast]

Ok thanks. Im checking this one out now http://columbus.craigslist.org/mcy/3076904760.html

 

[IWannaGoFast]

Does it sound like a shifter? I think the tires make it sound like it?

 

[anderkart]

Could be, It's definitely worth checking out!

PS:
The only difference between most Strait-rail chassis and a 125cc. shifter is the addition of front brakes and a larger diamiter rear axle. With most brands, they use the exact same frames, tires/rims, etcetera...

 

[IWannaGoFast]

Oh, so the shifters and straight rails arent the same? Huh.

 

[anderkart]

They are the same.

 

[IWannaGoFast]

Oh. Lol. Well, im going to stick with this one if he doesnt sell it this weekend. Im not in a hurry to race, so i can live with checking ebay for cheap stuff now and then to complete it.

 

[IWannaGoFast]

Is the HF Predator any good? Or should I check craigslist for a Honda? What engine size should i shoot for?

 

[anderkart]

I like Honda GX-series engines better, but lots of guys here on this forum have had good luck using the Predator engines.

Most guys use the 6.5hp engines that are around 200cc, I like the 13hp/390cc. engines better but they need larger clutches and motor mounts that are much more exspencive.