When is a kart a buggy?

[Doc Sprocket]

Hey, y'all!
Every now and then, I see karts called buggies, and buggies called karts. So here's the pop quiz...

At what point does a kart become a buggy?

In my opinion, a cage (not just a bar) offroad tires, and suspension define a buggy. Your thoughts?

 

[devino246]

In my opinion, a cage (not just a bar) offroad tires, and suspension define a buggy. Your thoughts?

Yep, thats my definition. BTW, your new avatar is really throwing me off.

 

[r97]

my opionion, buggy(some would say its a mini buggy, but its still a buggy)
http://www.hammerheadoffroad.com/gt150.html
i would say this is an off-road kart, not gonna see this on anything too challanging, some would argue it is a buggy, but the two things that bring it back to a suspension kart are, 1. little tech engine 2. those small tires, low ride height, and the suspension.

now those are both on the very edge of being a kart or a buggy, but please don't call this,

a kart, and don't call this a buggy

 

[redsox985]

My idea of a buggy is a vehicle with a full cage and suspension all around. Also, it usually has an engine with some type of transmission (possibly reverse). Lights, gauges, and key start in the "cab" would be expected.

 

[Doc Sprocket]

BTW, your new avatar is really throwing me off.

Ha ha! Sorry, man- As amusing as it was, there was only so long I was willing to use that Rent-A-Wreck as my avater, and I hadn't decided on a preferred pic just yet!

 

[devino246]

As amusing as it was, there was only so long I was willing to use that Rent-A-Wreck as my avater

I cant blame you.

 

[slideways]

Coil springs over 10" tall and at least a F-N-R trans. And over a 250cc engine

 

[armyvet]

this is my "buggy"

 

[Blazkowiez]

In my opinion off-road vehicles make the switch between kart and buggie when they reach a certain higher level of sophistication. The Kenbar in the first picture may have a large engine and full suspension but it was not designed for aggressive off-road use.

The consideration should be mostly made on where you can ride the item perform. Think of why we are calling them buggies... these are vehicles that mimic the visual image of a stripped down Volkswagen Bug.

You can not make the distinction that karts with motorcycle engines are no longer go-karts because that would rule out many shifter karts in racing circuits and those are clearly still karts.

I can't give a specific mark on where the transition occurs, but very clearly there are far too many items being made in China that classify themselves as Go-Karts.

 

[armyvet]

its a little week in the knees right now with a 150cc gy6 honda copy motor but ive got plans for it...lol 10hp and nearly 450lbs...not exactly adrenaline pumping but its fun..hehe

 

[theo]

I believe the difference between a buggy and a kart is clearance, which allows the buggy to go off road.

 

[anderkart]

To me size would be the determining factor. I cant say exactly where the cut off point would be but once a go kart exceeds a certain size I'd consider it to enter into the sand buggy or small car category.

 

[devino246]

Hmm, id have to say a F-N-R gearbox and electric start would be required for a buggy too.

 

[modelengineer]

Presumably this is partly directed at me, as I sometimes refer to the Sidewinder I built as a kart. Technically the Sidewinder is a "mini-buggy". "Buggies", over here at least, are more like full car sized 2 seater off-road type buggies.
I would say the picture ArmyVet posted is a mini-buggy as well.

I think a mini-buggy is a single seater off-roader with a roll cage and long travel suspension. This long travel suspension, in my mind, is the difference between a mini-buggy and an off-road kart.