1

Razor Ground Force Electric Go-Kart

My son got this for his 8th birthday, and he loves it! Assembly was a snap, since almost everything was already put together. The manual (as others have said) is a joke – they’ve changed the design of the cart since the manual was written, and the updates aren’t in the printout (or on the web site). There’s conflicting info about how to charge the cart too – but I figure it should just be treated like any other rechargeable battery. You’ll need a large smooth paved area for this cart – it doesn’t work too well on uneven or rough pavement, and though it can go through packed gravel, I don’t think it’s a good idea. So far it’s been quite durable, keeps a charge for a reasonable amount of play – we feel it was a good purchase and well worth the money.

2

Razor Dune Buggy

We bought this for our 5 year old son. He absolutely loves it.

He had a battery powered car that we would zip around the cul de sac with, but that lost its luster real quick. He loves the speed and being able to maneuver around an “obstacle course” (cones) is a breeze. One of the best things, in my opinion, is it’s extremely quiet and he can actually hear me calling him in for dinner!

Well worth the money, we have already ordered another one- for our 8 year old daughter…

3

250cc Go Kart, Water Cooled 4 Stroke

I purchased two of these, a blue one and a yellow one. I knew that I would need to make improvements immediately to make them reliable. I was OK with that since they were only ~$2,200 each to my door, and I couldn’t build my own for much less than that.

The frame was solid, but heavy. The CVT transmission and the Honda Helix (CN250)-copy engine are both very good. I was very impressed on the performance and durability of the X-mission and engine, and I rode them hard. Had to adjust the valves on the yellow one once, but it was a cinch with the external cam adjusters. The clearance ~9″ was more than enough to ride everywhere my friends small 4-wheeler could go. Over rocky stuff and everything, just not real fast due to suspension. And power was fairly decent! The seat is great, and the tires are OK. Steering system is very good. The chain and its tensioning system are excellent.

The rear axle had collars that needed to be removed to allow the hubs to be tight. I also added a thick lock washer to make them tighter, and had to reef down pretty hard on the hub nut. The rear hub splines definitely need a tighter tolerance in manufacturing.

The shock absorbers are worthless, and I upgraded to Fox shocks designed for the skis on a snowmobile. Some nice balloon-type tires would be a huge improvement in the suspension, and I would have done that if I had been able to keep them. It could add clearance too! These buggies are not ergonomic at all compared to a 4-wheeler. You are entirely dependent on the suspension, and cannot use your limbs for bump absorption, as you can with the 4-wheeler. So basically, take it easy if you don’t want a sore back.

I also had to replace one of the radiators due to small holes. The Yamaha YFZ-450 ATV aluminum radiator fit nicely with very minor modification (one mount hole drill).

The stock master brake cylinders are also useless, and I upgraded to Volkswagen bug/bus cylinders, which are easy to find thanks to popularity among sand rails and other homemade buggies. The brakes were still not quite as good as they should be for disc-type.

The paint on the yellow one was fine, but the blue quickly faded from a beautiful deep blue to a dark blue then whitish. WTH? This one bothered me more than the other issues, …I mean, how hard is it to get the paint right these days?

The lights on one were intermittent, but after much hard riding. I was getting all 4 wheels off the ground, so…I didn’t expect not to jar at least something loose. An easy fix.

Don’t use the antifreeze that comes with it, get the normal good stuff at your local parts store!!!

Needed to adjust the shifting cable. It was still somewhat hard to put into reverse after adjustment. It also jerked a bit at first when in reverse as the X-mission changed over. This is not uncommon with CVT type X-missions. Just take it easy on the gas when starting out in reverse right after shifting into it.

The manual was a good laugh, as expected. I would have been disappointed had it not been.

Had to replace and add lock-tight to several bolts/nuts, but nothing major. Keep a toolbox handy, especially for the first few months until you get the bugs out.

Overall, tons of fun and definitely room for improvement. Be prepared to upgrade components! For the money, you can’t go wrong in my humble opinion, especially if you are considering building one. The experience of riding these on 4-wheeler trails is something else. Very different from a 4-wheeler. We will miss it!

I hope this helps you.

4

150cc Go Kart with Fully Automatic Transmission with Reverse !

1. 150cc Air Cooled 4 Stroke Powerful Engine 2. Roomy Design, Wide and long enough for two adults to fit in ! 3. Twin 2 Tone Adjustable Racing Seats with 4 Point Harness, you can move seats back and forth 4. Fully Automatic Transmission with Reverse ! 5. Keyed Electric Start. 6. Tough and Rugged Construction Throughout 7. Safety Cage w/ Foam Padding Surrounds Vehicle 8. Front (left and right) Independent Arms w/Coil Over Shocks. 9. Rear (Left and Right) Dual Swing Arms w/Coil Over Shocks 10. 4 Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes 11. Quality Metal Flooring 12. Wrapped Steering Wheel 13. Emergency Brake 14. Quality Off Road Tires 15. Front Headlights and Rear Tailights 16. Includes Factory Toolkit and Manual

5

250cc Go Kart, Water Cooled 4 Stroke

1. 250cc Water Cooled 4 Stroke Powerful Engine. 2. Roomy Design, Wide and long enough for two adults to fit in ! 3. Twin 2 Tone Adjustable Racing Seats with 4 Point Harness, you can move seats back and forth 4. Fully Automatic Transmission with Reverse ! 5. Keyed Electric Start. 6. Tough and Rugged Construction Throughout 7. Safety Cage w/ Foam Padding Surrounds Vehicle 8. Front (left and right) Independent Arms w/Coil Over Shocks Suspension 9. Rear (Left and Right) Dual Swing Arms w/Coil Over Shocks Suspension 10. 4 Wheel Hydraulic Disc Brakes 11. Quality Metal Flooring 12. Wrapped Steering Wheel 13. Emergency Brake 14. Quality Off Road Tires 15. Front Headlights and Rear Tailights 16. Includes Factory Toolkit and Manual

6

Go-Ped Super Go Quad 30 Gas Powered Mini-Kart (Silver)

The New Super Go-Quad 30 is without doubts set to blow away any competition.Based on the highly successful platform of the original Go-Quad, the Skunk Werks set out to improve it even more by integrating what top racers have been doing to get the extra edge on the track and by making those proven modifications standard!A Live Axle Super-Go-QuadThe most important improvement in the New Super Go-Quad 30 was for PMW to leave the traditional one wheel drive design by going to a shifter cart inspired live rear axle, making the new Super Quad 30 two-wheel-drive and two-wheel-braking . Unlike all prior Go-Quad models, the Super Go-Quad 30 offers 100% of pure equal turning in both directions and puts an end to pulling towards one direction under braking. This major enhancement provides users with the most perfect handling capabilities. It gives them safe and absolute control while also achieving much faster track time.The chain driven/centrifugal clutch on the new Super Go-Quad 30 comes standard. It is set at a slightly lower gear ratio than the previous models to provide for the best acceleration off the line and out of corners.Improved front end geometry for the most superior handling performanceA newly designed steering plate has been added and allows the inside cornering wheel to turn slightly sharper than the outside wheel. Often referred to as “Ackerman Steering”, this new feature produces excellent responsive turning. After extensive testing by PMW “Skunk Werks” and proven performance on the track, the caster – the angle in which the front wheels tilt s back – has also been optimized to 17 degrees to reduce “pushing” and consequently offer excellent cornering.The 2 full inch added to the length of the front axle also contribute to the Super Go-Quad 30 excellent stability and handling performance.The handlebars have been ergonomically enhanced. Wider, lower and slightly forward, they provide for a more aggressive location. They

7

90cc Go Kart, Air Cooled 4 Stroke

1.Powerful 90cc air-cooled, four-stroke Engine 2. Electric Startingprovides much easier control and handling, and gives the rider the great convenience in the event of a stall. 3. Durable chain drive, which is really great. Chains are easy to repair and replace. 4. The dual seat is a super gift!! The OUTSTANDING COMFORTABLE RACING STYLE SEATS design for maximum driving and passenger comfort for YEARS OF FUN. 5. Steel frame is lightweight and features outstanding durability with superior rigidity for superb handling. 6. Good seat padding ensure you a roomy and comfortable riding experience. 7. Great safety aspect of this go kart is that each racing style seat comes standard with its own harness seat belt. 8. Rear disc brake provides sure and efficient stopping power in a variety of conditions for the kids.

8

150cc Go Kart, Air Cooled 4 Stroke

1. Smooth, torquey 150cc forced air-cooled, four-stroke Engine produces superb low- and mid-range power for both utility and recreational use. 2. Roomy Design, Wide and long enough for two adults to fit in! 3. Automatic CTV Transmission! 4. Keyed Electric Starting provides much easier control and handling 5. CDI ignition system ensures dependable starting and puts out consistent spark at all RPM for optimal engine performance. 6. Tough and Rugged Construction Throughout. Steel frame is lightweight and features outstanding durability with superior rigidity for superb handling. 7. Large-diameter front and rear hydraulic disc brakes provide sure stopping power in a variety of conditions. 8. Wonderful safety aspect of this go kart is that each racing style seat comes standard with its own harness seat belt. 9. 6.0-inch ground clearance delivers maximum underbelly protection while enhancing terrainability. 10. Class-long wheelbase, at 63.5 inches, creates ample legroom to further enhance rider comfort. 11. Full size at 89″(L)* 54″ (W) * 53″ * (H) provide the roomy and comfortable riding experience for both the driver and passenger.12. Quality Metal Flooring 13. Wrapped Steering Wheel. 14 Emergency Brake. 15. Quality off Road Tires 16. Front Headlights and Rear Taillights 17. Includes Factory Toolkit and Manual.

9

150cc Go Kart, Air Cooled 4 Stroke

1. Smooth, torquey 150cc forced air-cooled, four-stroke Engine produces superb low- and mid-range power for both utility and recreational use. 2. Roomy Design, Wide and long enough for two adults to fit in! 3. Automatic Transmission with Reverse! 4. Keyed Electric Starting provides much easier control and handling 5. Tough and Rugged Construction Throughout. Steel frame is lightweight and features outstanding durability with superior rigidity for superb handling. 6. Large-diameter front and rear hydraulic disc brakes provide sure stopping power in a variety of conditions. 7. Wonderful safety aspect of this go kart is that each racing style seat comes standard with its own harness seat belt. 8. 6.0-inch ground clearance delivers maximum underbelly protection while enhancing terrainability. 9. Class-long wheelbase, at 63.5 inches, creates ample legroom to further enhance rider comfort. 10. Full size at 89″(L)* 54″ (W) * 53″ * (H) provide the roomy and comfortable riding experience for both the driver and passenger. 11. Quality Metal Flooring 12. Wrapped Steering Wheel 13. Emergency Brake 14. Quality off Road Tires 15. Front Headlights and Rear Taillights 16. Includes Factory Toolkit and Manual

10

Quantum by American SportWorks – 150cc 9.9hp Full Suspension Go Kart

Offering all the sophistication of a high-performance ATV in a compact package, the Quantum full-suspension go-kart is a great ride for people ages 12 and older. The Quantum is outfitted with such features as a dual-wheel, automatic torque-converter drive that’s perfect for hills, grass, mud, sand, and other tough terrain, along with a 150cc, 9.9-horsepower, air-cooled engine with an electric starter. As a result, the Quantum not only holds up to heavy use and runs quietly, but it also zips around at up to 39 miles per hour–fast enough for all but the most reckless dune and trail riders (if that’s too fast for your taste, a 20-mile-per-hour speed reduction kit is available). The Quantum is also built for safety, with four-wheel hydraulic disc brakes that stop quickly and three-point lap/shoulder belts to protect the passengers. And thanks to the rack-and-pinion steering and independent front and semi-independent rear suspension, the Quantum is extremely responsive and smooth.

Other features include adjustable bucket seats designed for style and comfort, aggressive 19-inch front and 21-inch rear tires for maximum traction, four adjustable coil-over hydraulic shocks for performance and versatility, a reverse gearbox for convenience, and such standard equipment as a rear rack, flag, enclosed drive train, side splash guards, fenders, lights, and a speedometer. The Quantum, which measures 34 to 39 inches from the seat back to the pedals, carries a one-year warranty on the engine.
]]> http://www.gokartscentral.com/reviews/top-10-go-karts/feed/ 0 http://www.gokartscentral.com/articles/all-about-the-go-kart/ http://www.gokartscentral.com/articles/all-about-the-go-kart/#comments Wed, 05 Aug 2009 04:26:41 +0000 Kris Tinarko http://www.gokartscentral.com/?p=15 Go kart racing is a common American pass time (and is popular in Europe, as well). Since the tiny, low riding, affordable kart was first produced in 1958, it has only gained in popularity. Appealing to both kids and adults, available in a variety of speeds (and even at-home assembly kits), this likeable, speedy little vehicle really has a lot going for it. Interested in the karting world but don’t know much about it? Here’s a quick overview of the kart’s structure, how it is raced, and why it is so popular.

The kart itself is really a quite simple vehicle, as motorized cars go. It consists of a steel chassis, engine, non-differential transmission, brakes and small tires. There is no suspension. Of course, as with all vehicles ‘simple’ does not necessarily mean ‘cheap’ or ‘unrefined.’ Some of the high end karts cost thousands of dollars and are designed to be extremely refined, extremely fast (up to 160 miles per hour) vehicles.

When buying a go kart, you decide whether you want a pre-assembled kart, or one that you assemble yourself. At-home assembly is especially popular among families who buy the vehicle as a gift for their kids. Learning to put it together is half the fun, and it gives kids a basic knowledge of mechanics, as well as extra pride in their vehicles. The more competitive karts, on the other hand, are probably better bought pre-assembled, as they are less of a hobby and more of as fine-tuned competitive machine.

In terms of go kart racing, there are several racing formats commonly used. Sprints are fast but relatively short races, of which drivers will race several qualifying races until making it to a final, that send drivers through right and left turns. Speedway races are faster, involving four laps around an oval track made of clay or asphalt. Endurance (“Enduro” for short) races are to karting as cross country running is to track and field. They generally last 30-45 minutes, but the famous French race, “24 Hours of Le Mans” lasts, as you would expect, for 24 hours.

Certainly go karts are popular among younger drivers due to their size, and famous racers like Jeff Gordon often get their start in karting. But it is also a legitimate adult sport, with many national and international competition organizations established exclusively for adults.

Go-karting is popular all over the world, but it actually originated in Southern California in the 1950s. But even before then, standard automobiles lent themselves to the sport when they began to get higher speeds and could be, gradually, produced in smaller sizes.

Somewhere between a riding lawnmower and a racecar, the go kart offers a manageable size and a manageable yet exciting speed. If you have only gone karting in the controlled environment of an amusement park, you have probably gone no faster than 15 or maybe 20 miles per hour, but karts designed for speed and competition can go as fast as 160 miles per hour. Most at-home or do-it-yourself models give speeds of somewhere in the middle, often around 80 and 85 miles per hour for top speeds.

If you are considering becoming involved in karting just for fun, then you may want to buy a do it yourself kit, to build the go kart yourself. Since the sport involves small vehicles and controlled environments, children as young as 8 can usually compete, so this is a good family activity.

A kit for building the kart yourself will probably run several hundred dollars, with the price of course varying by how fast you want it to go and other factors.

If you choose to buy the kart, there are dozens of models available. Some of the most well known names in the karting industry, in terms of manufacturers, are Gillard, Margay Products, and Rotax. Other more common models are made by Stingray, Voodoo, Carson, Razor, and similar companies.

If you are looking for a fun activity for yourself or a loved one (young or not-so-young), a go kart is a fun way to get outside, get a little speed, and work on your reflexes while enjoying the thrill of the ride.

Today, kids from all over the world get karts as gifts, or work with their parents to assemble their very own, and spend countless hours driving around (or thinking about driving around when they’re ‘stuck’ inside).

The go kart is a simple machine: a small engine on a light but sturdy frame that sits very low to the ground. Karts made for amusement parks generally are capped at a speed of 15 miles per hour, but karts for competitive use often reach speeds in the mid 80s. The highest recorded speed is reported to be 160 miles per hour.

The slightly faster kart is generally what a young racer will start on (not too fast to be safe, of course). Such big names as Jeff Gordon and many others got their start behind the wheel of the go kart. Now they are racing in DuPont/Pepsi, NASCAR, the Busch Series, the Winston Cup, and other notable competitions.

What makes karting such a good learning tool for eventual competition in larger, faster vehicles? Well for one, it is a manageable size for smaller bodies. This doesn’t mean it cannot be pursued by adults (it can, and often is!), but that it is just a particularly effective avenue for younger drivers to get comfortable in a vehicle before they start getting into larger and faster cars.

Skills that karting helps these young drivers acquire include such things as:

• A sense of turning, steering, and fine tuned control of the wheel

• Confidence in acceleration (and learning when and how much to push the gas pedal)

• A good grip on braking (and learning how to brake effectively without losing control of the vehicle)

• How to ride along side other drivers (to remain competitive without driving dangerously close to another car)

These are basic skills, and ones that ‘stick’ and become more refined when learned at a younger age. Karting is a great way to get kids started out. Of course, most young karters don’t go professional. But they still have a good time.

1. Affordability. Budget matters, and even ‘toys’ can be quite pricey, especially when they come with a motor. Karts are smaller than a lot of other racing vehicles, they use less fuel than other motorized cars, and they don’t require building on extra storage space like so many other hobbies do.
2. Speed. While the go kart you pay to ride at your regional amusement park will probably go no faster than 15 miles per hour, competitive karts have been clocked going as fast as 160 miles per hour! For most non-competitive enthusiasts, those karts are excessive in speed and price, so there are many, many models that fall in the middle.
3. Safety. Since the person you are buying this go kart for may be young and small, or really because everyone should be careful when operating a motorized vehicle, it’s important to address safety. Getting a model that goes only up to an appropriate speed is a first-step safety precaution. Always wear a helmet when riding. And make sure the courses you race on are regulated, well cared for, and supervised. Because of these common precautions, karting is generally a very safe and reliable sport.
4. Family bonding. One of the most popular ways of getting a kart is to buy a kit that lets you do it yourself. Assembling the kart is the modern day version of the soapbox derby, where kids and parents bond (and kids learn a bit, too) while assembling what will be a fun and exciting toy.
5. Skills. Karting is the first step for many of the world’s leading full-size racecar drivers. It’s a great way for kids to get acquainted with steering, acceleration, and braking, and to get a feel for what it’s like to navigate a course along side other vehicles. Who knows: your kid might grow up to be the next Nascar champion! But it’s more likely that he or she will just have a lot of fun.

The go kart itself was first made in 1958 in Southern California, by a man named Art Ingels. Today, karts of all performance levels are produced worldwide, with at home enthusiasts, amusement park guests, and competitive racers manning karts that go anywhere from 15 to 160 miles per hour. It’s really all about what you are looking for and where you intend to ride.

Occasional recreation is one of the top categories for go kart use. In this case, you can usually enjoy the sport without needing to invest in the equipment yourself. There are hundreds of karting tracks that will let you pay to ride for a certain amount of time on their course. These karts are built to be substantial and extra durable in terms of safety (since often times customers are amateur), and your fee should include all needed safety equipment as well. (Karting in amusement parks is even more affordable, but is generally the slowest in terms of speed, for safety reasons.)

Recreational assembly is another reason people like go-karting. More modern (and faster) than the traditional ‘soapbox derby,’ assembling go-karts has become a bonding experience for parents and kids everywhere. In most cases, buying the kart unassembled is more affordable than buying one that’s already put together. It also teaches kids about following directions and how vehicles work, not to mention being a nice family bonding experience.

Speed and sport bring competitive racers to a whole different level. Karting itself is popular not only with kids but with adults, too. Competitive leagues abound in Europe and the United States. And for kids who go on to pursue competitive racing in larger cars (like Nascar, etc.), the go kart is an excellent way for them to learn the basics of racing and work on their skills in a vehicle that is more suited to their size.

The kart you go with will of course vary depending on your goals for the experience. But competitive or leisurely, fast or less fast, you’re sure to have fun.