Go Karts

Go-cart· 2-stroke
Go -kart was initially introduced in the year 1956. It isA 2-stroke kart type of engine was initially introduced
a small four wheeled vehicle intended for racing. Inby a group go-cart manufacturers. It is composed of
the year 1958 an American company, Go Karta single 60cc cylinder unit with 8 hp that can be
Manufacturing Co. established the first kart company.upgraded up to a 250 twin units at 90 hp.
McCulloch the first kart engine manufacturer shortlyA higher touch-and-go (TAG) 2-stroke engine with
followed in the year 1959.125cc is the most popular category of this engine at
Go-cart’s popularity started to spread globallypresent. It was shortly followed by KF1 engine at
and has currently evaded most of Europe.125cc that can reach a maximum of 16,000 rpm. This
This type of vehicle is composed of many parts withengine technology are now water-cooled designed
a variety of classification to choose from. Thethough most consumers still prefered the prerequisite
different types or technology of a kart’s partair-cooled engines.
can be mixed and matched to create the most· 4-stroke
suitable go-cart vehicle that you need.4-stroke engines are industrial based air cooled
The Internet provides many designs and building plansengines that can be modified from a standard 5 hp
that can help you build a go-cart vehicle. Someto 20 hp. A higher standard 4-stroke engine
websites even provides “Do It Yourself”technology provided by a different manufacturer is
go-cart package that are relatively cheaper comparedalso available, which runs at a minimum of 15hp to 48
to a ready made one.hp at max. This type of engine are particularly
When building or buying a go-cart, one shoulddesigned for karting that can run at 11,000 rpm.
familiarize himself with the parts and funcionalities ofTransmission
a go-cart’s structure. This can help you decideGo-carts do not have a diffrential technology, which
which type of motor or material will best suite yourcause one of the back tires to slide while cornering. A
need.structured chassis provides this flexibility by slightly
Parts of a Go-cartlifting the inside rear tire as the kart maneuvers to a
Chassiscorner.
Chassis is composed of steel tubes. Go kart chassisThe tire looses its hold on the ground, which allows it
are flexible and stiff in character, this is toto completely slide or slihtly take off from the
compensate for the absence of a suspension in thisground.
machine. It should be able to adjust easily to performPower is initially transferred via chain effect transfer,
a suspension’s function and must be durablewhich direct power from engine going to the rear
enough to absorb impact of sudden maneuvers.axle. A go-cart’s engine as well as its axle
Go-cart chassis are classified into four:sprockets are detachable. They are usually
- Open kart, which has no roll cage is a CIK-FIAreattached base on the track’s configuration to
approved chassis.achieve the maximum performance of the machine.
- Caged kart has a roll cage and is popular for dirtThe Initially go-carts are designed for direct drive
tracks.alone that was very inconevenient formany users.
- Straight chassis is CIK-FIA approved type ofThis gave way to the development of centrigfugal
chassis. It is highly suitable for sprint racing thatclutch that is now also known as dry centrifugal
provides a center sit for its driver.clutches. Clutched engines with 125 cc was later on
- Offset chassis is the most appropriate chassis forset as the international standard.
left-turn-only speedway racing, which provides a leftTires
side sit for the race driver.Go-cart’s tires and wheels are noticeably smaller
The rigid charactersistic of a go-cart chassis allows itcompared to the ones used in a standard car. A
to function on different maneuver and roadgo-cart’s rim is commonly made of magnesium
conditions. Chassis with higher rigidty level performsalloy and aluminum materials. These tires and rims are
best on dry conditions while a more flexible onedesigned to contain cornering forces base on the
eases work on wet conditions. A high quality chassisengine, chassis and motor configuration.
offers a detachable stiffening bar that can be set onTypes of Tires
any of its side to accommodate any given raceSlicks
condition.Slick tires are most suitable for dry weather condition.
Go-cart brakes operate through a disc brake placedThe sofest slick tire provides a steadfast grip on the
on the back axle. Though the use of front brakesground while the hardest give lesser grip benefit but
are already highly popular it is still restricted to otherare known to have longer lifespan.
types go-carts.Rain tires
Standard professional go-carts weighs 75 to 80 kgRain tires are designed for wet weather conditions.
exclusive of its driver.This type of tire has a soft finish and are thinner
Types of Enginesthan slicks. It is also specifically grooved to redirect
· Electric go-cartswater away as the tire touches the ground while it is
Electric go-cart engines are smoke-free which makesrunning.
them suitable for indoor racing or contained racingSpiked tire is a special tire type which is used for
environment . It is powered by a set of rechargeablesnow.David Bradley is a freelance writer who is the
lead-acid-batteries that requires a cluster of chargersauthor of articles such as How to build a wooden
to repower. Electric go-carts can last a 20 minuteGo-Kart, How to build a Go Kart, and How to Build a
fast performance before its batteries gradually runGo-Kart Visit Go Karts.
down.