Looking at Go Kart options for my kids...

hillstrubl

Founding Member
I think the time has come to build/buy a go kart for my kids, I see a lot of options online, but wanted to see if this group had some tips.
Kids are 5 (huge) and 8 (small) so they'd be using it for years. We have a cul-de-sac that they could get used to it, then I'd probably bring them to nearby woods, etc

Any ideas?


Things I know I want:
  • 2-seater
  • Offroad > Street kart
  • Roll cage, how effective are the "full" ones over just the hoop behind the passengers? I realize more metal is better than less but is it strong enough to actually make a difference?
  • Gas engine > Electric
  • Brakes that actually work

Things I think I want:
  • Remote Kill switch
  • 5.5 hp or more (but I guess I could always swap the actual engine when they get heavier)
  • 4 stroke (for both reliability, ease (I hate mixing oil) and so they're not breathing 2 stroke emissions, I realize I give up power based on displacement)
  • Adjustable pedals and/or seat, in order to accommodate growing kids and my wife would definitely want to drive it :)

Things that would be nice to have:
  • Electric start (but honestly that would just be for them to be able to restart if it stalls and I'm not standing right there)
  • Some sort of multi-geared transmission, centrifugal clutch I'd guess?
I don't mind assembly, but I don't really want to be fabricating.

here's some I found - https://gokartsusa.com/TrailMaster-Mini-XRS-Gokart-Buggy-4.aspx
 
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Z.G

Well-known member
Having spent thousands of hours in a go kart growing up, I will suggest 3 things
1. It should not have suspension. You will learn to drive safer after being airborn in a non-suspended go kart
2. No electric start, survival of the fittest. I had trails for miles where I grew up, I knew I wasn't wanting to walk out if it wouldn't start.
3. Brakes that actually work? Trees work when the brakes dont. Or they can roll into your Defender tires. The go kart will find a way to stop.

I miss my Dingo single seater that I had for years. Had chains for it to ride around in the winter towing snowboarders. Side by sides have killed the go kart market
 

chuckc4

Well-known member
This doesn't meet any of your requirements and is definitely too big for a Grom Cart, but I have a 250cc TM Racing bottom end sitting in my garage, just sayin...

Sounds like a fun project!
 

chris snell

Administrator
Callsign: NW5W
Staff member
Watching this thread. My kids really want a go-kart. Recently bought a welder and I'm thinking that building a frame and cage would be a fun project.

Those are great suggestions, Zack. I kind of doubt that my 7 year-old could handle a pull-start, though.

For brakes, I think I would look for some discs, maybe with hydraulic braking.

Did you really ride without suspension?

For remote kill, I think that a solenoid connected to the spark plug wire and connected to a R/C servo could do the trick.
 

Z.G

Well-known member
This is what I had, no suspension, okay-enough brakes, and plenty of power. I think I was 9 or 10 when I got it, and was able to pull-start without too much issue.

Screen Shot 2020-05-13 at 1.23.17 PM.png
 

rover4x4

Well-known member
I may still have my go cart, it's probably 40 years old, a neighbor gave it to me. It had brakes and an accelerator for only a brief time. I ran a string for the throttle had no brakes no suspension, and a couch pillow for a seat cushion.. I bet I rode that thing from when I was 7 or 8 until i was 13 or 14. It ran marginally well it was extremely loud and fun, if i could make it run I could ride. I only flipped it over once, never wore a helmet. I was riding double with a friend, on his we were maybe 10 and flipped luckily we had on helmets it probably wouldve really hurt us had we not.

One of the older guys had a 2 seater with maybe a 7 or 12hp engine and both rear wheels had power, it was fast.

We graduated to dirt bikes and 4 wheelers, lucky growing up a little redneck kid..
 

sgo70

Member
I put one of these on my sons PW50, pretty easy installation and range of either 250 or 500'.


He loves his electric Osett until the battery runs out so I hope to get him on the PW this year cause I always bring lots of gas. Sucks to have to wait for a charge when camping.

Sean
 

LR Max

Well-known member
Full roll cage. I rolled one years ago and thought, dang I'm glad I had the extra steel!!

X2 on pull start. Build some character.

I'd get on Facebook marketplace and find a used one. Seems like many gokarts get used for a bit then laid up. So might as well save some money. If it doesn't work out, sell it for what you got in it.
 

donb

Well-known member
I had one for the kids years ago. Pull start, no suspension, cage and kill switch I would recommend. The single seat one that Zack posted is imo the best/safest option. 2 seaters mean the kids can ride together but at younger ages the passenger could get hurt on tree stop / rollover situation.

Like ZG said no suspension makes the kid's pick the best lines and think where they are going. (I recomend the same for mtn bikes). Also the suspension on a go-kart isn't going to be great anyway and one more thing to break. Bigger tires will offer some suspension/flex as well.

I got mine used on CL, had it for a couple years and fixed pieces here and there and then sold it for the same price.
 
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hillstrubl

Founding Member
Those are great suggestions, Zack. I kind of doubt that my 7 year-old could handle a pull-start, though.
X2 on pull start. Build some character.
I get all the suggestions about pull start being part of the experience, the problem is a younger kid just won't be able to do it. No suspension and roll cage, I'm in support of however!

saw this one for sale near me...
1589478948291.png
 
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donb

Well-known member
I get all the suggestions about pull start being part of the experience, the problem is a younger kid just won't be able to do it. No suspension and roll cage, I'm in support of however!

saw this one for sale near me...

Looks like a good one. Regarding the pull start - if they are too young to do it themselves then it might be a good idea to have an adult around to keep an eye on them while they are riding.
 
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Toyrover

Well-known member
so i have three boys that are real active 6,9 and 11. I bought the polaris ranger 150 for my kids. It has been fantastic. i hear what you say about the suspension, but this allows for a younger one to be in there and learn how to drive while they are a passenger. it is only two wheel drive but gets around pretty well with a solid "locked" rear end. The nice thing about it is, that a small adult can get in there as well. I am only 5'8 and wife 5'2, the seats are all adjustable as well as the steering wheel. It has digitally controlled geo fence that you can set up as well as speed governors. Maybe a little higher price to get in, but they resell for almost the price you pay for them. My boys are also learning dirt bikes and that might also be a good idea if you decide against the go-kart.
 

hillstrubl

Founding Member
Looks like a good one. Regarding the pull start - if they are too young to do it themselves then it might be a good idea to have an adult around to keep an eye on them while they are riding.

Agree with the sentiment, but my daughter (the older one) is in the 3rd percentile for height and weight. She's mature beyond her years, but will likely need a booster seat when she's driving an actual car...:). Its not necessarily a "young" thing, but a "small" thing.

so i have three boys that are real active 6,9 and 11. I bought the polaris ranger 150 for my kids. It has been fantastic. i hear what you say about the suspension, but this allows for a younger one to be in there and learn how to drive while they are a passenger. it is only two wheel drive but gets around pretty well with a solid "locked" rear end. The nice thing about it is, that a small adult can get in there as well. I am only 5'8 and wife 5'2, the seats are all adjustable as well as the steering wheel. It has digitally controlled geo fence that you can set up as well as speed governors. Maybe a little higher price to get in, but they resell for almost the price you pay for them. My boys are also learning dirt bikes and that might also be a good idea if you decide against the go-kart.
A Polaris Ranger 150 is ~$5000, a go kart that I'm looking at is around $1000. I can't swing 5 times the price for something like this.
 
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