Choosing your first Kart

Hey, I’m trynna get into racing karts. Do you know anyone websites I can order from ?

Corrections/clarifications: -You can get parts for pretty much any kart online as long as the company isn't out of business and it's built after 2000 (there was a major change in kart rules and design between the 90's and the 00's). On that note, don't buy a kart made before 2000, it will not be competitive and you will never find parts. The only time you really need local parts suppliers is if you are going to race a season in the points and being out of the race for a day might ruin your season so you need parts IMMEDIATELY after a wreck or failure. Otherwise, like I said, getting parts online is fine and most of the most commonly worn parts (sprockets, chains, etc) are usually generic and interchangeable anyway. -The "206" in LO206 stands for 206cc, the displacement of the engine. Now, why they chose to go with 206cc when even most rental karts are at least 270cc is a mystery to me. The LO206 is also a little hopped up so it makes about 8.5 or so horsepower just like a 270cc standard Honda GX270 in a rental kart, but the GX270 does have a wider powerband. -In spite of being billed as "all equal" motors, LO206 does have a slight variance from the factory, but more importantly you can do head work on them and run them in a certain way that makes them faster. I've heard Kart City motors in particular are the fastest of these. They also run into problems with decent run time like the 2-strokes as the head of the LO206 will start to flex from heat cycling and it drastically reduces power. I like the spirit of the LO206, but IMO the execution is poor. I'd rather go with a KA100 for far more speed and not too much more cost or maintenance. -The reason the 100cc KA100/VLR tires last longer is because they also run Evinco Blues like the LO206. It's only slightly slower than a 125cc TAG on equal tires even though the peak power is only 2/3 due to how narrow of a range the 125cc TAG motors make peak power. -If anyone is curious, the name Touch and Go (TAG) refers to the electric start mechanism. In prior decades karts were usually direct drive and required a push start either by having someone push you in the pit or running and jumping in your kart. There were also external starter motors where a battery powered starter would be inserted into the crank of the engine and then removed once it started. -The biggest difference between the 100cc and 125cc karts is the tires run and that's the biggest reason for lap time differences. 100cc is much more budget friendly and much easier on your ribs. Once you switch to a 125cc with Evinco Reds you will need to be in good physical shape to handle the G forces as lateral grip gets ridiculous. Another important note is that Evinco Blues can stay competitive through several races, but Evinco Reds will drop off over the course of a single race day. If you aren't a millionaire that's happy to throw money away, I'd recommend going for the 100cc like a KA100 or VLR depending on which is most popular at your track. In all honesty, the Evinco Blues are the best balance of keeping speed through the corners but still being able to slide enough that you really need to drive it. Reds will also wear out your chassis faster as the increased grip makes it flex more and is more likely to bend it or mechanically work the frame until it stiffens up and won't handle well anymore (karts rely on flex to handle in place of traditional suspension and also to lift the inside tire in place of a differential like a car or most other 4 wheel vehicles). -Shifter horsepower varies based on which shifter motor you have and the tuning as it's usually not a sealed class. Stock Honda CR125 is usually regarded as about 36, but it depends on if you have a 99 or 01 cylinder and the work done to it. A euro-spec KZ2 is up to 50 HP. -On the chain lube, I highly recommend the Motul C2 or C4, especially if it's a 100cc or 125cc TAG as they run the smallest chains. Most other lubes I've used or seen others use just don't protect the chain and sprockets enough, but the C2/C4 do a great job lubricating and don't make as big of a mess as some lubes. Motul 2T is also the 2-stroke oil I'd recommend. I probably sound like a Motul salesman now, and I'm sure there are other good brands for either, but this has just been my experience and what I've been recommended by kart tuners and seasoned drivers. All in all, if you want to go significantly faster than rentals while still being cost-conscious, go with a 100cc 2-stroke class. More than fast enough to really feel fast, but doesn't cost you thousands to run it every year competitively.

that was one great tutorial.  I am 72 and am going carting, and yes I have listened, my car will be a slower cart...got to learn how to walk before one flys!     thanks again

I'm 55 now, used to have a race cart when I was 9! What a different beast it was. Found a picture of it, it was simple, just the basics. Used to race at Rick Rack Go Kart Track, somewhere in PA. We had to ad led to it because I was too small. It was fun as I recall, good father, son time, If you can afford it.

I have been wanting to find a video like this for a long time. Great video and lots of really awesome info. Subscribed!

Great Job, telling the basics and the difference between each class. We are just getting past the interested phase, starting to look at chassis and engine combos, and what class my 10 year old is going to start in. We have a great support group around us, and have really enjoyed the comradary so far. Everyone has been very helpful so far. Thank you again for this tutorial it's spot on to what I have heard so far.

Thank you for taking the time to make this video - very informative!

That was as clear and concise a video about getting started into karting as i have ever seen. I used to race WKA on dirt tracks with the old Briggs flathead engines. I have always been interested in the different karts you discussed and you sure did make it easy to understand. Thank you for taking the time to help us understand the differences.

I love watching carting, that was a great way to explain the classes in HP brakes and shifting

Outstanding information and presentation . I have 2 IKF and 1 WKA championship from the 80s. Looking back at my age, and wanting to play around again, this video was great.

Good video, very informative. I am in the process of purchasing a kart. I am trying to decide which route to go. Thanks for the advice.

Thanks for the primer, I felt like this was a good through guide to get me steered in the right direction.

This video and the information was extremely helpful. I've considered karting as a hobby and am clueless as to where to begin. Thank you for doing this video.

Good info; thanks for taking your time to share your knowledge and experience.

Great video! I could spend all day ripping on all of those karts

Awesome as usual! I heard mike watching it while I was working on my kart today. Had to get home and see it for myself!

Great info! Thank you!! Buying my first cart and ready to roll!

Fantastic video dude. Really. So many people want to get into karting and there’s nothing out there but garbage. This was super informative. I raced at Willow Springs in the HPV class (which of course years later means something completely different!) and this is very up-to-date and informative. I now live in San Antonio and I’m looking to re-enter the sport 20 years later and your video really laid out my options. I appreciate it.

Absolutely freaking awesome video! This was super informative. Thank you very, very much!

Awesome info thanks!! Just found this channel,interested in getting into the sport so extremely helpful!now just gotta see what’s up in my area as far as tracks and classes go(Phoenix Arizona) so thanks again!