Clutch kart or shifter?

[Jason Miller]

I haven't had a kart for a while. Been busy with my 7 year old and his racing. He wants me to have a kart now too. I just can't decide though. Was thinking something with a Yamaha at first but now kicking around an 80 or possibly even a stock moto again. I know there quite a bit different but it will probably more playing than racing. Just wanna have some fun.

[Russell Stevens]

1) What class is your son running in?
2) Will either of these choices make more sense on a "sharing spare parts" level?
3) Will either of these choices give him a kart package to move up into in the future?
4) Do you have someone at the track to run your starter box on a regular basis? If not have you considered TAG?
5) How rusty are you? There is more to do with a shifter, and it might be frustrating trying to get back into the grove with the added work you have to do while driving.
6) What are the others your age and temperment driving at the track?

I'm sure you will get as many oppinions as there are people. I personally got a TAG as a new driver, and am approaching it slowly. The Tag guys at my class are all professionals in their late 30's and 40's. Nobody wants to get hurt and mess up the day job. Everyone drives respectfully and conservatively. Don't get me wrong, they are racing, they just don't bump and force passes. They are also all pals in the pits, and share ratios, tire pressures, carb settings, and war stories. They will come over and try to help the slower guy(s), and will work on each others karts.

That is just my experience. Define what you think is fun, and pick the group that is behaving that way at the track. Get the kart that puts you with those folks.

Hope this helps you make your choice.
Thanks
Rusty

[Troy V Smith]

Jason - Rusty has some really, really good questions that you should be asking yourself. Doing so might just provide the answers you need to make that kart purchase.

Couple things you mentioned is that you have been "out for a while" and that you "wanna have fun". With that in mind, I'd be pointing you to a TAG myself. I spent 20 yrs racing in the 80's/90's and got out for a while. When I got back in karting, I jumped into a shifter. I spent the first year breaking things, the second year trying to drive the thing, and have never stopped tweaking and learning. If your out to have a good time and just play with your son - nothing beats the old "start button" on a TAG. My wife runs a TAG, it is way more than she ever needs, but she too, is just out to have fun, so it works out great!
_________________
TVS Motorsports -
"We may not be the fastest on the track...
but we're having the most FUN!"

[Jason Miller]

Thanks for the response guys. I was trying to stay away from Tag but you both have some valid points to consider. Thanks.

[Robert Brooks]

World Formula also has a push button start, is way easier on the wallet and you don't wear out tires, brakes, chains, clutches, etc.....
_________________
Straightaways are for fast karts, corners are for fast drivers....

[Mike Goebel]

Don't be a sissy...get the shifter!!!


Mike G.
_________________
Closet KZ Lover!!!
mfg Technology Centre
So Cal’s #1 Non Profit Engine Builder

[Kyle Prokup]

If you were to anything non-shifter for fun; rotax. Assuming you get a up to date one, they're from what I've heard bulletproof.

If you're looking for something with less maintenance, and dont mind spending the money up front get a KPV. Best engine package available in US karting. I used to put 45 hours on both my top and bottom end's and could still put down lap times close to the fastest lap of the race.
_________________
Kyle Prokup Racing
Tony Kart EVRR

[Brian Degulis]

IMO you must try a tag and a shifter to know what gets your juices flowing. The advice is always start with TAG and I guess it's good advice as far as it goes. I was out of karting for 36 years my son got into it and I decided not to let him have all the fun. Everyone said TAG TAG TAG is the only way to get started. So I drove a TAG and it was fun but I bought a shifter. First a DD2 then a Moto shifter I love them both but the full blown shifter is better than sex well almost. The thing you need to remember is if you jump into shifter it's going to be a while before your safe to race. As long as your OK with that and don't jepordize yourself or anyone else on the track then go for it. I happen to be very close to a track that's only used for testing. I can go there anytime I want and play around with the track to my self or just a few other karts. If I didn't have that I might have given TAG more thought.

Brian


Brian

[Russell Stevens]

Jason
Out of curiosity, why are trying to stay away from TAG? I can see where it certainly wouldn't be for everyone. If you aren't eeking the last RPM and HP out of them they all tend to last fairly well. Shifter karts are awesome, don't get me wrong. At our track the tags are about a second faster. That is except when the national circuit 125 shifter guy stops in for hot laps.
Rotax in particular is the most fun when you are racing at the local level, if you can move the fuel pump, and put an adjustible main jet in. Tuning becomes a breaze, you don't need a weather station and a rack of jets.
A world formula on alcohol would also be a blast.
If you are like me you want something quick and easy to get some track time in. With all of the prep and tuning you need to do to help your son to be competative, how much time do you have to fiddle with your own kart and actually get some track time?
If your idea of fun is being competative (trying to win) your class, all bets are off. Do what you need to do to enable your kid to run a starter box for you. I'd go with a KT100 to get re-aquainted. When you are ready, set that engine asside for Jr. to use when he is ready to advance, and strap on the 80cc shifter. If you have a lot of solo track time available jump right into the shifter. If he can't run a starter box you might also look into direct drive. He should be able to push start you. I have never driven one, but am told by those that run them... "It's amazing and feels like you are connected to the kart more than with a clutch machine"
If you give the hive mind some more info on your goals I'm sure suitable suggestions will continue to flood in.
Rusty

[Michael Taksa]

80's are pretty much dead almost everywhere, don't get something you will race all by yourself, go with what is popular and has numbers at your local track

[Jason Miller]

People are trying to build a Yamaha class around here. Not many TAG's or 80's. I'm sure my son could do a starter box. I've had a few stock moto karts so I am aware of them. There's just quite a bit to them. But nothing like em either. Haven't had a clutch kart in 20+ years. Drove one recently and it was fun. Just need one of each LOL.

[Russell Stevens]

So get a KT100 and see if the class sticks. If not it will still be fun, and you can "Race" your son.

[John Matthews]