4-cycle Kid Karts?

Michael May · Posted: Mon Jul 01, 2002 8:01 am Post subject: 4-cycle Kid Karts?

Some people in California are pushing for a change to Hondas for Kid Karts to be ready for the move away from 2-cycle motors. The environmentalist movement may require this move. Would the Honda be the right choice or is there another?

Chad Stapleton · Joined: 19 Jul 2001 Posts: 4403

In the UK, the 60cc Comer "cadets" run together with a Honda GX160 (5.5hp) optional motor. The honda is run as a spec "sealed" motor an is a very popular class that is competitive with the Comers but much less expensive and more reliable.
I know your US kids class is 50cc comer so maybe if you are looking for similar power you would be considering the Honda GX120 (3+ hp).
There are other similar motors but the Honda will certainly do the job reliably and let the kids focus on driving rather than motor performance.
FYI. the other motor being introduced in the UK Cadet class is the WTP 60 2-stroke which is claimed to be more even than the Comer "out of the box".

Michael May · Posted: Mon Jul 01, 2002 3:20 pm Post subject: 4-cycle Kid Karts?

Comer is inconsistent and unresponsive to questions. It is a real problem over here in the US. It is too expensive too. The 4 cycle is probably better for the environtment too. Some people are buying the new c51 motor with no chance of winning with it.

The question is can Honda do any better in keeping it consistent. They are the leaders in inventing newer better things. The engine needs to stay consistent. I wish a US motor builder could do the job but they don't return calls. Thanks for the input.

Benn Herr · Joined: 18 Jul 2001 Posts: 1579

Michael,
You might give the Honda GC160 a look (They also have a 4 HP GC135 also). It fits very nicely on a kart, uses common briggs mounts and clutches, and is very quite with the stock muffler. It has an external fuel pump so you can run with the gas tank on the engine or the floor pan. Stock it is a low RPM engine turning about 4800 max with stock valve springs. The price on the engine is only $194.99 in the Northern tool and equipment catalog. Low price and the usual Honda quality could allow it to become a club owned "draw" engines or even claiming if you like.

The only downsides are that the drive is in the left side of the engine (could be some difficulty putting the chain inside the frame rail). The other is that the exhaust comes out the front. We ran ours with the stock muffler and heat shield. It takes air from the fan shoud and sends it over the muffler to keep it cool.

Honda designed the engine to be a "thowaway" unit. It has very few gaskets and is not designed to be serviced much other than air cleaners and oil changes.

There is a picture of one mounted on my boys kart at:
http://homepage.mac.com/beherr3/kdimages.html

It's the third picture down on the page.

There may not be any laws restricting two strokes right now, but it won't hurt to be ready if it happens. It's hard to convince lawmakers that our kart engines aren't a big polluters when they watch a bunch of loaded up two cycles roll off the grid!

Benn Herr
Kart Design
Chandler, Az.

Chad Stapleton · Joined: 19 Jul 2001 Posts: 4403

I don't think you can expect any help from Honda themselves, but there is a body of knowlege in karting with the GX OHV series motor.
Europe , UK and Canada have run the 120, 160 and 200cc versions in various kart classes for nearly 20 yrs !(as well as more recently the 390 and 620cc models !)
These motors are famous for their reliability and consistency.
The GX 120 would be my choice - compact, slant cylinder configuration, rear exhaust, standard .75" clutch fitting, 4.0 hp, and a proven performer. However, the newer GXH 50 (2.5hp, 50cc 4-stroke) looks very interesting especially as it rev's higher and weighs only 12 lbs.
But i notice the basic GX160 is the cheapest at $205 (SEW) so maybe a restricted version of that would be a cost effective option.

[ July 01, 2002: Message edited by: Chad Stapleton ]

Hance Lord · Joined: 30 Oct 2001 Posts: 44 Location: Afghanistan,

Acording to national retail chain store info, a GX160 has a rated life of 5000 hrs while a GC160 is rated at 500. Now, this rating is work mode and not racing, but it gives you an idea of the differences in quality.

In Canada some club's starter classes run the Stock GX160 with a 0.350" plate in exhaust. From there we can go to 0.500 plate and air filter adapter, next step add header and adjust cam timing.

The Honda GX160 and GX200 are very consistent in spec. See here for a downloadable National Rule Book with *every* engine spec listed... http://www.asncanada.com/index2.html

Sean Duncanson · Joined: 22 May 2002 Posts: 7 Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin

I am just getting use to the comer now learn a new motor. I guess i wont ever get to rest. I think I am getting old?? HAHA HEHE
PS Mike I need to call you this week.

Doug Cvelbar · Posted: Tue Jul 02, 2002 7:51 am Post subject: 4-cycle Kid Karts?

I have not done kid Karting and have no knowledge of the comer but has anyone looked at the GX31 made by Honda? It's rated at 1.5 hp (31cc) and has clutches and other parts available because they use them on powered scooters. Check out the link below

to see some more info. The sale price on this engine is $200.

Tulsa Engine Warehouse