Who Makes Their Own Kart Stands?

[jeff grose]

[Justin Martin]

Tim, and John

Thank you guys for your great replies. I didn't intend to get upset, and I understand a good time. I guess 12 hour night shifts were getting to me. Looking back on it I see the humor in the posts... So I apologize for getting irate.

Tim, thanks for the input! I don't think your stands are overpriced from a business perspective. I was in the full suspension mountain bike business, and have 3 patented suspension designs and frames. I understand the cost of producing and keeping doors open. I only ever ended up selling one of my frame designs for a couple grand. It was a major manufacturer that wanted to hold the rights so that no one could produce it. I regret it now, because they are just sitting on the design and not using it. It seems unfair in a way that a company so big knows its a great, and threatening design to the market, but rather than providing the customer what might be a better product they buy the rights and hide it. As for the other two frames they both had interest by many big names, but after that first one I decided not to sell them. In my journey to produce these frames passed my prototype stages and get them on the market, I found myself in a tight corner and that even if I got them on the market they would sell for a considerable amount more than any of the current leading designs. So I do understand.

Ps, I haven't worked on my bicycle frames for a while now. My brother constantly presents me with tasks designing suspension for his truck builds. I am currently trying to tackle brake dive. It is very hard to get a linear compression ratio, with nice handling characteristics, AND get rid of brake dive... The only design I have cone up with would hardly handle the abuse of F1.... But it DID work! Now to adapt that concept to 100mph in a 6000 pound truck over 3 feet of whoops and 3 feet of suspension travel.......

My original point wasn't so much that you over charge, more so that if I or someone else has the fab'ing skills they could make one for cheaper, (if they have access to what I have). Also, when I called your stand simple and easy, I guess I was being a bit of a prude. In reality there are a lot of people that don't have that experience that you or I do, and to them it would be impossible. However after dealing with suspension on both trucks and bicycles, and with bicycles needing to be such tight tolerances, I saw the stand and thought to myself, "oh how easy!"

And to those asking my age, you are right I am not 25, I am 21 and it might show at times, such as my short temper. I started young with racing, and have raced motox, karts, supermoto, and professional mountainbikes. However I feel I have plenty of experience to understand. Considering I was fully proficient in Autodesk cad, and solid works at the age of 16 and worked part time for a machine shop drawing up images for their CNC projects, meanwhile working semi full time at the bike shop, and attending college. At 18 I was managing a high end mountain bike shop in which our cheapest bike on the floor was $1,600 ad we went up to $12,000. At this time in my life I was also racing Pro level National Series downhill, and was factory sponsored. I have thousands of design hours into 3 designs, and realise how hard it is to make a living off of it, even when your idea might be better than most out there.... And to bring the story to an end, I ran out of money half way through my engineering degree and got tired of being a full time student, full time worker, and full time hobbyist. I enlisted in the USAF, and am now making less than expected haha. I also live in an area where downhill mountainbiking is nonexistent, and I am now getting back into karting. However karting is fairly expensive on a military budget.

[Mike Goebel]

I don't believe a word you said.


Mike G.

P.S. don't get mad
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Closet KZ Lover!!!
mfg Technology Centre
So Cal’s #1 Non Profit Engine Builder

[Justin Martin]

[Justin Martin]

Edit; double posted.

[Britt Robinson]

[Mike Goebel]

[Ron Dodson]

[Joe Ricard]

Y'all should see the tiny light bulb over my head thinking the one wheel transporter idea might be cool.

Justin, ask Mike to see a picture of his kart helmet. Been awhile since he posted it.
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Arrow AX-8/ Rotax Sr.

[Justin Martin]

[John Matthews]

Don't waste your time building stands!

Build a kart instead
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John Matthews
Heartbeat Power, LLC.

[Tim Koyen]

[Tracy Simmons]

Justin,

Dont waste your time building a stand, just buy a used one for $75 and be on your way! When you come up to PKRA, they hire workers and will help you on an off the stand in the grid and after the scales. Its awesome.

I dont remember, but did you get a Rotax?

In a few years, you will see new people pop in and out and ask the same questions we have all seen for 30yrs. Price of stands is always one of them as they are so simple, but seem to cost so much. Sometimes you have to step away for a second and just think..... Why are all these guys spending $200 plus on stands?? We cant all be that stupid can we?? After design, buy metal, sweat in your garage welding, back to store for other things, off to Powder coat and a couple of twelve packs to get it done, you will have wished you just bought one and worked on your driving and set up more. No biggie, you will see and will be cracking back at people in no time. Its all in the fun of this wacky hobby/addiction we call racing.

Hopefully will be seeing you around as it cools down out here and I start getting back out to the track. Would love to come down to Tucson and run soon.

BTW - I run Rotax when I ever get out there (no cracks Curtis and Bernie). Intrepid #05

[paul rees]

[Troy Berry]

Some of us enjoy making stuff. I made my own and always took pride that I had something unique. People used to ask me about it, and tell me nice welds! Have fun with the PROCESS!
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The art is in the details
Reno Racer/ Tag Masters #57