Use old CRG kail or new First Kart chassis with Rotax?

Adam Blevins · Joined: 05 Aug 2011 Posts: 16

I'm getting ready to jump into the world of Rotax and I have two chassis sitting in my garage. Whichever one gets the Rotax the other will get the clone (what I was running) and I will sell it.

An old (early 2000s) CRG kali 32mm
Pros
- Parts are available
- Tried and true and still in business

Cons
-Old with a pretty good amount of hours
-Drives great with the clone (already mounted)
-I don't love the lack of welded seat gussets
-Seat isn't mounted properly

Never been ran First Kart FX8
Pros
-Brand new, everything
-Rotax is mounted and it's ready to fire up and go
-Welded seat gussets. Seat is mounted and ready to go.

Cons
-Not a ton of info on the brand (discontinued?)
-Replacement parts could be an issue

I'm leaning towards the First Kart because I like the idea of an unmolested kart that is prepped and ready to run. I'll need to swap the rotax over to the CRG and will need to re-adjust/figure something out with the seat. I've ran the CRG with the clone and it did really well, so another reason to use the First Kart and sell the clone/CRG. I'm hesitate about the lack of support with the First Kart. Although it may seem like my mind is made up, I'm all ears and would appreciate any input.

I can post some pics if that would be of use.

David Cole · Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2012 7:48 am Post subject:

Hi Adam,

Birel is now working with the First Kart brand. I would contact your local Birel dealer to see about parts for the First Kart. With it already set to go with the Rotax, go with that.
_________________
David Cole
News Desk Manager
eKartingNews.com
Facebook
Twitter

Brian Degulis · Posted: Wed Dec 12, 2012 9:12 am Post subject:

It's my understanding that that are are far fewer kart manufactureres than there are brands. I've been told first First Kart is made in the same plant as Birel. I wouldn't be concerned about parts because I've found that no matter who's kart it is they can be hard to find and almost always much more costly than generic parts. There really isn't much on a kart that can't be replaced with less expensive and sometimes better generic stuff.

Brian

Andy Schlosser · Posted: Thu Dec 13, 2012 7:24 pm Post subject:

I googled it quickly and saw that the FX8 is a Firstkart from 2010 at least. Now, I'm not sure if birel acquired first kart before that, but I didn't see it until more recently than that.

Just giving you a heads up, there. That said, I'd take the new kart over the used one any day. If you really hate it, you can get rid of it and switch to the CRG or a used kart in your area that is better supported. Just my .02

Cory Milne · Joined: 10 Aug 2009 Posts: 99

honnestly it depends on what you are planning on doing if you want to go compete on a national level neither would be a good choice if your going to drive around and learn the cheapest would be the best choice if you are going to do some club racing the first kart would be my choice since it is the newest. little fact at a national level i am replacing my frames every few races and i am racing a 32mm shifter kart. dont be intimidated by a 32mm tag frame i have driven karts that are just as soft as a 30mm frame but are 32mm and vise versa

John Wehrheim · Posted: Fri Dec 14, 2012 2:58 am Post subject:

To me it is simple, First Kart. Why would you go with a 10 plus year chassis that probably has a lot of time on the frame and possibly has lost its ability to respond to chassis changes.

Think about what parts are possibly unique to First Kart
1. Spindles, although my bet is you can probably find ones that have the same degree built into them.
2. Steering Shaft although you can also probably find ones that are interchangable or have a couple fabricated.
3. Bearing Cassettes although you'll never replace them
4. Brakes Master And Caliper probably never replace

The only part you will need to make sure you can get are the brake pads.

Adam Blevins · Joined: 05 Aug 2011 Posts: 16

Thanks a lot for the replies. I'm only interested in running at our local club level. Just doing it for the fun.

Now that I have the First Kart sitting in the garage, it looks great and I'm excited to run it.

Walt Gifford · Posted: Mon Dec 17, 2012 10:06 am Post subject:

The answer to any kart situation is spend more money.

Gif Cool

_________________
FAA certified jet engine and aircraft technician
Nicholson Speedway class champion 2001
Yamaha KT100 Service Center
40 years karting experience