Did I get a good deal? What now?

John Matthews · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 2:53 pm Post subject:

Hi Bryan,

If you've got your heart set on TaG and have the money you will be dollars ahead to get something newer.

But.....

You'll see from my posts on here that I always suggest people start out on lower powered stuff so they cann learn how to drive with less stress. Since you're in LA you could check out the formula 100 folks, they might have someone who will mentor you and get that kart back on track in no time.

http://ekartingnews.com/viewtopic.php?t=121353&highlight=f100

No matter what you'll learn a bunch if you do decide to refurbish it, some of which you'll need to learn no matter what you buy unless you plan on having someone else do your work.

At $500 initial cost you can put a decent amount into it and not loose your shirt, otherwise list it for $600 and I'm sure someone else will be happy to get it if just for the motor. If it were mine I'd probably sell the motor and put a 4 stroke on there but that's just me Wink

I'm sure you'll have fun with karting no matter what you decide. Very Happy

Cheers,
_________________
John Matthews
Heartbeat Power, LLC.

Bryan Shear · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 3:11 pm Post subject:

Immediate plans will just be some practice days at some local tracks. Then hopefully some club races. I just feel like I am wasting money by putting money into this kart. Major issue is the seat not fitting me. I don't want to spend the money and time getting a new seat mounted. Sounds like the brakes will be a pain in the ass and need a rebuild. New tank. New carb rebuild kit. I also have not inspected the clutch or the motor.

Was hoping to just get it running and only having to drop about 250 into. Looks like that is out the door.

Jim White · Joined: 21 Jul 2001 Posts: 999

Don't get discouraged. You got a good deal. Find a used seat. You might even be able to find a used tank. Bleed the brakes and see if they work. Don't give up, you can get it going for less than you think. Like others suggested go to a kart shop. Let them know what you are doing. Go to the track and ask around. You can make what you have work to go learn on cheap. Ebay can be your friend. Remember lots of these guys on here are dedicated racers and spend a lot of money to run at the front. Keep that in mind when getting advice. Not that it's wrong it's just from more experienced and competetive racers. I've been doing this for 25 years mostly with equipment like you have. Learn to tune and keep it running. While you may not run at the front all the time you will have a good time. Especially club racing. After learning the basics you can decide if you wnat to drop more money or not.
Good luck

Bryan Shear · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 4:03 pm Post subject:

Russell Stevens · Joined: 15 Oct 2012 Posts: 100

1) You can jerry rig a gravity bleeder on the cheap. It's just a funnel, a tube, and a threaded fitting after all.
2) Replacing the seals, and rebuilding the brakes won't cost that much, and isn't hard for someone with mechanical experience.
3) If you spring for a decent seat that fits, you can always mount it on your next kart. If not the chinese seats are inexpensive and will work for starting out.
4) If that clutch is intimidating, you can always post it for sale, and buy a non sealed clutch. On the other hand it sounds like the manufacturer supports it well.

If the engine runs, and there is nothing major (dead chassis bearings, bent frame, brakes corroded inside to the point of no return) You should be able to get it on the track for the cost of maintenance items, and some parts that will go with you if you decide to move up to TAG.

We bought an immaculate looking Kosmic with a Rotax on it for $2800. It turned out to have some brake issues, and new looking tires that were rock hard. You never know what you will find on a previously enjoyed kart, and the kart will do it's best to dip into your wallet.

Make a list of parts you need. Don't list the seat, sprockets, chain, and tires. You are going to likely need those no matter what used kart you purchase. Think of it this way. If you wind up with $1000 tied up in this kart when you are done you are still getting some cheap thrills. It will be much more saleable as a running and driving starter kart. You also have the experience gained working on it, a seat that fits you (put the original seat back on when selling), and a starter box for when you TAG starter decides to take the day off (this will happen). Also if you are looking at TAG, keep in mind that the Rotax will require a few main jets, and software or a chart/trial and error to tune. You may want to consider a Leopard, or other non sealed engine as you can rebuild them yourself, and tuning requires the twist of a knob. Don't get me wrong, Rotax has it's place. I'm just saying that you should look at what is involved, and weigh your options.

Bryan Shear · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 9:35 pm Post subject:

Lawrence Doty · Posted: Fri Mar 08, 2013 9:39 pm Post subject:

When my grandson and I started karting I bought him a new(er) chassis/motor and I got myself a 20 year old chassis and a clone motor from HF.
All work was done on my stuff first..that way I had a better understanding of what I was doing before I did it to his. I'm really glad I did this, it saved a lot of headaches...
He doesn't kart anymore...so now I have 2 chassis and motors, that I race. (twice the fun!) You can be competative with an old chassis in the right class. Some clubs even have special classes just for the old ones as a cheap way to get people started in the sport.
Kept it, get it running, use it as an inexpensive learning tool and have some fun!
Money on the seat won't be wasted...you will be able to use that seat on the new(er) chassis also.

Russell Stevens · Joined: 15 Oct 2012 Posts: 100

But is it the correct ratio for the track you are going to run, your weight, and the current state of your engine? I started with a new sprocket on the TAG and had to replace it the first day. Not because it was worn, but because the ratio was way off and the thing wouldn't get on the pipe till the end of the straight.
I just didn't want you to include chain and sprocket costs in the equation. You might be fine. You might not be fine. Either way you will be buying some more sprockets at some point. Good thing they are pretty inexpensive.

John Matthews · Posted: Sat Mar 09, 2013 7:46 am Post subject:

Hi Bryan,

There's lots of good advice on the internet but nothing beats connecting with people from the track you'll be running at. You're lucky being in SoCal where karting originated and is still going (relatively) strong.

I think you'll find the F100 group

http://www.f100karters.com/

to be about as enthusiastic as anyone in the sport and I bet if you contact them they'll have someone willing to mentor you.

The kart you have is actually great for your stated goal of getting out on track and finding out if you like the sport. I started with a KT100 thirty five years ago Shocked

and it's still a good beginner/sportsman engine. Parts are cheap and available, it's easy to work on yourself, and there's a ton of tribal knowledge about how to make them fast, or last (you can't really have both on any racing engine).

The L&T clutch is about the best out there for a beginner since with a little care it can last for a long time. Learning how to tune a 2 stroke with a KT100 will give you the understanding you'll need for any other 2 stroke class at a fraction of the cost.

Seats are cheap and brakes will be an issue on almost any used kart you find out there.

The package you have, with a little work, will give you a real understanding of what the sport of karting is about. Regardless of where you end up you really do have a good place to start from. I'm pretty confident in saying that your extra 2 grand will be better spent on getting this kart going and practice days at the track than buying something newer and more complicated. And, as a married guy myself I'll bet your wife will be happier if you fix this one up and sell it before you buy something else Laughing

Cheers,
_________________
John Matthews
Heartbeat Power, LLC.

Ray Mcik · Joined: 26 Mar 2005 Posts: 533

Bryan Shear · Posted: Tue Mar 19, 2013 7:54 am Post subject:

Do these master cylinders take a 10mm or 6mm fitting?

Bryan Shear · Posted: Tue Mar 19, 2013 7:42 pm Post subject:

Well if anyone wants this kart I will sell it for what I paid. 500.00 bucks.
Bought a new tank for it today. She fired up as well. Just decided to spend some more money up front and get a HPV set-up that is track ready.

Thanks for all the advice I learned allot

Chris Foisy · Joined: 23 Mar 2012 Posts: 7

Well just remember new is not always better... I have an older invader kart and i out run those new crg and sodi karts..

Bryan Shear · Posted: Wed Mar 20, 2013 10:47 am Post subject: Re: kart

Oscar Biondi · Posted: Wed Mar 20, 2013 11:20 am Post subject:

Buying a newer kart track-ready, with parts that are readily available, is the way to go. It will be easier to sell later on too.