Money and the entry level karter

[Martin Secrest]

Good used, still competitive roller (w/clutch) - $1000
Good used KT100 - $500
Transponder (new) - $200
Driving Suit (new) - $125
Helmet (new) - $250
Starter (used) $125
... and some way to get it all to the track. Throw in a bunch of little things, and you're easily at $2500.

I agree that the KT100's need for rebuild every 4-6 hours is maddening, but for newbies, that interval can usually be stretched to 10-20 hours.

[Jeff Mulvihill Jr]

quote:

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Originally posted by Jeff Franz:


Jeff,

Actually, I don't have a point to make here. I have a question, that's all.

I am not refuting that those other costs exist. Of course they do, of course they should be considered when a person is calculating his outlay when entering the sport.

But I am not talking about that part of the equation. I'm not supporting one package over another, nor am I wondering why some people are kept away from the sport.

Engine + chassis = how much for an entry level class?

Jeff

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Jeff,
got it... BUT isn't that part of "entry"? Maybe the new guy is shying to all of that too... making "arrive and drive" more attractive.

I would agree on the pricing folks have mentioned here... but for that "price" you can't even start it (buy fuel and oil), work on it (buy tools and a kart stand), drive it (again, no fuel), let alone RACE it. Maybe the "price" needs to include more than just the hardware?

[Dave Stevens]

quote:

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Originally posted by Jeff Franz:
But I am not talking about that part of the equation. I'm not supporting one package over another, nor am I wondering why some people are kept away from the sport.

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Why would you think it's cost?

I'd say about US$8000, 'cause that's what I paid for mine once all was said and done. After I add an Evo and a full blueprint, it'll be more than 10k. I've seen others that willingly spend US$5000 to US$8000 for new karts, though as you know, used karts are a plenty for a couple grand.

Around here, while there are a great many youngsters involved, a good hunk, perhaps the majority are adults, many of those in the mid 30s to 50s. While entry level pricing may be a factor in getting kids into a kart, us old farts don't have a problem with a few grand or more for a kart.

As Jeff Mullvhill said in a previous post, perhaps there is a problem where people don't know about the sport. I would have startd sooner had I known karting was as available and popular as it is in this area. I'd been driving indoor karts for a couple of years and had no idea that sprinting or road racing happened around here. Had I known, I would have started a few years ago.

I'd add that those that may have been exposed to it, still consider it something kids do, and not a true form of motorsport. I don't know that the price of the kart has that much to do with it.

Dave

[Mike Goebel]

New clutch kart at $2500 complete would get people's attention. No gauges or safety equip.

Mike G.

[Roy Harris]

Hi Jeff,

I think your question has a wide range of answers because there is a wide range of equipment that can be included, anywhere from a 4 cycle dirt kart to an ICE kart.
Personal finances also play a role as $7,500 for a new shifter would be a bargain for some people but $2,500 for a used clutch kart might be unattainable to some one else.
I think you have to include all the minimum requirements to race with in the initial cost because just a chassis and motor are not going to get you on the track. Safety gear if you don't have it needs to be accounted for.

In my personal experience I paid $2,800 for a year old Margay chassis with a used KT-100 ( first bore size ), starter, helmet, gloves, neck colar, and a fuel jug. (price included shop labor to mount bigger seat and put everything together since I had no clue). Anything less and I wouldn't have been able to race, everything else I have bought over time.

[Charlie Tackett]

An extremely basic beginner/intro class (Can Yamaha/HPV), around $2500-2700 at most. A more advanced/technical intro class, $3500-4000 (Max/stock 80 shifter)