Choosing your first Kart

I put together some general info on the different kart options/classes for those of you looking to buy your very first kart. I also included other things you need to consider and things you'll need after you buy your kart. I know the costs of the karts can vary but I'm trying to give you ballpark figures on them so you'll have an idea of what they are.

*The fuel cost I mentioned for the shifter was because I drove it a whole lot after getting it. I typically use around half a gas can (5 gallons per can including oil) worth of fuel for a full day (for me) driving it.

It's best to visit your local kart shop or talk to someone that's already in karting prior to buying a kart. Get their opinions, costs and feedback on which kart would be best for you given your specific situation.

Hope this helps you and congrats on your first kart!!!

***Big thanks to Dallas Karting Complex for giving me access to all of these different karts.***

(1:04) - A couple of things to consider
(2:39) - LO206
(6:31) - 100cc kart
(8:17) - TaG 125cc
(10:02) - DD2
(12:02) - Shifter
(14:38) - A other costs to consider

[billthompson]

that was one great tutorial.  I am 72 and am going carting, and yes I have listened, my car will be a slower cart...got to learn how to walk before one flys!     thanks again

[nunyabusiness]

Corrections/clarifications:

-You can get parts for pretty much any kart online as long as the company isn't out of business and it's built after 2000 (there was a major change in kart rules and design between the 90's and the 00's). On that note, don't buy a kart made before 2000, it will not be competitive and you will never find parts. The only time you really need local parts suppliers is if you are going to race a season in the points and being out of the race for a day might ruin your season so you need parts IMMEDIATELY after a wreck or failure. Otherwise, like I said, getting parts online is fine and most of the most commonly worn parts (sprockets, chains, etc) are usually generic and interchangeable anyway.

-The "206" in LO206 stands for 206cc, the displacement of the engine. Now, why they chose to go with 206cc when even most rental karts are at least 270cc is a mystery to me. The LO206 is also a little hopped up so it makes about 8.5 or so horsepower just like a 270cc standard Honda GX270 in a rental kart, but the GX270 does have a wider powerband.

-In spite of being billed as "all equal" motors, LO206 does have a slight variance from the factory, but more importantly you can do head work on them and run them in a certain way that makes them faster. I've heard Kart City motors in particular are the fastest of these. They also run into problems with decent run time like the 2-strokes as the head of the LO206 will start to flex from heat cycling and it drastically reduces power. I like the spirit of the LO206, but IMO the execution is poor. I'd rather go with a KA100 for far more speed and not too much more cost or maintenance.

-The reason the 100cc KA100/VLR tires last longer is because they also run Evinco Blues like the LO206. It's only slightly slower than a 125cc TAG on equal tires even though the peak power is only 2/3 due to how narrow of a range the 125cc TAG motors make peak power.

-If anyone is curious, the name Touch and Go (TAG) refers to the electric start mechanism. In prior decades karts were usually direct drive and required a push start either by having someone push you in the pit or running and jumping in your kart. There were also external starter motors where a battery powered starter would be inserted into the crank of the engine and then removed once it started.

-The biggest difference between the 100cc and 125cc karts is the tires run and that's the biggest reason for lap time differences. 100cc is much more budget friendly and much easier on your ribs. Once you switch to a 125cc with Evinco Reds you will need to be in good physical shape to handle the G forces as lateral grip gets ridiculous. Another important note is that Evinco Blues can stay competitive through several races, but Evinco Reds will drop off over the course of a single race day. If you aren't a millionaire that's happy to throw money away, I'd recommend going for the 100cc like a KA100 or VLR depending on which is most popular at your track. In all honesty, the Evinco Blues are the best balance of keeping speed through the corners but still being able to slide enough that you really need to drive it. Reds will also wear out your chassis faster as the increased grip makes it flex more and is more likely to bend it or mechanically work the frame until it stiffens up and won't handle well anymore (karts rely on flex to handle in place of traditional suspension and also to lift the inside tire in place of a differential like a car or most other 4 wheel vehicles).

-Shifter horsepower varies based on which shifter motor you have and the tuning as it's usually not a sealed class. Stock Honda CR125 is usually regarded as about 36, but it depends on if you have a 99 or 01 cylinder and the work done to it. A euro-spec KZ2 is up to 50 HP.

-On the chain lube, I highly recommend the Motul C2 or C4, especially if it's a 100cc or 125cc TAG as they run the smallest chains. Most other lubes I've used or seen others use just don't protect the chain and sprockets enough, but the C2/C4 do a great job lubricating and don't make as big of a mess as some lubes. Motul 2T is also the 2-stroke oil I'd recommend. I probably sound like a Motul salesman now, and I'm sure there are other good brands for either, but this has just been my experience and what I've been recommended by kart tuners and seasoned drivers.

All in all, if you want to go significantly faster than rentals while still being cost-conscious, go with a 100cc 2-stroke class. More than fast enough to really feel fast, but doesn't cost you thousands to run it every year competitively.

[buddyparrot]

I'm 55 now, used to have a race cart when I was 9! What a different beast it was. Found a picture of it, it was simple, just the basics. Used to race at Rick Rack Go Kart Track, somewhere in PA. We had to ad led to it because I was too small. It was fun as I recall, good father, son time, If you can afford it.

[SilverStakcer]

I sent my Fifteen (16 now) year old son into the lion pit this year. After his first year of racing in the 125cc restricted Honda, we made the switch to the IAME 175cc motor. He managed to finish second at the SKUSA pro tour race in Utah a couple months ago. Top speed was 91.5 mph down the straight. Great video. Need more like it to grow the sport.

[seankelly]

Thanks so much for the excellent intro!!! I'm an older dad. I'm 54 and have 4 and 6 year-old boys. The oldest wants to go karting and the youngest will surely follow. I really appreciate the info.

[maxsdad]

Back in the 60's, my first kart had a Westbend 820, and ran on 105 octane Chevron "white pump" gas. I drove a Margay TNR TK single rail KT100 for Tom Nields in the 90's (he's considered by EKarting News as one of the 10 best karters ever). And now, at the young-ish age of 68, I think I want back into karting.

[LifewithFrank]

I have been wanting to find a video like this for a long time. Great video and lots of really awesome info. Subscribed!

[KosmicHRTRacingTeam]

Good video👍. Several years ago when I was first getting into karting I was so lost. I came from a motocross background where you can buy several magazines and learn a lot and go to shops on the weekends to learn as well. In karting, there really isn't any publications in the USA and most shops are closed on the weekends because they are at the track. It ended up being a slow and expensive process to learn it all. I'd also add that some areas still have a KPV/KT 100 class. This would be probably after the 206 class but under the KA/VLR 100 (aka TAG100) class. These motors are getting very affordable since the class in some regions has died out. Also some wise words to find out what classes are supported and popular in your area. No one likes to race in a class with 3 people. The biggest problem karting suffers from is that rules and what is legal by certain organizations. ALL promoters get money and/or kick backs of some sort to only run certain tires, fuel, motors, etc. so do your research. You don't want to buy a $3500 new TAG 125 motor if your area doesn't allow it. The same can be said regarding tires. It sucks even more when your area has 3-4 different organizations and they all run different equipment and that is compounded when you do practice days and you are switching tires back and forth, etc. if it weren't for everyone trying to pad their own pockets instead of the long term growth of karting, karting would be a much much more popular sport. But people just continue to eat there own and it's a bummer (unless you are ultra rich).

[mbardos]

I had the chance to try a Rotax DD2 once, it was awesome... It felt like the F1 of karts world (only driven rental karts, max 13 hp ones before).
So if you had some experience with regular karts and you want to turn it up to 11, this would do it ;)

[paulp]

As a general guide, I would recommend a (good) second hand kart first and then as you have some race craft and experience (plenty of dings, off's and accidents) - 6 to 18 months, purchase a new kart (assuming a budget allows for it). Of course, if one doesn't have a budget for a new kart/frame, then one has to understand that running costs for karting is not cheap, replacement parts and tyres...

[neonoh]

Good video, I’m 87 and am just getting into karting, this vid really helped thanks👍🏼

[leerunion]

That was as clear and concise a video about getting started into karting as i have ever seen. I used to race WKA on dirt tracks with the old Briggs flathead engines. I have always been interested in the different karts you discussed and you sure did make it easy to understand. Thank you for taking the time to help us understand the differences.

[the_stixXx]

This was an excellent video. I just bought my first kart for my kids. Its nothing special but its a start.
We don't have a track but i know some places i can take it and avoid the authorities.
It will be a way for me to teach my kids how to drive. The best thing i ever did growing up was parking lot autocrosses and eventually racing at Bridgehampton Raceway. Unfortunately they killed the track.
Really looking forward to getting my kids out there.
Really great video man!!! Loved it.

[savioncurls]

Homie, the '206' in Lo206 is engine size man. 206cc.

[gcgunner]

I Used to do karting and stopped because of financial reasons but now that I’m older I thought of getting back and do it in this video really helped

[olisutton]

206 is the cc (cubic centimetres) of the cylinder volume of the engine

[Trickynico]

Fantastic video dude. Really. So many people want to get into karting and there’s nothing out there but garbage. This was super informative. I raced at Willow Springs in the HPV class (which of course years later means something completely different!) and this is very up-to-date and informative. I now live in San Antonio and I’m looking to re-enter the sport 20 years later and your video really laid out my options. I appreciate it.

[airsk]

Thanks for the awesome video. I'm 41 yrs. old....maybe too old for a career change just as a hobby I will do this. But I wanted my son to get interested in Motorsports and other things...

[RickyPisano]

I used to race in the NASCAR Street Stock Division in the N.E. US. The most fun I ever had in my life. I'd love to try this. I live in Cleveland Tennessee now.

[grdray]

Excellent video, very informative. I'll be 64 in a couple weeks and most likely getting a cart this video really helped me out. Thank you very much. Have a great day.