Go Kart Frames – The Backbone Of Your Kart

Just like a skeletal system responsible for the motion of a human body, a go karts frame (chassis) is mainly responsible for the right and left turn of go carts. Its material has to be that which can withstand wear and tear. Most frames are made of wood or steel/metal angle irons but some have already made several innovations for lighter and more durable materials such as aluminum. Basically, the go kart chassis (or frame) is the main part of any kart. It is responsible for the efficient motion caused by an engine or pedal and it also receives the impact of pressure when stopping. It is known as the component that holds go cart parts together in harmony.

WOOD FRAMES

The wood go cart chassis is the cheapest and easiest way to get your go cart built. You will often see these in the soap box derby karts. Wood frames don’t require any special skills to put them together. Once you get the frame all you need is wheels, a steering column, brakes and possibly an engine and your ready to roll literally. Wood is a minimalistic approach to karting and makes building your own go cart an easy task.

METAL/STEEL FRAMES

Most commonly used by racing enthusiasts the metal chassis is a combination of welded tubes or torsion bars. The shorter lengths bars welded together make for stiffer frames while longer bars are much more flexible (ill get into that in a minute). For recreational purposes such as amusement parks and general neighborhood riding a stiffer frame is fine especially if we are talking about kids. However in go cart racing instances you want a go cart chassis with flex appeal .

Its utmost efficiency is achieved through a keen sense of noting suspension and tire traction. For a beginner, the lawnmower is a good start. Its mechanism can be modified to withstand the driver’s weight and can also be improved to be able to be easily welded for left and right turn maneuvers. Unless you are an excellent welder, it is strongly advisable that you have a skilled welder do the job.

RACING FRAMES

While it is undoubtedly an important factor for go kart frames to be easily maneuvered, it is also important that they withstand the rigor of the race and the tracks. An excellent racing go cart frame is lightweight but durable and must have some flexibility. What I mean by that is the longer the frame the more flex it will have. This is good for racing at high speeds otherwise your kart will tip or roll like a tall truck. The front and rear rails are to be designed in such a way to prevent side bites.

A narrow rear rail, approximately 24-25 inches, can already ensure lesser. The karts frame decides how well it will maneuver the track at high speeds (this means tire traction and suspension). A lack of traction ends up causing uneven weight distributed throughout the frame and this will put stress on a go kart chassis. To sum it up…the frame dictates how well your kart negotiates turns on a go cart track.

HOW TO CHOOSE

The track where you plan to drive should be a consideration when choosing the correct go-kart frames. Longer rear rails are good for dirt tracks. The reason for this is that dirt tracks will place huge stress to the front rail and will stiff the rear rail. Dirt might cut the power during a turn if a longer front rail is the recipient of the stress provided by the track. For asphalt and concrete tracks, the reverse is true. Since stress to the front rails is not as much, longer front rails can work to provide additional ease in turning.

Tire traction is also to be considered. Complementing the flexibility of the go karts frames is the right traction of the tires. Too much tire traction could lead to an accident. Too less traction could also be dangerous as it would make your go-kart wobbly.

THE SEAT

And finally, the driver seat is considered. Mostly, fiberglass is used for the driver seat, completed with full padding and, sometimes, a roll cage hovers above it for the protection of the driver. A deep seat and excellent side support are two of the most important things to look for in a go cart. It will give the driver assurance of safety and a lot more focus to his driving where it is needed the most.

BUYING TIPS

The buyer should be able to take a serious inspection of the frame as is if buying used. The most important thing to keep in mind is durability. As go karting is a rigorous activity, a frame that can withstand a lot of duress should have an advantage. Welds must be very clean and neat upon first glance. You want to know that you or your little one is going to be safe when driving at all times. One crack or weakness in any part of the go cart frame could mean serious trouble.