Used Go Karts Aren’t Created Equal

Posted on October 31, 2008
Filed Under Hobbies | Leave a Comment

by Rober D Veggio

The go kart market is seeing a surge in new owners. With all the variety of go karts on the market, it’s not unheard of to see a family with 2 or 3 go karts. Go karts can be a simple machine designed for riding around the yard all the way up to high performance off road machines.

Before running out and buying the cheapest go kart on the market, there are some things you need to know and some questions you need to ask before laying out cash for a go kart.

First time buyers need to be aware that there are different go karts for different uses. The most popular go karts are those used by kids in the yard. Be aware that there are huge differences even in these types of go karts. Go karts designed for off road use are generally beefier and have stronger components along with a roll bar.

If you’ll be buying a used go kart, then you’ll need to pay special attention to several areas of the go kart.

Wheels should be the next stop on your inspection of a used go kart. Support the front end on blocks and check for excessive play in the wheels. You can do this by pulling in and out on the wheels and then side to side. Once done at the front, go to the back and do the same thing. Loose wheels normally indicate trashed bearings.

You’ll also want to pay special attention to the wheels and wheel bearings. Try supporting the front and back of the go kart and check for excessive play in the wheels by pulling in and out on the tiries then side to side. Excessive play may mean trashed bearings.

Next, check the oil in the engine. If it’s milky or chocolate, this means there’s water in the engine block. Not a good thing! Start the engine. If it’s hard to start, this could indicate other problems.

Take the go kart out for a spin. Does it handle well? Is the steering loose? Loose steering can mean bad linkage problems or mis alignment. If you’ll be buying the go kart for kids, make sure the engine has a governor or limit switch. Kids driving go karts at excessive speeds isn’t safe.

Picking a good used go kart is easy if you know what to look for. This advice will help you choose a dependable and safe go kart. You don’t want to buy someone elses problem, that’s why you need to take a few minutes and look the machine over well before buying.

Some owners only care about getting rid of a problem go kart. Don’t let it be you that ends up owning this lemon!

About the Author:
Locating the right dune buggy, sandrail or go kart parts is a real pain sometimes. And when you do locate them, they’re so over priced it makes your jaw drop. Visit our site by clicking the link to locate quality go karts and go kart parts to fit any need. At prices that won’t leave you broke.

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