Go Kart Engines Information

Karting is a form of motor racing that allows children and adults to race on oval tracks and road courses. The size of the motor in a go kart determines the speed that can be achieved and skills needed to drive. Larger engines can create top speeds of up to 160 mph.

  1. Types

    • Go kart racing engines are typically either four-stroke or two-stroke, which refers to the number of strokes that occur during an internal combustion cycle within an engine. Two-stroke engines are typically faster than four-stroke engines. They also eliminate the need for shifting, along with not requiring a clutch.

    Size

    • The size of smaller two-stroke engines can start at 50cc for motors like the Comer. Sanctioning bodies like the International Kart Federation sanction shifter racing classes featuring karts with 250cc engines.

    Horsepower

    • Four-stroke engines, including models produced by Briggs and Stratton, produce 5 to 6.5 horsepower. Two-stroke, 125cc engines are capable of creating 45 horsepower.