How to Build Your Own Off Road Kart

An off-road, cart can be thrilling to ride, but building one can be an equally exciting and rewarding experience. No more traffic jams on your day off, no need for a driving license, but just some leisure time to enjoy an exhilarating ride on the beach, or around your nearest go-cart track. If you have enough time on your hands and a few extra bucks in your pocket.

Things You'll Need

  • Adequate work space
  • Motorcycle engine (2 or 4-stroke)
  • Round steel pipes (or square, angular type)
  • Suspension system
  • Sprocket system
  • Steering column
  • Tires and wheels
  • Braking system
  • Seats
  • Centrifugal clutch (optional)
  • Torque converter (optional)
  • Spray paint (optional)
  • Adequate budget
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Instructions

    • 1

      Select a space, or room, that has a concrete floor, is well ventilated, dry and adequately lit for day- or night-time work. Adequate space within your garage would be ideal.

    • 2

      Visit your nearest automotive parts store and purchase all the main parts needed for your off-road, cart. You needn’t buy tools, as you’ll only be assembling your off-road, cart. This will save you time and money, too.

    • 3

      Use an old motorcycle engine, or purchase one. Engines of cars, snow-mobiles, generators, or water pumps can all be used, but a 2- or 4-stroke, motorcycle engine is ideal for your off-road, cart and is also easy to install. If you are uncomfortable installing the engine, consult or hire a qualified mechanic.

    • 4

      Choose between round or square (angular) steel pipes. The former may look neat, but is harder to weld. The latter is cheaper, easier to bend or weld, but not good to look at. You can, however, combine both types of steel pipes to create the frame for your off-road, cart. Weld all steel pipes accurately while inserting supports where necessary.Ensure that all welded joints are strong enough to withstand rough driving conditions. Inspect each joint after welding to confirm they are durable enough to last a long time.

    • 5

      Install a chain and sprocket system as they are more efficient than a pulley system. Moreover, they are a lot cheaper and easy to set up. To choose sprockets that are ideal for off-road, carts, consult a qualified mechanic.

    • 6

      Invest in a suspension system, only if you really need it. For a comfortable ride, you can use large, tires, instead. Some people install shocks, however, if you aren’t driving your off-road, cart too far, you may decide against installing of a suspension system and save money, too.

    • 7

      You may attempt to do this yourself, but installing a steering column is as complex as installing the engine. Again, consult, or hire a mechanic, if you find any difficulty at this stage of assembly.

    • 8

      Select your tires and wheels from any major automotive parts supplier. An ideal choice will be ‘ribbed’ tires, as these deliver better traction, and have a longer life than most other off-road, cart tires. Use larger tires for rear (drive) wheels.

    • 9

      You may decide between a Scrub, Band, Drum or Disc-braking system. Each system, has its own merits, however, disc brakes are ideal, because of their efficient, stopping ability, except, that they are more expensive.

    • 10

      Use any comfortable seats, (old or new), as long as they can protect you and fit into your off-road, cart perfectly. You may install durable plastic, or fiberglass seats. Now, spray paint your off-road, cart if you wish. Get ready to ride!