02/24/2003

GO-KART TIP OF THE MONTH
by Doug Ogiejko

What do I look for when shopping for a used go kart?

This article is directed to those who are thinking about getting into racing but don't exactly know what they should look for when buying a used go kart. Used go karts are just as good as brand new ones, as long as you find a "good buy". Most racers take extreme care of they're equipment, therefore buying used is a great way to get started. Even I am racing a go kart that I bought used off of my engine builder, and I have yet to have a single problem or complaint, but that's because I knew what I was looking for, and now you can as well.

To find a used kart is not hard at all, Bonsignore Kart Shoppe has a wide selection of used equipment that is in great shape at competitive prices. Most of the karts they have in stock are late model karts that have been raced for one or two seasons at most which is not a lot of time on a kart at all. You can buy a kart anyway you want it, meaning, you can get just a rolling chassis, or a race ready piece with all the fixings. All karts bought at BKS are in excellent shape and have been checked over before they are put on display.

This is a guideline of what to look for when buying a used chassis.

• Find out what year the chassis is, what options it has, such as adjustable camber and or caster, who makes it (MRC, Phantom, etc.)

• Go over the chassis with a fine toothcomb, now granted, we race on pavement, but the pits, are usually dirt. Even the best-kept karts are going to have they're share of scratches and nicks in the paint, but don't worry, this is nothing to worry about. Check welded areas for cracks and or broken or cracked paint, mainly on the front end of the chassis where the spindles are located, this indicates if the kart has been wrecked hard, even possibly bent in some way.

• Check all components for cracks, bends, breaks, stripped threads, looseness, even tightness, this will help you to see if the kart was properly maintained. Check for this mainly in the rear axle area and in the front steering component area.

• Check to make sure there are no binds in the chassis itself, such as in the spindles, make sure the steering moves freely, but not too free, and make sure the axle rolls free as well.

• Find out everything that is being sold with the kart. Most people just sell the chassis with tires, rims, and a body. Some people throw in tachs, and other options because they have updated they're equipment or just have too much lying around. Remember you do not need top of the line options when you are starting off, but it always helps in the long run.

• If the go-kart is being sold with an engine find out how much time is on it, and also the name of the builder, this way you can contact the builder and find out what maintenance he has done to the engine. You want to have a race ready piece for the new season and don't want to be worrying about engine time.

• Ask where it has been raced and if they include any set-up sheets with the chassis, this will help you get pointed in the right direction when it comes time to "up your game" so to speak.

• PRICE, most people don't want to spend a ton of money on something that is used and may need a few things here and there. Generally, a rolling chassis without a motor or tach will go for anywhere from $1,000 dollars to $1,500. This is average price and it will vary from model to model as well as condition of chassis. Should you negotiate? Well it all depends. If you think you can talk the seller down a couple of hundred, by all means go for it, but the fact is that go karts have poor re-sale value, and the seller is trying to get as much as he can for it. Its up to you.

Hopefully this has helped shed some light on what to look for, again, if you have any questions about anything in the article, or any other questions, feel free to email me. Good Luck. Till next month…

Doug Ogiejko is an accomplished go-kart racer with many championships under his belt.  If you got any questions or comments you can contact him at Dogiejko@longislandjam.com.

Sources:  Doug Ogiejko/LongIslandJam.com
Posted:  February 24, 2003