wrx -> shifter kart?

[Jarrett Gorlick]

Thanks for all the info Rick, I really appreciate it.
I looked into registering the trailer and didn't seem to find anything on the dmv's website, but I couldn't imagine registering the trailer would be expensive. Any ballpark price?
and as for looking for used karts, should I stick to pretty much crg, birel, tony kart or are italian karts a good idea as well? anyone hear of a company mba maybe?

[Craig Naylor]

http://www.dmv.ca.gov/vr/fees/trailer.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

looks like it's $20.00 the first time, and $10.00 (currently) every 5 years there after.

Craig

[Craig Naylor]

italian karts...

Is that what their calling Ferrari's these days? Might be a bit pricey }:) , and definitely won't fit on the harbor freight trailers.

[Arthur Grant]

Thanks for all the info Rick, I really appreciate it.
I looked into registering the trailer and didn't seem to find anything on the dmv's website, but I couldn't imagine registering the trailer would be expensive. Any ballpark price?
and as for looking for used karts, should I stick to pretty much crg, birel, tony kart or are italian karts a good idea as well? anyone hear of a company mba maybe?

It cost me $78 dollars to register my trailer, which included sales tax, registration and $18 to get a hard copy of the title. This was a month ago. If you have AAA remember you can go there rather than DMV.

[Will Kalman]

May have to splice into your wiring harness, but that's easy, too.

Look on eTrailer.com and see if they sell a wiring kit for your car. The kit will, in most cases, allow you to tap into the harness with proper connectors and no cutting/splicing the factory wiring.

[Mako Koiwai]

I 2nd going to a local Karting event to check out what everyone is using, trailer wise, etc.

Anyone know of a central Los Angeles area karting schedule/message board?

[Steve Ekstrand]

I 2nd going to a local Karting event to check out what everyone is using, trailer wise, etc.

Anyone know of a central Los Angeles area karting schedule/message board?

LAKC.org


Diesel Pushers with large enclosed trailers, Toterhomes, Renegades.... $400K to $1.5M
The younger the participant... The bigger the rig.

[Ron Tsumura]

Jarrett is in the SB area.

http://www.smka.org/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Site has a classified section too.

[Arthur Grant]

For anyone considereing a kart, I highly reccomend it. Fast, fun, cheap, what's not to like. OK the driving suit in August isn't great...

Hmmm, a kart would be a great excuse for me to buy an orange racing suit.

At least you would have a car that runs.

[Jarrett Gorlick]

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/mcy/1870991174.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
^ any thoughts on that? I asked him a few Q's and he responded as follows:
"The kart is a Kali Kart. Actually, it's been probably at least 5 years since I ran it and I don't remember if it is 5 or 6 speeds. I re-powder coated it and put in all new bearings last year in order to sell it and then just put it back in the trailer and got busy with other things. It's at my Dad's and I'm going over there tomorrow to pull it out and start it to make sure everything is in order still. I'll take some more pictures too. As far as spares, I've got a selection of gears, chain, extra set of rims, long and short rear hubs, driving suit, misc. hardware, a stand, some brake parts, and maybe a few other little things. Everything you need for a weekend at the track. We've also got a CRG with a world formula motor that's just as nice for sale."

so in a nutshell, are KX motors any good? Do I want to deal with a 2000 kart? etc.
any input is greatly appreciated.
Jarrett

[Rick Brown]

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/mcy/1870991174.html
^ any thoughts on that? I asked him a few Q's and he responded as follows:
"The kart is a Kali Kart. Actually, it's been probably at least 5 years since I ran it and I don't remember if it is 5 or 6 speeds. I re-powder coated it and put in all new bearings last year in order to sell it and then just put it back in the trailer and got busy with other things. It's at my Dad's and I'm going over there tomorrow to pull it out and start it to make sure everything is in order still. I'll take some more pictures too. As far as spares, I've got a selection of gears, chain, extra set of rims, long and short rear hubs, driving suit, misc. hardware, a stand, some brake parts, and maybe a few other little things. Everything you need for a weekend at the track. We've also got a CRG with a world formula motor that's just as nice for sale."

so in a nutshell, are KX motors any good? Do I want to deal with a 2000 kart? etc.
any input is greatly appreciated.
Jarrett

Kali was the original name for CRG, but I think was changed in the early 90's so I don't think there is any such thing as a 2000 Kali. CRG's are good chassis and that's a nice list of spares for that price. I don't really know anything about KX engines other than you would likely be the only one with one at an event, so you can't borrow parts from anyone. ;)

I've asked on the F125 message board for feedback on the motor.

You might want to join the F125 group on Yahoo Groups: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/F125/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Plus there is an Autocross forum on ekartingnews.com which is a great resource for all things karting.
http://ekartingnews.com/viewforum.php?f=33" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Ron Tsumura]

http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/mcy/1870991174.html
^ any thoughts on that? I asked him a few Q's and he responded as follows:
"The kart is a Kali Kart. Actually, it's been probably at least 5 years since I ran it and I don't remember if it is 5 or 6 speeds. I re-powder coated it and put in all new bearings last year in order to sell it and then just put it back in the trailer and got busy with other things. It's at my Dad's and I'm going over there tomorrow to pull it out and start it to make sure everything is in order still. I'll take some more pictures too. As far as spares, I've got a selection of gears, chain, extra set of rims, long and short rear hubs, driving suit, misc. hardware, a stand, some brake parts, and maybe a few other little things. Everything you need for a weekend at the track. We've also got a CRG with a world formula motor that's just as nice for sale."

so in a nutshell, are KX motors any good? Do I want to deal with a 2000 kart? etc.
any input is greatly appreciated.
Jarrett

Kali was the original name for CRG, but I think was changed in the early 90's so I don't think there is any such thing as a 2000 Kali. CRG's are good chassis and that's a nice list of spares for that price. I don't really know anything about KX engines other than you would likely be the only one with one at an event, so you can't borrow parts from anyone. ;)

I've asked on the F125 message board for feedback on the motor.

You might want to join the F125 group on Yahoo Groups: http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/F125/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
Plus there is an Autocross forum on ekartingnews.com which is a great resource for all things karting.
http://ekartingnews.com/viewforum.php?f=33" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Kali is a model of CRG. The top of the line CRG is the Road Rebel or maybe the Havanna. One thing to check for is the rear axle. Is it a 40 mm or 45 mm dia? 40 is more common and parts are still available on the new market. 45mm is obsolete and parts are only available on the used market. Not sure if one is better than the other?

It depends on what you want. The kart may fit your needs for now? You could wait for something better but you may not get somethingfor much lower? You still have to be sure it works, etc.. You have to check it out in person. If it works/nothing broken, sound like a reasonable price? Be sure you could sell it for about that much if you had to. Does it have a computer? Do you fit in it? It will cost a couple hundered dollars to buy a seat that fits and install it. Did you get and study a karting book yet?

Karts come and go so you don't need to be in a hurry. After a while, you should know a good deal when you see it. Buyer beware, etc...

[Jarrett Gorlick]

I appreciate the info guys and I'm definitely not in a rush, I just saw this and was curious about KX motors as all I know they're ok (not the best) in regards to dirt bikes.
I personally want to get something relatively run of the mill to try and take some of the possible hassle and such out of buying used, aka honda motor, common this and that.
I have a job interview with a professor/researcher in a week so that will dictate how soon I will want to grab a kart.
Thanks again everyone
P.S. Ron sell me yours plz haha

[Rick Brown]

Reply to my question on the F125 board:
CRG had a chassis they called Kali in the late 90's, I thought.
It was what was used by Pat Polk for the SCCA's Arrive and
Drive program, along with the KX motor. I was too noob to
know whether it really worked or not. Someone told me that
the CRG/Kali was not originally designed for front brakes, that
they had been adapted for a less-expensive shifter chassis.
Frame rails might be 30mm instead of 32 like most shifters.

The engine... only an issue because no one runs them, relative
to Hondas and even Yamaha or TM Moto. Probably not up to
national levels of power, but tuned and modded well might be
decent. Kart sounds pretty freshly redone, whether a deal and
reasonably competitive depends on what "obo" really means,
and how well it could be set up for AX.

[Jarrett Gorlick]

Thanks for posting that Rick, I signed up and actually got that response via email.
Thanks again

[Mako Koiwai]

Since it's an off brand motor maybe u can drive a harder deal? Can u change 2 a more popular motor later?

[Jarrett Gorlick]

Mako - thats what I'm thinking. The guy sent me more pictures so I know its his and it looks pretty good. I'm talking to him about it trying to get more info and if it seems like something worth it I'll make a pretty low offer (no mychron or computer dealy, 10 year old kart, KX motor). I'm not in a major rush, but if I can get this kart for a steal and it checks out fine (assuming I can con a kart guy from cscc to come with me to check it out) I might have to grab it.
Thanks guys

[Rick Brown]

Mako - thats what I'm thinking. The guy sent me more pictures so I know its his and it looks pretty good. I'm talking to him about it trying to get more info and if it seems like something worth it I'll make a pretty low offer (no mychron or computer dealy, 10 year old kart, KX motor). I'm not in a major rush, but if I can get this kart for a steal and it checks out fine (assuming I can con a kart guy from cscc to come with me to check it out) I might have to grab it.
Thanks guys

Hard to say how competitive it would be, but it's gonna take you some time to learn how to drive it anyways. The motor having zero hours on it might make it easy to sell assuming there is a market for the KX. There may be some kart racing class where it's desirable. If not, you're still going to have a blast driving it. I can probably look at it with you since I'm in Elsinore, not far from San Berdoo. If you buy I could bring my kart trailer to take it to your house (or straight to Adams, the Perris track or the AAA Speedway track ). Would also let you see how I did the trailer. Let me know.

[Jarrett Gorlick]

you make many good points Rick, and pending information I'm thinking this kart might be a good idea, and so does my co-driver/buddy nick.
That would be incredible if you could bring your trailer and I would definitely pay for gas/food/time etc. cause I'm a good 80 miles from san bernardino...I'm just playing it by ear with the owner of the kart pending more info...
Thanks

[Jarrett Gorlick]

"Hey Jarrett,
KX motors are not as common now as they used to be. They were the engine of choice in the late 90's. The parts are actually cheaper than Hondas and they're still available from any dealer. You can get pistons and rings through Wiseco. The last time I rebuilt it I actually had the cylinder nikasil redone. With a nikasil cylinder you don't even hone it, usually just a new ring and the gaskets and you're ready to go again. The reeds are also new and the bottom end has teflon seals which reduce drag freeing up power. The chassis is 32mm and the axle is 40mm. I was considering converting it to 50mm, but after talking to Kimble Williams, (who is a very well known chassis tuner) he said it wasn't worth it. 99% of people can't feel the difference, plus the bearings, hubs and the axles themselves are more expensive. If you're starting out, you're always going to bend some axles. I've got gears and chain for probably 12 different gearing ratios.
Basically, if you're looking for a kart to be competitive in a premier racing series, you need to spend $5000-$10000. If you just want to go out and have a blast on a practice day with friends or even doing some club racing than this is a very good kart for that. You'll be getting a lot of bang for your buck.

Wes"

This was one of the guys responses and it sounded pretty legit. I still need to check up on getting replacement parts and such but I'm thinking of taking a little trip to at least check it out.
any ideas/opinions?
Thanks

[Arthur Grant]

Looks like parts out the wazoo on ebay motors and other websites

[Jarrett Gorlick]

so Nick (my co-driver/co-owner) and I went out to check out the kart. The owner (30 maybe?) and his dad were extremely knowledgeable on not only karts but all things motorsports. We both got to test drive it (Nick's first time in a kart but he's obsessed now) and it ran well. The built kawasaki motor was very impressive and the trans felt good too. the package included a kart suite, 6 extra wheels, sprockets, chains, the stand, brake parts, etc. The dad also offered to make a little booklet deal with all the info we could ever imagine/want including when to replace what, what oil to run, what ratio oil/fuel etc. I was able to talk him down to $2000 and though a little quicker than I expected, we put a deposit on the kart. I was able to see the badge/info such and it is a CRG haron and it was made in '99.
I'm still going to do as much research as I can on the thing before we go out to pick it up.
Thanks everyone.
Jarrett

[Mako Koiwai]

btw. The Jim Hall Jr. karting school in Ventura is excellent ... I would highly recommend at least the half day introduction for Nick. LOTS of seat time and course walking and class room instruction. By lunch you'll be pretty tired. The next day your ribs will be sore!

[Rick Brown]

so Nick (my co-driver/co-owner) and I went out to check out the kart. The owner (30 maybe?) and his dad were extremely knowledgeable on not only karts but all things motorsports. We both got to test drive it (Nick's first time in a kart but he's obsessed now) and it ran well. The built kawasaki motor was very impressive and the trans felt good too. the package included a kart suite, 6 extra wheels, sprockets, chains, the stand, brake parts, etc. The dad also offered to make a little booklet deal with all the info we could ever imagine/want including when to replace what, what oil to run, what ratio oil/fuel etc. I was able to talk him down to $2000 and though a little quicker than I expected, we put a deposit on the kart. I was able to see the badge/info such and it is a CRG haron and it was made in '99.
I'm still going to do as much research as I can on the thing before we go out to pick it up.
Thanks everyone.
Jarrett

Sounds like a great deal!! Quit researching and go get it! The setup booklet could be a real good thing, too. At the very least good starting points as things may be a bit different for autocross. Can't wait for you guys to join us.

[Jarrett Gorlick]

mako - I think thats a great idea, I did jim hall school 6 years ago for a middle school grad gift from my parents, now look at me haha.
rick - I appreciate the support! We just need to grab a trailer and go pick it up! and we'll be auto-xing shortly, though I'm a tad bummed that the next many events are in fontana not el toro, but that won't stop us.
Thanks guys!