Well it was a short year. Things happened way too fast, and projects went way to slow and uncompleted.
It is going on two years now and the dual seater go kart is not complete. Which is frustrating, but necessary seeing we are videoing the whole process. Our ambitious goal was to make a two seater go kart out of an old lawn mower, using all the components from the lawn mower.
Additionally, we are using the e-books that the Go Kart Guru has on the web site. We actually have gotten pretty far. We are putting the seat on the go kart, making it so the seat can be easily removed and placed. Now that the go kart is sitting in the garage, we removed the seats so that winter varmints are not infesting the seat, and cats ruining it.
Come this spring we should be getting the first test drive in. That will be exciting.
As far as new products are concerned we are coming out with a printed version of all the books in one big monster volume. It is about 400 pages of material. That will be released at the end of the month.
Additionally, we are coming out with a new book that is full of charts that show how to set up a drive system for a go kart ranging from 5 to 18 hp and 200 to 500 lbs in weight. There are two ways to set up your go kart, one for driving on level surfaces, and two for climbing hills.
There was an overwhelming amount of people who were emailing and asking why their clutch was smoking and how to set their go kart up so it could climb hills and not smoke the clutch. I used these charts frequently in email responses to help out. I figured it is high time I just put together a book that will address all the drive systems questions.
The 201 Drive systems book is more than sufficient to get the rive system set up properly but it lacks in some areas, especially when a clutch will smoke. So this new drives systems book shows when the clutch will smoke for a whole wide variety of weights and horsepower set ups.
Later this month we will be releasing this book. I am considering putting together movies that will accompany the book to help explain how to use the charts better.
Last year the goal was to put together a curriculum for shop classes. We are really close to having this shop class package put together. It is pretty involved, includes videos and tests. So we are about really close to getting that released as well.
Keep asking questions they help fuel more helpful ideas on our end.
I hate putting together a newsletter without any helpful advise so here are some tips:
8 Tips to Help In Your Go Kart Project
Tip #1 Frame Design: When making your frame use 1×1 tubing with at least 1/8th wall for maximum strength.
Tip #2 Brake System: A live axel system is actually simpler than a one wheel drive system. As a result disc brake system is the most readily available and cost effective. Remember to leave the disc so that it can float, other wize it will bind and wear out your brake system.
Tip #3 Throttle System: When setting up your throttle be sure to have a positive return in the pedal, but most especially at the carb linkage. This is more a safety issue, so that when the pedal is released (or the cable breaks from the pedal) the throttle is in idle or in the slowest speed.
Tip #4 Drive System Layout: The simplest and most cost effective drive system is the centrifugal clutch system. A rule of thumb is to have the rear sprocket be at least 85% of the diameter of the rear wheel.
Tip #5 Steering System: The common mistake in drive systems is to have the linkages around the foot pedals. In other words, when the gas pedal is full pushed down it hits the steering linkages cause a bind up on the steering. This is a dangerous condition. Additionally, the steering is usually not set up to account for the 50/50 weight distribution, so the go kart tends to go straight. Typically the steering and wheels are behind the foot pedals for proper weight distribution.
Tip #6 Tires: Low cost tires that are found at retails stores on push dollies or cheap wagons can be used, however, they do not have the proper rubber construction to withstand driving conditions and will wear out very quickly. Beware of cheap rims they can rip loose of the hubs and fail prematurely.
Tip #7 Safety: Always wear safety equipment such as gloves and a helmut. Smaller drivers should wear chest protection, such as a ribtech unit, so that when a collision occurs they do not hurt their chests or have internal organ damage. Flipping a go kart is the most traumatic and most preventable. Good driving habits and lower speeds are encouraged for younger drivers. Dis-allow go kart drivers who will not observe safety and be sure to educate all drivers about safety.
Tip #8 Where to Drive: Driving karts on the street is against the law. You will be arrested and get a ticket. Also, there are serious insurance issues if an accident does occur. Sadly the news has some occurance where somebody has entered the roadway and gotten killed while riding their go kart. Go Karts are only legal on your property. A large open area is recommended: trees, cars and pedestrians are major hazards to go kart driving.
nice post!
Family fun time together makes go-karting an excellent choice. When the family is out in the countryside together, there is little chance for anyone getting into trouble. Whether the children are pre-teens or those who have entered into the realm of teenage rebellion, parents can count on holding their attention captive with love for the sport of go-karting. Go-karts introduced early enough into the mix will render the children captives to this thrilling sport.