[turbo5]

hi all

hope to gather some pointers to ease my kart purchase.
i done a few round of talking with various local seller and i am pretty sure that i be getting a used kart.
I should be settling for Rotax Max for focus discussion.

I realise that top tier brand(if i am allow to classify in this way),their pricing is more or less in the range, under such circumstances,i am spoilt for choices and quite unsettled to conclude.

My other question is how do i able to tell the kart condition and history, it seem to me i have to take the seller/dealer words at face value, any way to check? Especially the rebuild engine aspect, how to trace?
Age of the kart an essential criteria considering all things equal?


What will be your choice of kart from the current list as follow?
1.Tony Kart
2. Intreprid
3. Arrow
4.Maranello
5.Birel
6.Sodikart
7.CRG Road Rebel

To certain extent,i know it really about the karter and not the kart per se but if the kart can make me feel faster,all the better


pardon me for the lengthy questions, thanks in advance

[Mikko Nassi]

1.Tony Kart
2.Intrepid
3.Arrow
4.Maranello
5.Birel
6.Sodikart
7.CRG Road Rebel

I would gladly race any one of those karts. Performance-wise you won't be able to find much between them, particularly as a beginner. Any one of them can win.

An important part of your consideration should be spare parts availability. I think from your list at least Intrepid, CRG(+Maranello), and Birel should have good parts availability in the region.

Inspecting a kart yourself there are some things you should look for that are easy enough. Look carefully at all the weld points, particularly at the back of the chassis, which is where cracks most often occur. Also look out for different color paint which would indicate a crack and a repair.

Look under the frame to see how much the frame has worn out. If the tubes are more square than round you've got a kart that's seen a lot of use. Serves as a good bragaining chip if you feel the kart is still good.

Another thing to look for are brake pads, and if the brakes work properly. If the brake pads are almost worn out that's another hundred or two you can bargain off the price. The brake pedal travel shouldn't be very long - ask when the brake system was last bled. You don't want to have to start doing a brake system overhaul after you buy the kart.

If the kart is filthy when you have a look at it that's an indication that it probably hasn't been looked after very well.

Put the kart on the ground with tyres on it. Grab the back of the kart and wiggle it sideways - you're looking for movement in the rear bearings. If the axle stays in place and the chassis moves side-to-side the rear bearings are gone.

That's just a few tips. Those in Singapore will know better about the parts availability over there. To find out yourself you can ask the local dealers "can i buy a set of rear brake pads for XXXX brand XXXX model kart right now, or do you have to order them for me?"

For the engine there is no real way to know until you open it up, or if you trust the seller 100%. But again as with the chassis if it looks filthy it probably hasn't been looked after very well.

[Mikko Nassi]

1.Tony Kart
2.Intrepid
3.Arrow
4.Maranello
5.Birel
6.Sodikart
7.CRG Road Rebel

I would gladly race any one of those karts. Performance-wise you won't be able to find much between them, particularly as a beginner. Any one of them can win.

An important part of your consideration should be spare parts availability. I think from your list at least Intrepid, CRG(+Maranello), and Birel should have good parts availability in the region.

Inspecting a kart yourself there are some things you should look for that are easy enough. Look carefully at all the weld points, particularly at the back of the chassis, which is where cracks most often occur. Also look out for different color paint which would indicate a crack and a repair.

Look under the frame to see how much the frame has worn out. If the tubes are more square than round you've got a kart that's seen a lot of use. Serves as a good bragaining chip if you feel the kart is still good.

Another thing to look for are brake pads, and if the brakes work properly. If the brake pads are almost worn out that's another hundred or two you can bargain off the price. The brake pedal travel shouldn't be very long - ask when the brake system was last bled. You don't want to have to start doing a brake system overhaul after you buy the kart.

If the kart is filthy when you have a look at it that's an indication that it probably hasn't been looked after very well.

Put the kart on the ground with tyres on it. Grab the back of the kart and wiggle it sideways - you're looking for movement in the rear bearings. If the axle stays in place and the chassis moves side-to-side the rear bearings are gone.

That's just a few tips. Those in Singapore will know better about the parts availability over there. To find out yourself you can ask the local dealers "can i buy a set of rear brake pads for XXXX brand XXXX model kart right now, or do you have to order them for me?"

For the engine there is no real way to know until you open it up, or if you trust the seller 100%. But again as with the chassis if it looks filthy it probably hasn't been looked after very well.

[turbo5]

hi thanks for your long detailed reply.
was toying with the idea to get from Malaysia, think price could be lower, true?

i guess just have to pull the trigger and hope all fall in place

[mlange]

You cant really go wrong with any of those brands. If you are new to karting, you could always look at 2nd hard karts - there are actually a number of good shape ones from people who bought new ones to kart at Kartright but suddenly found themselves too busy or posted overseas. Essentially, you get a new kart for 3/4 of the cost. Conversely, there are several well used karts from people looking to upgrade and selling their old karts to help finance new ones. Its a buyers market right now.

There are some here in the KS Auction House http://kartingsingapore.invisionzone.co ... ion-house/ with a forum member I know that will soon post to sell his recently purchased kart due to work commitments soon on the Auction House.

I have attached the URL http://kartingsingapore.com/wp/?page_id=4 for which, there is a section I localised from Bonnie Moulton’s well-written primer on buying karts and what to look for in used karts.

[Gary80]

Hi turbo5

I have two birel karts for sale both are in Kuala lumpur and ready to race

1. Birel with Rotax engine - this kart won the 2009 AKOC Veteran Championship and came 3rd in the 2009 AKOC Senior Championship. The kart has front disc brakes and has only done 5 rounds of racing. Also have a spare rotax engine that can be included if required

2. Birel with Yamaha engine - this kart won the 2009 Malaysian Yahama series, the engine has only done 4 rounds and the chassis has done only 1 round.

Both karts include a full set of wet weather wheels and some spare parts

If you require any more info just send a pm

[turbo5]

Hey all

once again,tks for chipping in.