Racing Go Kart Chassis are drastically different than the typical “go kart chassis”. When someone says go kart chassis the first thing that comes to mind is a metal tube frame with a roll-cage complete with shocks and a huge muffler. Well this is a fun type of go kart, like a mud kart or something, it isn’t what I will be talking about in this article. This one is only on Racing Go Kart frames.
So what is the difference between a normal and a racing go kart chassis? Well, to start let’s talk about the technical specifications…
Chassis Dimensions
- Materials and Dimensions Kart components should be:
- Made out of high-strength structural steel
- The chassis must not be higher than 65 cm from the ground (obviously not including the seat!)
- The wheelbase (furthest component back to furthest component forward) should be between 101 cm and 107 cm (so only a 6 cm leeway here)
- The wheel track (outside front right wheel to outside front left wheel) should be around 2/3 the length of the wheelbase
It is important to note that the racing go kart chassis should not be flexible or provide any sort of shock absorbency. It should be a ridged steel and it must be welded, not simply bolted or glued or taped (<- You’d be surprised!) together.
A racing go kart frame does not have shocks, or roll bars, or a seat belt. That’s right, there is no seat belt. When a go kart goes so fast and weighs so little, flips can happen… you wouldn’t want to be strapped in when the kart is upside-down on top of you while going 100 km an hour would you? It is safer that there are no seat belts.
Racing Go Kart Frame Cost:
If you buy used you may find a quality frame for as little as $750 USD. However, new you are looking at easily $1500 to $5000 USD depending on how complete they are and whether it comes with wheels and an engine.
My advice when looking for a racing go kart chassis is to shop around and ask local racers. It is quite common for winning racers to sell off their winning chassis to purchase new ones. And you can’t go wrong with a proven kart.
