How much will it cost to create your own go-kart? In addition to being a fun hobby, building go-karts is a great way to spend time with your family. Go-kart construction costs, then, are they really so high?
Building a go-kart from scratch might cost anywhere from $400 to $860 depending on whether you purchase old or new parts. Even if you’re on a tight budget, building your own go-kart for $400 is a reasonable investment.
What is the price of each component?
Once you know the entire cost of building a go-kart, you should take a look at the cost of each component. It’s at this point that you may fine-tune your spending and saving habits.
1. Go-Kart Frame Cost
Your go-frame kart’s serves as the vehicle’s skeleton. Almost every other part of the system interacts in some manner with the frame. Alternatively, you may spend $200 on a new go-kart frame. Because they are particularly designed for go-karts, these frames typically come with all of the necessary mounting hardware.
You should be able to get a secondhand frame for $75 or less on Craigslist or eBay. If you’re on a tight budget, you may make your own steel plates and bars by welding scraps of steel together. It’s important to remember that this approach only works if you’re an experienced user. To get started with go-kart construction, I recommend purchasing a pre-owned or new go-kart frame.
If you’re building a smaller go-kart, these pricing are for the frame only. The cost of a standard racing frame or a bigger frame (more than $300) will be higher.
2. Go-Kart Steering Kit Cost
Assume you’ve chosen a go-kart frame that includes a steering hoop that has already been welded in. Tie rods, steering rack, adjustable shaft, and steering wheel all need to be factored into the cost of your vehicle. In order to save money, I propose purchasing a kit that includes all the steering components.
It costs roughly $90 to buy a new set, although a secondhand one normally costs around $35. Good ones may be found on Amazon and eBay.
3. Wheels for Go-Karts
Several different styles of go-kart wheels are available. In fact, they’re reasonably priced at $15 per, which works out to a total of $60 for four. The only thing to know is that you will need four of them, two for each side.
The price of a set of four used go-kart wheels may be found online for as little as $25. You may find these on ebay or craigslist at a reasonable price.
4. Tires for go-karts are expensive.
Second-hand or used go-kart tyres can cost significantly less than brand new tyres. Used kart tyres, on the other hand, tend to be of a lower profile and hence less durable than new tyres. You may not need go-kart racing tyres if you’re building your own kart on a tight budget. Non-racing or off-road tyres may be more cost-effective than racing tyres.
A set of four old go-kart tyres costs $30, whereas a set of four brand-new ones costs roughly $100.
5. Spindle Costs for Go-Karts
On eBay or Craigslist, you can get a pair of go-kart spindles for approximately $15. There were more available on Craigslist than on eBay, but they may be found on both sites.
A pair of new ones will set you back about $35. Remember to obtain one for the left and one for the right side of your body.
6. Go-Kart pedals cost money.
Buying a secondhand pedal is simple, and eBay is a great place to find a variety of options. They may be purchased for as low as $10 each. Brake pedals on either side of a car’s steering wheel (gas pedal).
You can acquire a basic set of pedals for under $15 if you buy new pedals rather than secondhand ones.
7. A Go-Kart Seat’s Purchase Price
A nice seat for a self-built kart doesn’t necessarily need to be constructed expressly for go-karting. If it can be mounted, you can utilise it to make a go-kart out of it.
It’s not uncommon to find used chairs for sale for around $35, but they’ll need some work. The price of a new seat might range from $60 to $100 for a high-quality one.
8. Go-Kart Sprocket Price
At $20 to $30, you’ll be able to get an entirely new go-kart sprocket from an online retailer. Used sprockets may be purchased online or through Craigslist for a fraction of the cost.
Make certain that the chain you’re using is compatible with the sprocket size you’re searching for as well. In some circumstances, a sprocket and chain set may be preferable to purchasing them separately.
9. Chain Cost for Go-Karts
To use a chain with your new sprocket, you will need to purchase one separately. While a brand-new chain can cost as much as $12, a second-hand or used chain can run you anywhere from $5 to $8.
Keep in mind that your chain and sprocket must be the same size. Your go-kart will be damaged if you buy a go-kart chain that is the wrong size.
10. Inexpensiveness of Go-Kart Brake Kits
Master cylinders, callipers, reservoirs, and brake lines should all be included in a go-kart braking package. It’s possible to buy each component separately, but it’s preferable to do it as a set for ease of use and compatibility.
Around $70 is the starting price for a new brake kit set. You should expect to pay around $40 to $50 for a secondhand brake set.