[Kartbuilding] FW: kart

[Stephen Burke]

Hi Glenn,

Glad you got the SolidWorks plans working ok. Im currently doing up new 
plans in SolidWorks for the off-road kart on: 
http://www.kartbuilding.net/Freeplans/plans.htm as the plans there are a 
bit old and out of date.

Anyways, onto your questions. Yes - I did build the racing kart from the 
SolidWorks plans as on: http://www.kartbuilding.net/racingkart/index.html
The plans drawn in SolidWorks were done after the kart was made, so yes - 
everything should work out fine.

It is also not uncommon to have a chain tensioner where there is a long 
chain drive (distance between sprockets), and might have to be used if 
suspension was been considered.

Yes - The steering geometry did work out. As it was my second or third 
kart build, I wanted to focus a lot on this area as I did have problems 
with the off-road kart having too great of a camber and castor angle. The 
angles and distances used and on the plans worked out very well for my 
kart covering the weight balance and choice of wheels/tyres.

Having no front brakes is not a big deal. In wet weather the would be very 
useful as the back tends to lock up very easily. It was actually one of my 
ambitions if I got around to making another kart. Having the ability to 
quickly slow down is one of the keys to fast karting. Front brakes, while 
not essential would make a big difference. They would however complicate 
matters quite a bit.

Well, I hope that has answered your questions. If you have any further, 
just let us know. Also, if you do manage to get the kart made, feel free 
to send on some photos and a description and I can put it on the website 
for others to follow.

Best of Luck,
-steve


On Thu, 6 Mar 2008, Glenn Hubbuch wrote:
> Disregard the chain tension question.......I see the slots in the motor
> mounts now...........
> ________________________________
>
> From: Glenn Hubbuch
> Sent: Thursday, March 06, 2008 3:52 PM
> Subject: kart
> Steve,
> I downloaded the solidworks version of your cart plan......everything
> worked out well, thanks.  I was looking over your design, and was
> wondering how the chain was tensioned.  I thought maybe you would slot
> the motor mount holes or allow the rear axle to move forward/backward
> with a rear caliper mount adjustment.  I don't ever recall seeing a
> stand alone chain tensioner on most carts.  Is this a problem?  Have you
> built this cart?  Does the steering geometry work out?  Are no front
> brakes a problem?  I am looking to build something similar w/ a 250cc 2
> stroke engine and solid rear axle.
>
> Thanks for any help,
> Glenn