Motorcycles, Snowmobiles, Go-Carts, ATV's and Golf Carts - GX160 5.5 HP Honda powered Go-Kart

Hey everyone I'm planning on building a 2 seat go-kart with a honda 5.5hp engine. Im planning on taking out the governor in the engine since it will be a 2 seater and will probably have more weight in it slowing it... also I was wondering if I could make it a manual transmission somehow so that it could use more than just 1 pair of sprockets so it can go faster.... and also if i would need a special type of clutch... any ideas please help :) thanks

Also wondering, is it possible to make a key start ignition out of this? i havent really looked into that yet. Thanks - Spike

i'd leave the governer in, it'll have plenty of power for two, anyway, governor keeps the engine running at a safe speed, don't want a connecting rod failing....
what kind of engine? horizontal crank? you can just use a clutch, sprocket and chain method. cheap and easy, and it'll go plenty fast. as for key ignition, you'd have to find out if the engine can take one.... it'll require a battery, flywheel that has a ring gear for a starter, unless the original can take one. a starter......etc. i myself would stick with a pull cord.

Ok, thanks. And yes it's a horizontal shaft... if it were vertical then i think id be retarded for even trying XD. If anyone could give me some links to some frame kits ( unwelded ) preferably 2 seaters, that would help ALOT! thanks :)

errr it would also be nice if someone could fill me in on how using chain & sprockets with clutches work... thanks

It wont... you need a gearbox

errr....XD... so.... if i have an axle sprocket and a motor sprocket, just those 2 and a chain, then i dont need a clutch?

you could do it that way, but you'd have to cut the engine off to stop, it'll constantly move that is if its running, you'd have to push it to start it as well. clutch works this way, take one clutch, that can fit on the pto end of the crank, has a sprocket right on the clutch bell, chain off that, to a sprocket on the axle, i like solid axles but they corner poorly. centrifugal clutch is what i'm talking about, when the engine is idling at a slow rpm, clutch weights are disengaged from the bell, when you rev it a little, they latch onto the bell, and your off. its simple, but works good.

Centrifugal clutch is your best bet, its what most fun karts run. You can get A clutch for aroudn 30 and some number 35 chain and a rear sprocket for about 50$. You cant just stop a motor like was described, it puts a TON of stress on the wrist pin, crank pin and connecting rod, as well as the chain and sprockets.

ok, thanks ill try that...but arent centrifical clutches a bit spendy?

nope not at all. it all really depends on where you get them too, one place will always either be cheaper or more expensive.