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Thanks again Eric for your detailed response, it is very much appreciated. You have given me a lot to think about and definitely cleared up a lot of my questions. I will take your advice and start reaching out to others to learn more before I commit to any specific platform/package.
You mentioned that you had a contact regionally for a DD2 kart…do you happen to know what kind of cost I would be looking at if I decided to go down that route. I see that KA100 and Rotax 125 karts seem to be in the $4,000 – $6,000 range (which is within my potential budget). I’m wondering if the stagnation of DD2 means I could get into it for a slightly cheaper initial cost. I know that any savings due to its lower popularity will be offset by cost of repairs over time, just curious.
Thanks again!
Hey Eric,
Thank you for the thoughtful and detailed response (as well as the warm welcome).
I wouldn’t necessarily say I’m dead-set on the variable gearing, but electric start is definitely a requirement. Regarding the electric start shifters, depending on cost and performance, that may be an option. My initial research didn’t yield anything other than the Hegar CR125 kit, but it looks like it is indefinitely on backorder. While I can say I’m not trying to spend $12,000 to get started again, that may be something I could work towards in the future (if I get really into karting).
I appreciate the alternatives you listed as well. I have been researching the LO206, since the 4-stroke seems like it might be a little easier to maintain for someone who has no mechanical experience with 2-stroke engines (I used to ride 2-stroke dirt bikes when I was a kid/teen, but my dad maintained them).
I wasn’t really aware of the KA100 though. You mentioned that they are more complex than LO206, can you expand on that a little? I assume the complexity comes from the fact that it is a 2-stroke, but I want to be sure. Also, where would you rank the KA100 vs. a Rotax 125cc on your complexity scale?
I won’t lie, I’m still attracted to the DD2 option since it ticks all the boxes, but I sincerely appreciate your insight. I will look more into the Rotax Senior/Master stuff as well, since it was on my radar but not exactly what I was looking for.
Thanks again Eric!
Haha nice to see everyone having fun, even if it’s at the cost of a thread jack 😀
I’m really, really leaning towards a shifter as the majority consensus of people I’ve talked to have said that’s what I would have the most fun in given my preferences and background. I may be trading my bike with someone here soon for a shifter, I’ll know more next weekend.
I can’t wait to get out there and bang some gears. I have my leather race suit from when I was going to race my bike (just a pipe-dream lol) so it should keep me warm for some winter driving (I hope haha).
Another question…what are the approximate running costs of both? Like, what should I expect to see maintenance wise on a TaG kart versus a shifter? I’m more talking about specifics (motor, clutch, gears/sprockets/chain, fuel, etc…) I know tires and replacement parts due to crashes are just part of the game, but I’m looking for any major differences between the two platforms.
Thanks for the reply and the pointers. Yes, I had expected a multitude of expenses after my initial purchase. How I see it in my head is that my initial $3500 or so should be enough to be able to pick-up a kart, a suit and neckbrace (I already have a full face helmet and gloves from my motorcycle), and let me get out there and have some fun! All I can hope for though is that the running costs are less than drifting (around $400 per event, plus more if I break anything) lol.
Thanks for the heads up on starting a shifter…these are the things I came to learn! I actually saw a youtube video of a guy starting his by wrapping a strap around the tire with the back end of the kart elevated off of the ground and then yanking the strap and spinning the wheels lol. I’ll post it if anyone is interested.
Thanks again for the warm welcome. I appreciate it. I’ll try to get a buddy involved, although most of my motorsports friends live some distance away from me. Any karter’s in Parker? I’m near Jordan and E470, like a mile and a half from The Track!
