Adventure sports are becoming increasingly popular in society, with more and more enthusiasts taking up hobbies like karting, where speed boosts our adrenaline levels and lets us forget everyday problems for a few kilometres. If you're tired of renting the same vehicle every weekend or would like to own one but the current economic situation makes it impossible, the simplest solution is to build your own.
The pride and thrill of knowing you'll be able to drive a kart built by yourself is everything. But first, you'll need to follow all the steps to reach that moment. We'll give you the necessary tips, ideally without breaking the bank. So take notes - let's get started!
Let's be honest - you'll need time, space to start building the go-kart, and motivation to see it through. Though it's also true that when you have a hobby, any moment is good to dedicate to it. So we'll begin by finding a workspace. Ideally, locate a workshop or garage where you can keep tools within reach without taking up too much space. Plus, as the kart takes shape, you'll need somewhere to store it.
But "don't count your chickens before they hatch", so we'll start by making a list of all materials needed to build your go-kart.
Steps to build a homemade go-kart
1. Gather all necessary materials the kart will need. Search your home for usable pipes or visit a scrapyard where you might find them in good condition.To build a go-kart you'll need:
- 9m of square tubing with approximately 2.5cm diameter.
- 1m round steel bar with about 2cm diameter.
- 2m steel bar with 1.5cm diameter.
- Wooden plate slightly larger than the engine in length and width, with 0.5cm thickness being sufficient.
- A motorcycle engine or even an unused lawnmower engine will work. Ideally a two-stroke engine with or without gearbox (this could reach up to 130 km/h).
- Seat plate/s (depending on how many seats you want) made of wood or metal - your choice.
- Another plate of the same material you chose for the seat/s to serve as the kart's base.
- Chain to connect the engine to the wheel.
- Bolts and washers.
- Plastic fuel tank.
- 4 wheels.
- 1 steering wheel.
- Gearbox.
- Handbrake.
- Steering column.
- One pedal for the brake and another for the accelerator.
- Borrow or acquire a welder to join parts most effectively.
- Saw or other cutting tools for precise work.
* Important: cut materials precisely for proper fitting later. Measuring and marking tubes for maximum accuracy is crucial.
2. Keep a go-kart blueprint or model handy. This is the best way to stay organised and follow the construction sequence. Of course, if you're decent at drawing, you could sketch your own blueprint based on a model you like, adapting the measurements we've mentioned to your kart's design.
3. Moving on to assembling all parts for proper kart function, we recommend working in a spacious area where parts are within reach, like a garage or yard.
- Cut tubes and first weld everything related to the chassis to build the kart's structure in sections - this makes it easier. The chassis is paramount as it encompasses not just the bodywork but the entire internal mechanical structure. Thanks to this, the vehicle will be able to run, and you can show off your colour combinations and detailing once finished. It supports both main and auxiliary components and typically measures 30-32cm in diameter. Remember that unlike other vehicles, karts don't have suspension, so aim for maximum flexibility.
- It's advisable, especially if using a scrapyard engine, to test it first as it's likely been unused for some time. Alternatively, you could use a lawnmower engine, for instance.
- The transmission bar must be sturdy as it supports the (quite heavy) engine.
- Pay special attention when welding the engine as this affects other components like brakes, traction and wiring. Ensure the clutch, steering and brakes are completely fixed once welded. The tyres will enable movement, but with countless models available, climate is key to your decision. Depending on track conditions, you'll need either dry or wet tyres.
- When installing the rear axle, one detail is critical: ensure the shaft is correctly positioned and parallel to both front wheels, otherwise you may encounter serious steering issues and tyre wear problems.
- The central pivots, steering arms, track bar coupling and drop arm are all important elements that will help the chassis take shape and become stable enough to bring you closer to completing your own kart.
* If you're not very familiar with tool usage, don't worry - most tasks don't require prior experience. That said, at certain points you may need to ask someone knowledgeable for assistance.
4. Once all parts are welded and your kart is painted to your liking, the moment will come to start it up - you'll be amazed at having created this vehicle yourself, and you'll feel particularly proud.
Building a go-kart will take considerable time, but it's undoubtedly worth it. If you don't succeed first time, don't give up - the thrill of racing with your own homemade racing car will be incredible. Alternatively, you can always seek expert advice or visit a go-kart track to observe how these machines operate. There's likely a track near you, and if not, click here to explore all options for driving a professional kart before hitting the tarmac with your own creation.
