Motosportsmax's Weblog

Off Road Karting

uses a four-wheeled powered vehicle designed for off road use as opposed to the longer established activities of racing go karts used for racing on a paved road circuit. Off road karting is now a well established and popular activity with a burgeoning range of vehicles, options and adherents.

Just as the automobile is undergoing evolutionary changes, noticeably in the field of “off road” use, the smaller recreational vehicles called “Go Karts” have spawned a new generation of vehicle for off road use.

The origins of using a go kart sized vehicle for off road use undoubtedly had many stages of development and claimants whose home made vehicles were “the first” off road go karts. However as concerns manufactured products it seems the first was from Honda who released in 1977 a vehicle they called the Odyssey, essentially an “off road” go kart with a 250 cc two stroke engine, single seat, and a CVT automatic transmission. The main differences to the traditional racing go kart were a bigger size of tires (giving greater ground clearance and off road traction) and a roll cage.

This proved to be a very popular vehicle and in 1985 Honda made major upgrades to the Odyssey and released the FL350. Changes were an improved roll cage, 350 cc engine with electric starter, and a full front and back suspension system. Then in late 1989 Honda released the FL 400. In addition to the increased engine size (a liquid cooled 400 cc unit) it was available in an optional 2 side by side seating configuration and had its suspension improved to handle the extra load. However this had evolved into an expensive vehicle and sales were disappointing so Honda ceased manufacture in 1990.

Although today these aging Honda units are still to be found and have an enthusiastic following, their main achievement was to create a pool of enthusiasts alerted to the possibilities of off road small vehicle fun and keen to develop these possibilities.

Chinese manufacturers have notably taken a lead in production of the newest generation of small off road go karts and have rapidly spread the popularity of the activity, producing cheap and appealing.

The question of when an off road “go kart” becomes an off road “buggy” or when a dune buggy becomes an off road buggy or even if there is any difference will no doubt elicit many opinions and responses. Even manufacturers seem confused and the terms “buggy” and “go kart” are often used interchangeably for the same vehicle. However in terms of the evolution of go karts and buggies, it seems correct to point out that go karts are mainly constructed without a differential and are not intended to be registered for road use. They are purpose built from scratch not using second hand auto parts. All of these features are shared by many of the off road go karts on the market today. However in the U.S.A. the term “buggy” is often applied to the same type of vehicle referred to as a “go kart” in most other countries.

“Buggies” were originally made by converting existing vehicles (usually VWs) and were usually intended for both on road and off road use (mainly on sand or beaches) and the majority still are. However just as racing go karts have evolved off road cousins, so the dune buggy now has many versions of off road buggy and trail use is increasing rapidly. This type of buggy has undergone many transformations in body style and appearance and many are purpose built from scratch using all new parts instead of converted second hand auto parts and have the same style of frame and body structure as off road go karts.

A simple and workable distinction would seem to be that “go karts” are not intended for certification or approval for “on road” use at any time, but a “buggy” can be.
see more reference info: Wiki Off-road go kart

Off-road GoKarting is a fun and exciting family activity for all. Adults and kids at heart, enjoy the feeling of being able to drive or ride in a superior powersport extreme Go-Kart. If you’re looking for a great way to introduce your children to driving and racing, go karts are the nice way to go. Also, if you’re an adult that’s still young at heart, zipping around a go kart track at almost 30+ miles per hour is addicting and you can find great joys with it.

Arcades and amusement parks usually have some type of go kart track outside of their facility. You can aslo feel free to play with off-road go karting by a wide outdoors track. Along with other games and activities, go karts can add to a great day. Drivers purchase a gocart, usually not cost too much, and head out to the starting line. The tracks weave and bend quite often, so quick reflexes are a must. With turns and corners everywhere you look, go karts will have you on your toes, scrambling to stay on top of your driving game in order to keep up and win.

While the cars are usually all the same and top out at the same speed, it is untrue that if you leave first, you will finish first. Drivers with enough skill can maneuver their way around the track to overtake their competitors in order to win. The cars are equipped with bumpers on all sides so in the event of a crash, neither the cars or the driver are injured. While you may get bumped occasionally by someone trying to pass, don’t be alarmed. It is normal and if you’re daring enough, give them a bump back!

With the smell of gasoline in the air, the sound of the small engines roaring, the taste of the mud around the face, and the screams of excitement abound, go karts are very fun and provide the same adrenaline rush that a real racing car could. So put your foot to the floor and be ready to have some racing fun if you step out into the world of kart racing.

In addtion, the world of off-road go karts is quickly growing! These machines are growing in popularity because they can offer safety advantages and better pricing over conventional ATV’s. There are now many choices that are becoming available. And nowadays these fun off-road vehicles differ from traditional go carts either, with the higher speeds and greater performance and dune buggy features, they bring better experiences for riders. Next airticle, we will draw a comparision about it and more info about powerspors.

Now, joing the joy sharing of go-karting racing or off-road go-karting!