Shifter Kart Transmissions [3 Things You Should Know]

Karting is undoubtedly one of the most exciting sports to ever exist, this amazing motorsport is cherished by many around the world due to its simplicity and the thrilling experience that it provides. Shifter kart transmissions are one of the dominant options in the racing world, the transmission, and everything you need to know about a kart will be explained in detail in this article.

gokartingbuddy 3 1
Image credit: www.youtube.com

Shifter kart transmission

Transmission refers to the system that transfers power from the engine crankshaft to the tires. You can change gear with the transmission to adjust the engine-to-drive wheel gear ratio as you increase or decrease your vehicle’s speed.

A differential is a device often composed of several gears and allows the wheels to revolve at different speeds while applying a rotational brake force.

This device is not on go-karts, and a vehicle cannot turn sharply if it does not have a differential.

One of the back tires must be able to glide when you turn a corner. This usually happens by building the chassis in such a way that, when you turn a corner, the inner rear tire can go up a bit. This allows the tire of the kart to slightly lose traction, allowing it to navigate the corner and slide if needed safely.

Shifter karts are very fast and popular, especially in the United States. These have powerful engines, a clutch, and a 6-speed manual transmission, which are meant to maximize the engine’s capability.

Though a manual gearbox is considered very effective and popular you have to understand that you will need to switch gears when required, you have to remember to change when driving as the kart won’t change itself.

Non-shifter karts have a single-gear ratio determined by the number of teeth on the sprocket, I found that these sprocket karts typically have a centrifugal clutch.

The Swedish flick which was popular in the 80s involved the driver turning a kart in the opposite direction using the brake.

It always looks complex for most people at the beginning, it is usually tricky for newbies to be using the brake or changing the gear now and then, but with time and practice, you will become a master yourself and get the hang of the brake, clutch, and gear.

Transmissions are responsible for ensuring the rpm is perfect at all times, it make sure that the engine is in a good condition and ideal temperature especially when the engine revs, this helps prevent overheating in the engine or even engine and kart damage.

gokartingbuddy 4 1

What transmissions do shifter karts use?

Shifter karts use six-speed transmissions, which means that there are six gears in these go-karts.

The presence of a transmission is the major difference between a shifter kart and a single kart. Therefore, it’s critical to understand the fundamentals of the transmission and brake.

There is usually a lever or handle that can be used to change gears in the karts, it can be pulled to upshift and pushed to downshift.

Your foot should not be on the gas if you shift, so you must remove your foot immediately if you wish to upshift.

You will probably be braking if you are downshifting, so avoid pressing the accelerator or throttle and keep your leg on the brake.

gokartingbuddy 7 1

Understanding 4-wheel braking

Four-wheel braking is a very fundamental concept. Unlike other karts with brakes on the rear, shifter karts have brakes on all wheels.

It is the process of actually braking or using the break that is tricky.

When you start using a go-kart with faster braking rates, you can expect more performance and power to work with, making it more difficult to judge the brake and understand the braking.

I recommend keeping in mind that you will only be able to handle the steering wheel with one hand while applying brakes, this is because your second hand will be on the downshift lever while on the track. 

pexels jdgromov 13793261
Image credit: pexels.com

FAQ

What engine is best for a shifter kart?

2-stroke motorcycle engines are considered the best for go-karts, these engines are cherished because they provide more power than most alternatives.

How fast can a shifter kart go?

Shifter karts are known for their remarkable speeds, they can go up to 100mph without the restrictor and a kart speed of 80mph with one.

Do shifter karts have differentials?

No, shifter karts are highly efficient and designed to brake at a fast rate but they have no differentials.

How often should I maintain my brake?

It is recommended for the driver to check the kart clutch and brake, every full day of karting to be on the safe side.

What factors affect the brake of shifter karts?

The road conditions can affect the effectiveness of the brake, and the braking system’s efficiency can affect the speed of the brake.

The bottom line

Shifter karts are fantastic options for go-kart racing, they provide safety, and reliability and guarantee fun and excitement. I found that the excellent transmissions used in these bad boys are perfect for easily navigating a wide range of terrains while enjoying every bit of the adventure.

Leave a Comment