Another XJ Powered Go Cart

Here's the active (for now) link:
https://newjersey.craigslist.org/mcy/d/motorcycle-engine-powered-go/6345241354.html

... and NO, it's not mine. If it were, I would not be selling it!

But for the sake of future XJers who come across the thread once it is gone, I'm including the pics and description here...

Description:
Up for grabs is a motorcycle engine powered gokart. Has a Yamaha Maxim 550cc engine runs good. Reman carb rail on it. No brakes needs brake master cylinder asking 600

 

needs an air box

 

Needs wheelie bars..........

 

Appears to be a very nice, heavy-duty frame.

 

Given the revving capabilities, I'd like to see a boat with a XJ power plant... Just slap a prop at the end of the final drive!

 

I'm also wondering if it will get enough air tucked in behind the seat. Maybe an air scoop?

 

Scrap the prop idea... I want it spinning a jet drive impeller!

 

Bet it's pretty loud back there.....

 

Too many things about that machine scare the heck out of me. Is it possible that I am old? I used to snowboard off the roof, cliff dive, crazy carpet behind speeding cars, spend time with questionable women... have I come down with Common Sense? Is there a cure?

 

Tempting, but I think I'll stick to running with scissors and drinking expired milk.
maybe it is an age thing..

 

There was a Youtube video years ago of a go-kart with an R1 motor on it. Scary fast.

 

Reminds me of the xj550 powered bar stool on eBay a few months back----

 

Does anyone remember the baby carriage go cart from Mario Cart? I've always wanted to build one of those. Or rather PAY someone to build one of those.

 

I’m thinking matti and I would’ve had a blast together wreaking havoc in the streets. I used to absolutely love hanging onto a bumper in the middle of winter and cruising down the back streets. Man that was stupid. Carrying my bike frame home in 2 pieces coz I took too big of a jump. Yeah. That one hurt. It’s not that our sense of adventure is gone. It’s that we’re all aware of the fact that the healing process is much longer now. Ahh. Good times. Back when “bloody knuckles “and “slaps “ were just good fun. When playing king of the hill did mean you were going to get hurt and you were ok with it. There’s a cool YouTube video of a wave runner with a hayabusa motor on it somewhere. That 550 project there tho scares me the heck outta me tho. I don’t see engineering degree written all over it. I would put a custom plate on it that says “E.R. Toy”
Idk what exhaust pipe temps reach, but I’d feel better with the tank not being directly above it. That whole lack of air flow right behind the seat.

 

Here's the bar stool I mentioned....I DID save a pic (or all of them) of it----lol

 

I went looking for that R1 Go-Kart video and found it among 20 more of other people that built one.

 

Lots of small cars out there with bike motor conversions too.

 

looks like he uses socks as air filters

 

It's ok.

It has a wing on the back to keep the rear wheels down.

Totally safe.

It's weird that anyone would think otherwise.

HA HA

 

Don't you know that shaft drives can't do wheelies?

 

Is it bad that, as I have a pair of extra XJ750 motors, I've been considering doing this? I've wanted to make a go cart for a while, and those motors are just sitting there, looking tempting. I mean, I could get a small pit bike engine for a couple hundred, but then I'd need a clutch too, etc.... I've got spare brake MC's, calipers, rotors, 2 spare finals...

I was thinking of using 2" box steel for the frame, though, as the cost difference is surprisingly low, going wider and longer... but... yeah.

I mean, logically I know that the 750 is WAY TO MUCH power for a go kart... but the temptation is real.

 

Even scarier --- before 4-stroke engine really hit the snowmobile platforms I dreamed about putting an xj650 engine onto a snowmobile---

 

Yeah, but then you'd need to know someone with a plethora of snowmobile donor chassis...

Oh yeah, that's you too...

 

Another fun YouTube search is Hayabusa powered Smart Car. Sounds like an F1 car, can outrun a Ferrari, donuts for hours! I want one for a track car. With unlimited funds, it'd be my Targa Newfoundland entry.

 

Ah, how I'd love to be that guy who can just drop hundreds or thousands on a project just for fun.

They say money can't buy happiness, but it sure as hell can rent it. Ever see anyone crying on their Hayabusa powered go karts? Those guys look pretty damned happy to me.

 

Did everyone here spend money on their bike? Does the bike make you happy? Money can't buy happiness, but it can buy you things and experiences that make you happy.

 

Money can't buy you happiness, but it can buy you motorcycles(go karts, snowmobiles, etc) which is pretty much the same thing

 

Buy a kit car and turn it into a 3-wheeler, put in a motorcycle engine. Your own version of a T-Rex. I've wanted to make my own version of a Morgan 3-wheeler using a Model T kit car for a long time.

 

Money can't buy happiness, but it makes unhappy a hell of a lot more fun.