The Class:
K-Modified
The Guru:
Larry “Lefty” MacLeod- K-Modified has a reputation as a class that is always inviting people to join in the fun and Larry MacLeod is one of the guys out front spreading the Shifter Kart gospel. Larry has been a fixture in the class since 2002 and knows all the ins and outs of the 125cc world.
The Pitch:
If you like a true driver’s class, K-Mod is one of the best. Not only does KM require a faster reaction time due to the speeds, it also requires 20-30 gear changes per run. The combination makes the “magical perfect run” elusive, but it’s the challenge that keeps competitors coming back. You get B-Mod speed for less cost than ST. Used Kart packages are cheap, tires are cheap and you can tow with a Miata. Best of all, with the equality of equipment and level of driving challenge you can be assured that the best driver wins every time.
The Scoop:
Almost all of K-Mod drivers run turn-key kart packages that they purchased used. Used shifter karts can be found for under $4000 and could include a 3-5 year old chassis, a running engine, spare parts and multiple sets of wheels. Spares are a good thing to look for when shopping (gears, carb jets, bearings, brake-parts). Sometimes you can also get a roller stand, tire changing tools and other specialty tools that make karting easier.
The rule of thumb is to stick with the 3 major chassis brands: Tonykart, Birel, CRG. Doing this gives you the best chance to find spare parts, specifically brake components. Axles, bearings, seats and wheel hubs are often interchangeable across different chassis brands. But brakes components are typically unique. Other chassis brands include Energy & GP. Many of these smaller brands use common parts from the big three, making them a good option to look for when shopping.
There are a few engines eligible for KM. First is the motorcycle (moto) type, with the most popular moto being the Honda CR125 running stock ignition. For moto engines, the rules allow for different exhaust pipes, cylinder porting and headwork as long as the electrical system remains stock. However if you’re willing to take a weight penalty, a programmable ignition (PI) on your moto engine could provide a significant power boost. Also allowed is the European “ICC” 125cc. These are getting cheaper in the used kart packages, but only a few solo people have tried them.
The Price Tag:
Expect to spend $4000~$5000 to buy a used kart package and get started. A brand new chassis from a top-brand costs about $6000 without an engine, radiator or tires. You’ll spend another $3500 to get a new chassis track-ready. But is $10K really faster than $4000? In the world of solo shifter karts, no. It’s true the 5-time champion runs a newer chassis than almost everyone else in the field. But he also gets the most seat time and he’s a master of chassis setup. He would win driving any chassis built in the last 10 years.
Hauling a kart can be as simple as a light truck, minivan or a 4x6 harbor freight trailer behind a Honda Civic. Most K-Mod drivers end up with 6x12 enclosed trailers for about $1600 and tow it with a light pickup or SUV. You can fit 2-3 karts in a 6x12 trailer allowing several drivers to carpool to the long distance events and cut down on costs.
Tires and engines are cheap. Budget about $220 a set for tires and plan to get 60-100 runs out of them. Single cylinder moto engines are cheap to own and operate. Top-end rebuild kits are about $200 for piston/ring/gaskets and can be serviced in about 45 minutes by any DIY’er. A full bottom end rebuild can also be done by a DIY’er or by a reputable builder for less than $500.
The Honest Truth:
A lot of people are turned off by the time spent wrenching on a kart. Like most Mod class cars, karts require significant amount of “preventative” maintenance. Brake bleeding, changing jets and greasing the open bearings are all part of the regular routine. We have to pre-mix our 110+ octane leaded race gas. At any event it’s normal to be changing gears and carb jets to set up for the conditions and course design. And when it rains, EVERYTHING gets wet and needs to be cleaned afterward.
Karts do not have a moving suspension, so events with rough surfaces are no fun. They are bruising on the body and can put added wear/tear on the equipment. If you don’t have any smooth local sites, owning a kart might be difficult. Or you’ll be traveling long distances to find good sites.
The Top Tips:
Get Seat Time, Early and Often: The learning curve is steep jumping from streetcars to karts. The dynamics are very different and the speed can’t be simulated. The top kart drivers get the most seat time. A new driver should plan to get to every event possibly (including test & tunes). Open practice days at kart tracks are a great way to get cheap seat time ($20-$50 a day).
Know Your Kart:
There are dozens of simple adjustments that can be made between runs at a solo event to make a kart faster. The successful drivers have spent the time trying each of these different variables, looking to see what each one does. Trophies at Nationals have been won because someone found the right adjustment to make between runs.
Log onto Ekartingnews.com: It’s primarily a wheel-2-wheel community, but the classifieds are filled with great deals. There is also a forum there for autocrossers. You can learn a lot about owning and tuning karts on this site and probably find your next kart on the classified.
Try Before you Buy:
Karts are addicting. They are also very inexpensive to operate. This means kart owners are typically very generous with co-drives. Many of us offer co-drives at local events and National events knowing it will expand build the class.
Spread the Love:
It’s helpful to have a core of other kart drivers in your area. Sharing, parts, setup ideas and even carpooling to long distance events will help everyone. Competitors in the Detroit and Washington DC regions have found National success this way. Once you buy your own kart, you should start offering co-drives. All you have to do is give them their first taste to start building your own local core of kart fanatics.
