A go-cart, or go-kart, has come a long way in the last few decades, particularly off road go kart, also known as dune buggies or buggies. An off-road buggy’s differences with respect to an on-road buggy’s are obvious, and you’ll notice them immediately. Off-road go-karts are much larger, which is immediately noticeable. Some buggies can only fit one adult, but most are large enough to accommodate two adults.
Size
Go-karts with a larger design aren’t just for show, but they also indicate which age group is best suited to drive them. Go-kart drivers who can’t reach the vehicle’s controls are probably not up to the task. In addition, the seat and other safety features must be adjusted to the driver’s height and weight. You can either choose your go-kart based on the rider’s size or the size of the engine to simplify the process.
Engines
The engine is another major point of distinction. Smaller street carts typically have engines with a horsepower rating of 2.5 to 10 hp. While on the other hand, a go-kart with a 1200 cc engine can be found off-road. The large shiny engines on go-karts are something you’ve probably seen before. The best metal polish money can buy is used by off-road enthusiasts who care about their engines.
It’s not just about having a cool-looking engine; it’s also about having a powerful engine. Go-karts designed for off-road use require a lot of power to get up hills through sand, mud, and other obstacles.
Attempting to climb an embankment in an off-road buggy without the proper amount of power can end disastrously. When the car finally came to a halt, it began rolling backward down the hill in the opposite direction. Go-kart models with larger motors are recommended for use on steep terrain or other non-road surfaces.
Tires
On the other hand, the off-road go-kart tires are also very different from their on-road counterparts. Ground clearance is critical when driving up and down a hilly landscape, so off-road tires are typically taller. The higher the tires, the less likely you will get stranded while you’re out and about. If you’ve ever found yourself stranded in the middle of a desert, you’ll understand why off-road tires are typically more expensive.
An off-road go-kart has much wider and taller rear tires, as well. This provides the vehicle with much better traction than without it in mud and sand. There are a lot of ribs in these tires compared to the street models, but they are smaller in diameter. Another critical factor in preventing your vehicle from getting stranded is the ability to maneuver your car easily.
Additionally, an off-road vehicle’s suspension is beefier than a street model to provide better control and stability in the rocky terrain.
Thanks to these features, your off-street go-cart will look more like an actual desert buggy and less like a kid’s go-kart.
Use the best metal polish for your engine and wheels, and general car care kits found here to keep your vehicles looking their best at all times. We hope this list of off-road go-kart specs will help you find the best kart for your needs.