what indicates "too much" damage for a kart?

[Sean Ranchbari]

hey all, looking to buy a used arrow x1-30 and upon random searching found the sellers youtube account. Various videos talk of having a bent steering shaft and wheel after an accident and one of a bent axle after another, different accident. I searched and haven’t found anything specifying, but vaguely remember reading that anything of this nature in a used kart cannot be very good??

Is this true/should i shy away from this kart? It comes with a plethora of extra parts, so that is why im a bit drawn to it, but would rather buy one from a kart shop if this one could have a compromised frame.

I asked the seller prior to knowing this information about any damage after receiving pictures showing some damage to the front bodywork, he said that to his knowledge the frame is straight but he couldn’t get it perfectly square with laser aligners.

FWIW, in the videos he keeps talking about the kart handling bad/poorly… I don’t know if this is from lack of proper set up or aforementioned damages…

 

thanks

[Troy V Smith]

I think anyone that has been in karting long enough will eventually deal with those same issues. I have bent all of the above mentioned items, and still have a perfectly working, trouble free kart. That does not say however that bending such items will never cause further issue.

Whether a kart has been damaged or not, it is a risk you take anytime you buy a used piece of racing equipment. You’re pretty much as the sellers mercy and it all comes down to how honest or “up front” the guy is going to be. There are a few checks you can make to the chassis to see if it’s in the ball park or “normal”. But in general, I don’t think a previouisly “bent” part immediately indicates a tweaked chassis (it could, but not always 50/50).

As far as “not handling right” – that’s funny, I hear the same thing from alot of guys driving “show room fresh” karts. That’s a vauge statement. In your case with the “load of spares”, you might just have to consider worst case scenarios. Worst case being needing a new chassis. It is a buyers market!!

I know – you read all that and you’re still left with the same questions!!??

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[Bob Baldwin]

Shayan: If the total of the spares is worth more than the replacement of the chassis I might consider it . As troy indicated there are many other deals to be had on used equipment . WHY make more headaches than you need ?

[Sean Ranchbari]

hmm, thanks for the replies Bob and Troy. I  personally feel pretty comfortable with the seller, him being Chris Beasley if anyone recognizes. the spares won’t get close to the price of a new frame I don’t think, but for the same price Chris is asking I think they are selling a couple packages at a kart shop around me. the spares mainly consist of tie rods, steering shaft, many gears, and so forth; items that seem pretty good to get in a deal. He’s selling out.

As far as checking, Troy, what is there that I could do to check the squaring of the frame? I searched and found that a bent frame has one  wheel lift more from lock to lock, and I know to measure from corner to corner, but is that all?

[Troy V Smith]

Yes, a good meaurement will usually give up a bent chassis, but depends on the bend and it’s severity. Try a measurement from forward axle face to king pin too. Best thing to do would be drop the thing on scales, but not always an option. You can check for a twist pretty easily with a good level. Get a base line level indication across the axle, and compare your results to a level across the top of the king pin bolts – should be the same – if not,….

Don’t forget the simple things too – check for flaked off paint, cracked welds and areas of touch-up paint. Look for signs of wear in odd places. Bent chassis can be straightened – just need the resources. You mention having a kart shop nearby – swing it over to them and let tham have a look for you – but build a relationship with them – don’t be the “something for nothing” guy.

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