Briggs Motors in Kid Kart

[Dianna Goldinger]

I was reading the rules and there part that says that briggs motors are allowed to be used in the kid cart class.

2.1.6 Kid Kart: Local option Briggs 206 engine is offered as an introductionary class for 2012. Ages 5-7. Gear, Weight, and Restrictor TBD. NTK Briggs Tech rules.

Can someone direct me to where I need to find the rules for using this kind of motor? My husband is very interested in using this kind of motor if ours bites the dust.

[Aaron Bunch]

I haven't found the rules. But I think I found the motor:

http://www.kartpartsdepot.com/Briggs-Lo ... 32lojr.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

and/or

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Racing-Go-Kart- ... 0819474176" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

It's $500-$550 and you still need a $60 motor mount http://www.fastermotors.net/WhatsNew.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; and a $?? exhaust.

If NTK was offering a local option I think a $99 clone with the 4100rpm rev limiter possibly plus a restrictor and spec jetting would be more wallet friendly. Harbor Freight offers a $109 99cc ~3hp Predator that might be a good place to start.

Aaron

[Dianna Goldinger]

I agree about the local option. The Comer is really expensive and the Briggs is still up there. The first link is the one that we had found as well. My husband was really excited about there being another option for a motor, but it just seems like a lot of money to me. I am happy that we have a running motor right now, just keeping my fingers crossed that it does not blow. LOL.

[Daniel Esparza]

Dianna,

Briggs & Stratton Racing has the 2012 Local Option/Junior 206 Engine Class Regulations posted on their web site, http://www.karting.com" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. It is a little hard to find so I am attaching the link this post. I will also print you a copy and bring it to the track. Come and see me if you have any questions about this class. I would really like to see the kid kart class try this engine package. It is very, very reliable.

http://www.briggsandstratton.com/engine ... 0Released/" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Dan Esparza
#79 Animal Box Stock Class

[Dianna Goldinger]

Awesome, we will be there Saturday. My husband will be happy to have someone to talk to about it. He really wants to be able to use this motor as well!

[Aaron Bunch]

Those rules only go down to JR or Cadet. I don't think they restrict enough for kid kart (yet). I haven't seen the LO206 mentioned for Kid Kart in the rules.

Aaron

[Daniel Esparza]

Aaron,

The L206 Novice/Cadet W/.350 restrictor is the match for the Kid Kart class with the Comer C50.

Dan Esparza

[Robbie Floyd]

We have the briggs engine in the rules already as an option. I wouldn't mind seeing how they do even mixed in with the comers. There really weren't that many Briggs at the kid kart nationals, less than 10. The thing is that everyone says the Briggs motor is too big for a kid kart chassis. Maybe it could work in a a cadet. The Briggs would have a much stronger bottom end, but not as strong on top. Somebody be the guinea pig and we can all race together.

[Matt Graybiel]

New to the track and just getting my son into karting. I was reading through the rules and the Local 206 option for 5-7 yr olds is in the rules. Ran across this post and it raised some questions.

My questions are:
Did anyone run this engine in 2012? If so, were they competitive with the Comers?
Were they cheaper than the Comer? I see a new one online for $500.
What else would I need to add/modify/buy to put it on a kart already running an old C50?
Thanks in advance,
Matt Graybiel

[Robbie Floyd]

The Briggs are actually a little too big and heavy for a kid kart chassis. Nobody runs them here and they didn't have a class at kid kart nationals this year either. You have to cut out the side pod and and also have a certain motor mount. Maybe somebody will propose a modified or limited modified Comer kid kart class at the rules meeting and that way everyone can have a good motor with no concerns about cheating. The problems with these motors are that they are not all made the same. That goes for the carbs too. Currently you can't modify them to make a turd keep up with a hand picked rocket in our rules. Maybe someone will step up this year and propose it again. There can be no question of cheating and the motors should be on more equal ground if you are able to alter the comers. Kid Karts are the biggest class by far and It gets a little old with the current rules. I should know, I have about 6 motors.

[Jonathan Ewing]

Matt,
Welcome to the kid kart class! While the briggs 206 is around $500 you will still need a list of parts such as a junior 206 spec pipe, 1" exhaust silencer, muffler clamp, header wrap, muffler mounting kit, briggs chain cover, plastic fuel tank, briggs motor mount, #35 chain, and a 57t sprocket making your $500 dollar motor over $700. And as Robbie mentioned some extensive surgery to make it fit. The biggest problem with this engine is the weight this engine package and hardware is rumored to weigh over 50lbs. That is a lot of weight to put on the back of a 90lb kid kart and would seemingly put our heavier kid karters at a disadvantage. The great thing about the comer is they run them everywhere! As for concerns about cheating that is a simple fix TECH INSPECTION done right. The kid kart class either needs to have the rules enforced or do as Robbie stated and have a modified class where everyone has the opportunity to level the playing field without concerns of cheating.

[Matt Graybiel]

Thanks Guys. I just dropped some cash to rebuild the top end on John's C-50 and I expect we will be buying another engine before too long. So naturally I was curious as why no one was running this 'cheaper' engine that costs just a little more than a rebuild.

[Mike Bray]

Personally I would like to see the club consider the new Honda 50cc motor for kid karts. It's about the same cost as a stock Comer, small and compact, makes a tad more power, is sealed, and designed for 200 hours of operation. Practically a career for a kid karter. Plus Honda quality. Of course it would create a problem for all the kid kart dads by giving them loads of free time not having to constantly work on the Comers:)

Being a sealed motor eliminates the problem of outlaw motors, always a plus!

http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/artic ... id=7401-en" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://m.engines.honda.com/models/model-detail/GXH50" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
http://www.cometkartsales.com/store/engine/hondengn.htm" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Tony Hager]

Another great feature of the Briggs LO206 motor that has not been mentioned is that once finished with the Kid Kart class all you have to do is change out the Ign Coil and Slide, switch it to a cadet chassis and you keep racing! The base motor is the same for all the classes, so now that initial $900 investment is very inexpensive compared to all the other classes!

[Matt Graybiel]

WE BOUGHT A HONDA!!! I have been threatening since the beginning of Spring Races and I pulled the trigger a few weeks ago. Went with the Honda over the Briggs because we are just getting started and the process of swapping engines between the Comer and Honda seemed easier and cheaper than the Briggs.
I got tired of my son not being able to run races because I couldn't keep the Comers running and I got really tired of scrambling between races. Jeff Mitchell and all other Dads have been awesome with helping out and I really appreciate all the assistance. There are a great group of people out at NTK. THANK YOU, GUYS!!!
We plan on running the Honda this weekend. I will bring one Comer as a back up. If anyone wants to take a look at the engine, it will be on kart #13.
We have had the Honda out for two practices and it runs well. Sure it is not a highly blueprinted Comer that turns 13K RPM, but the thing seems to run well and we don't plan on running at Nationals this year. Take off is better than any of the 3 Comer engines we own, but I am sure that is related more to my mechanical in-abilities than the Comer motors.

Pros:
- The Honda is quieter, starts easily, very little carb adjustments needed and seems fast out of the corners.
- I have also connected a kill switch on the steering wheel so he can cut off the engine himself. I like that better than him reaching across the engine to kill it himself of choking it off.
- It is a Honda -> I expect that it will not be engine problems keeping John off the track.

Cons:
- There is a weird clutch pinging at idle, but the other Honda Kid Kart Dads (California Forums) tell me that is normal.
- NTK still lists TBD on on the technical specs
- If we run at another track, we will probably have to run a Comer
I had to move the seat over about an inch but the motor mounted up easily.
- I do not have spare parts yet.

Lessons Learned:
On the first practice I could't figure out why hard left turns would make the engine cut out (turn 2 and 7 I think). I figured out that we had to disconnect the oil sensor switch, but it was an easy disconnect and recommended by Honda.
Move the seat, do not try to cut it.

I will be bringing the Honda recommended rules with me to the post race tech inspection. Still runs a 10:89 gear so I will make sure his tire pressures are legal.
I really hope this will be a reliable and competitive option and see the next crop of Kid Karters run this or the Briggs engine.