100+HP Crosskart Build: First Drive

[@Smoothboxnailer]

Nice build & sweet cart. You are one of the few guys that can make it look so easy to build a kart like this. Thanks for sharing the talent!

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you. I designed the chassis to make fabbing a crazy kart like this not only possible for everyday garage guys, but enjoyable.

[@diyside]

Turned so good. It performs amazing too. I cant wait to build mine. Working on a teardrop trailer and then will jump to the crosskart.

[@KJRaycing]

Thanks, man! It’s been a great ride so far. You are going to love building this! And then you are going to love driving it!

[@gjgfrombigd]

Incredible! Suspension looks like it’s working flawlessly! Such a tight built vf1! Very balanced! Congrats!

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you so much! I wanted to get so much more footage and ran out of time, and now it’s rain for the next few days...

[@guysmiley3795]

Damn, you have gotten the hang of that thing. Great driving! Love that hand brake too.

[@KJRaycing]

They’re pretty easy to drive. Right pedal gets used more than the handbrake for drifting though…

[@4legdfishman]

LOVE THAT THING! I hope the wife likes the new landscape work 😉🤣 I want to build one asap! But, I have a couple priorities then on to the cross cart! Thanks for sharing.

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you so much Carl! Can’t wait to see what you come up with! It’s going to be a heck of a ride!

[@RogueFabrication]

Amazing job! Watching that Kart drift was a real treat. - Josh in customer service

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you Josh! There is a lot more “testing” to come. I call it testing so my wife thinks playtime is important...

[@RogueFabrication]

@@KJRaycing We can keep your secret 😂

[@kellyjung283]

Awesome rip around the property 👍

[@KJRaycing]

My lady loves it when I trim the grass this way 😉

[@houseoffire72]

Man oh man what a fantastic and well designed kart..! I've always wanted to build a cross kart inspired "buggy" something similar to the old Honda Odyssey 350 & 400...

[@KJRaycing]

Thanks man! This was a lot of research to put the right pieces together. Being in a light weight, torquey single seat buggy with manual sequential shifting is insanely fun! It is everything you have ever wanted to do in a vehicle.

[@stevendunn405]

KJ RACYING Brother im very proud of your accomplishments on building CROSSKARS Hence, you are a Master of the Kart build. Ive commented on your channel and have received positive responses from you. That alone says alot about your CHARACTER my friend. LET EVERYONE THAT IS SUBSCRIBING SEE WHAT A GREAT EFFECT YOU HAVE ON YOUR FANS. I'M GOOD DAY MY FRIRND.

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you so much Steven. You always leave a really positive comment too. That has really helped me put in the extra time and make sure the build and the content is awesome. It’s going to be an awesome day when all three of these things are out playing and we can get some comparison videos. Thank you again for tuning in 👍😁💪

[@Matte4810]

Just makes me more and more excited to start on mine!! Thanks for the plans and keep up the AMAZING work!!!!

[@stevendunn405]

yes sir KJ RACYING HAS INSPIRED MANY KART BUILDERS.... INDEED

[@KJRaycing]

I can’t wait to see everyone’s builds. I get so excited when someone posts a picture of their progress on the FB group. They all look so great!

[@kartbuilds697]

Badass! That thing rips! Looked like you were going about 75mph past the red barn. I just got my 525 tore down. Have my nrg seat and rouge fab dies on order! Should be starting my KZbin build series in the next few weeks.

[@KJRaycing]

I was cookin for sure. I haven’t hooked the speedo or the tach up yet. Save all your bolts from the 525!!!! Hard to keep track of some of that stuff. You are getting ready to roll buddy!

[@tmenzella]

What a machine. Smiles all round 👍🏻

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you. It is really awesome to share this with you guys!

[@chrisv6008]

That's one awesome buggy! Excellent build 👏 👌

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you very much. I really appreciate that 👍💪😁

[@scoc253]

*wow that thing is quick no cap. great build.🔥☝🏼💯👏🏼🙌🏼*

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you very much! It drives great and I hen’t even tuned anything yet. The rear shock mounts are still tacked because I thought I might have to move them. Looks like I can finish up that welding and get the whole thing finished up.!

[@mouradzakkoura7743]

I love what you do i wish to build it you are so amazing

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you so much!

[@johnmorgan1629]

Looking good, doesn't sound too bad either.

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you John Morgan. Needs a little tuning and there is a small hole in the collector, surprised you didn’t hear it 😉. Thanks again 😁👍

[@whitelinefever4865]

Wow cant wait to start building mine

[@KJRaycing]

Me neither! I love seeing your guys builds!

[@pink_love_cat4928]

That looks like SO MUCH FUN .You need a track to go ride on

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you! It is crazy fun! Power and rev range is spot on, the suspension is smooth over the bumps but stiff in the corners and the steering is light and responsive. There is a local mx track that does an “open” utv class race once a year. My goal is to get these done and tuned for that race. Until then my 2 acre track, some local trails and a really good friends family land is where they will get the most use.

[@spencercoates9067]

About took out that little tree. Great job man.

[@KJRaycing]

Ken Block style baby!

[@stevenchandler4218]

Hi KJ just watched your video. Looking good man. Keep up the good work.. 👍

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you very much! I will do that!

[@patrick1675b]

That's awesome, my wife would kill me if I did that to our yard. She had plenty to say the one time I kicked my buggy around 180 in the yard. Haha

[@KJRaycing]

After 13 years of marriage she has come expect it. I make it up to her. 👍😁

[@patrick1675b]

@@KJRaycing I hear ya we're almost 25, but the Kart thing is new. She's still warming up to it. Haha

[@KJRaycing]

You’ll get there one way or another. 25 years is kind of rare these days. Good man and congrats. 👍👍👍

[@danielpaulson786]

Daaamnnn! That kart is fast,I bet the camera doesn't do it justice and it still looks fast as hell.its up there with fastest ones I've seen on KZbin but i think it handles better on rough terrain .good job guy.i think the only ones I've seen drive better are the actual pro cross karts and I think yours could probably compete with them.

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you! The camera shaves a lot of speed. The best ones that show how fast I’m going are the ones pointing at me. I rarely do that shot because I like to see those tires spinning and it getting sideways. I would be interested to see how a $5000 home built would do against a $30,000 race crosskart… hell I wouldn’t even mind losing to get the chance 🦾

[@willh678]

Your poor lawn! I'd be pissed too!!🤣

[@KJRaycing]

Half of that is from my daughters buggy!!! 👍

[@zhanwhaguns8356]

Painting broo its gonna be epic

[@KJRaycing]

I am so excited. You guys are going to love it 😎

[@zhanwhaguns8356]

I am your fans broo.. From indonesia🇮🇩

[@zhanwhaguns8356]

I hope you color it broo hahaha. i will love it👌

[@syzygy3239]

I see your using a bit of preload on the springs for the Fox shocks. When I had my fronts rebuilt for my predator I ordered some stiffer springs from Racetech. They are not very expensive and if you revalve for the weight the shocks work smoothly through the range of stroke.

[@KJRaycing]

It looks like more than it is because I remove the useless upper spring. This is a bit heavier than the quad so I have to run a little bit, there is room left for more adjustment if needed. Thank you for the tip, I’ve looked at different springs before and it just seems to add too much to the budget when I can get the stock ones to work. And thank you for tuning in 👍

[@tahoetwin]

Great stuff and very inspiring for those of us following you and hoping to build our own from your plans. Do you have any plans to paint or powder coat this thing in the near future, I know that means after a few weeks of fun, to then dismantle it for paint. But what's next?

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you Tahoe. I have a $122 sheet of aluminum that will become the body panels in my garage. Once the body mount tabs are done all of the welding will be complete and it will go off to powdercoat while I design the graphics and try to finish up the KTM. For what is next, I have something in mind that could open the door for new crosskart fans... stay tuned!

[@chriseddings6168]

Wat ,wat, do you say ? Fn a sales and rental ? Test rides , sit in the stands ? Cool man ,nice job !

[@KJRaycing]

Maybe down the line get a little land and cut a track and start doing invitationals… it’s always in the back of my mind.

[@brahian49]

Me encanta ese buggy ,bro tengo uno también pero el tuyo es genial

[@TroyWarr1980]

Very nice work! About how fast would you say you're getting up to here? I want to do the same on 5 acres of land (650' x 325'), and I'm trying to figure out if that's going to be enough space to rough out a track long enough to keep it interesting. I should be able to make about a 1/4 mile loop.

[@KJRaycing]

I get up to 50-60 comfortably on my 2 acre plot. I leave a little extra room to turn in case the brakes fail. I’m not as reckless as the other younger youtubers with nothing to lose…

[@buildfastnow4495]

Looks fun! Some of your welds look cold, have you considered buying a tig welder? It takes alot more time to get the notches perfect, but the end result is good.

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you! I’m a garage guy so my welds are not going to be perfect. Heck nothing is going to be perfect 😉. My welds are strong though and I make sure to get good penetration on both pieces. I’m sure to a Tig welder like yourself, all Mig welds look cold... thanks again for the comment 👍

[@gearb0x]

fantastic

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you very much 👍😁💪

[@danielvrana9444]

Now you need a big Suki GSX

[@stevejohnson8703]

Impressive, job well done. Don't know how good rear spoiler works I thought I saw it flopping. But that is nit picking bs

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you! I wish I would have known how bad the wing was going to flop around. I have the cable rigging to secure it or I would have just removed it for the test run. It’s mostly for looks anyway.

[@codycoleman8917]

I noticed you have to rotate your steering wheel a ton to make her turn. Does it feel like you’re giving too much effort in making turns compared to a RZR? I’m assuming you’ve driven one.

[@KJRaycing]

It is a 3/4 turn rack or 1.5 turns lock to lock. I’m only turning it a lot for slow speed drifting. It feels very natural, not too touchy for high speeds and not too much turning for slow speeds. I use a solid 3/4” stainless steering shaft, the weight of it help give leverage the the steering wheel so it doesn’t want to come out of your hands when you hit bumps. It’s easy enough to drive with one hand while shifting and I think it is at least equal to a rzr. I’ve driven rzrs with eps, they only need that for the taller heavier tires and 4wd.

[@levipatzer4276]

Just just gets me bummed out mines not done yet

[@KJRaycing]

You’ll get there. Don’t be in a rush! Enjoy the time building and you will come out with an amazing machine.

[@keithparady2594]

Yeah buddy

[@KJRaycing]

Oh yeah. What a rush.

[@everydaygolfer6483]

Nice work Brother !...What's the next build going to be ?

[@KJRaycing]

There are definitely plans for another build. Gotta keep it secret for a little longer though, but it should get more crosskart fans into the sport 👍💪😁

[@movingkartcross9221]

Simplesmente fantástico Trabalho perfeito

[@alanlee764]

Hey there do you have a layout for all bands for this cart it be cool if you did I would love to build 1 if u did have layout so could print off

[@KJRaycing]

Check the description 👍

[@eckdirtbiking5113]

I haven’t kept up with the series so what motor are you using

[@KJRaycing]

Yzf600r 1997

[@eckdirtbiking5113]

Ok thanks

[@jpharmon7343]

since i was a kid i always said id build one someday... the way the world is going ill never have a crosskart and that burns a little

[@KJRaycing]

There are lots of guys still building. I’m just trying to do what I can while I can still do it. I hope you get to fulfill your dream, man.

[@jpharmon7343]

@@KJRaycing you sir are a blessing!

[@davidmorgan8612]

I am confused as to which cart is which. I have been following a build with a quad as the donor but then now in the mix is one with a motor cycle engine. I am lost.

[@KJRaycing]

Sorry man. I designed a chassis to accept all kinds of different components. There are currently three karts; one has a polaris 500cc, one has a ktm 525cc, and one has a 600cc crotch rocket engine. It is to show the versatility of the chassis design. I wanted to bring this amazing experience to any builder no matter what donor bike they use. Sorry for the confusion, I tried to make that clear in the build series.

[@davidmorgan8612]

@@KJRaycing It is all good man I am a fabricator and I have four kids and I have been telling them that I’m going to build something and I am over a year into this and still have not figured out on a plan and I like yours the best I just got confused on which motor to use because I do not have the nice flat grass that you have but more hills and terrain but I still have acres to play on LOL. I was just trying to figure out the best engine to use because me being a motorhead I have been conflicted with this but I definitely like your design in your plans and I will purchase them in the future. Thanks for getting back to me.

[@KJRaycing]

I don’t want to tell you what to do; but the atv engines are absolutely awesome! Tons of torque, 90mph top speed and reverse! And they are easier to build because of exhaust, weight and simplicity of a single cylinder. The only reason to do a four cylinder is if you need to see triple digits on the speedo or for a specific race class. Feel free to contact me anytime, you’re not in NY by any chance are you?

[@davidmorgan8612]

@@KJRaycing no sir, upstate South Carolina. I’ve been a welder for nuclear power plants and work for a energy company right for the past 15 years. I have my own fab shop just no way of machining anything. This is why I like your plans and your way of going about the process, it’s simply and professionally done. I showed it to my sons last night and they were stoked and I also have a little bit of property to play on so a buggy will be perfect. I will be ordering your plans soon. Thanks.

[@jacobezell9521]

I want one

[@KJRaycing]

So fun!

[@coupercarpenter770]

I sooo wanna build this but i dont know how to weld

[@sicsam1]

It's really not that hard. My friend bought a Vulcan welder from hf and we taught ourselves and watched a vids

[@pink_love_cat4928]

Get a flux core wire welder for like 100 bucks it's not hard to learn everyone messes up at first by going to fast and not getting it burned into the metal make slow circles and use one hand to prop up and steady the other that is welding but if you have the money go ahead and get a mig you'll just have to get gas for it but it is way better for 1/4 inch or thicker metals

[@KJRaycing]

Step 1 to learning how to weld: buy a welder. Step 2 start welding and practicing until you are good at it. It is a skill definitely worth learning my friend.

[@coupercarpenter770]

@@KJRaycing do you use mig or tog

[@coupercarpenter770]

Tig

[@danielvrana9444]

Do you have reverse? You need a big Suzy GSX You think your wife was mad wait until you put a big motor in it!! Lol I’m sure you say no I’m not going that way but you and I know when you do all there’s to do you must go UP!! Lmao

[@KJRaycing]

This one does not have reverse, I’m toying with a starter motor for reverse, but knowing I don’t have reverse makes me drive it a little “smarter”. It rolls really easily so pushing it out of the garage is no big deal. I’ll go for a bigger motor when I can get better shocks. I’m a big fan of balance. All of the components used fit this size and style in my opinion. And I like to put in a little work to go fast, nailing shift points and hitting apexes. If something is overpowered and “easily” fast it’s only fun for a little bit. That’s just my opinion and I respect every else’s 100%. But that’s why I designed this; for everyone’s different flavor. Thank you for tuning in, and thank you for the comment and the compliment. It is much appreciated.