How to build an Inexpensive Crosskart

A reveal as to what has been going on in my shop and in my mind. I am so excited to bring you builders an alternative to an expensive and complex build. The solid rear axle VF-1 Crosskart. Articulating swing arm with an anti-sway bar. I can't wait to get started on this build and make new options for adrenaline junkies to get the blood flowing. Enjoy and tell me what you think in the comments,
-Kyle
Plans available here:
kj-raycing.dpd...
Plans detail and Materials needed
• Crosskart Plans: KJ Ra...
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DISCLAIMER
Videos are for entertainment only, work performed in the video should only be accomplished by a professional technician. KJ Raycing will not be held liable for ANY personal injuries.

[@bajahank1]

That's going to be a lot more budget friendly. Great idea.

[@KJRaycing]

Oh man, I’m really excited about this one. I’m going to mount the 420 and drive it, but eventually maybe a 450 quad conversion. I wanted to show the highest level build and the most entry level build, different parts and setups can be used for everything in between.

[@johngoode6787]

You crack me up Kyle with comments like 'I'm just a garage guy trying to help other garage guys' and 'cracking the code on buggy building' etc but reckon that's what I like about you your so down to earth and selfless with what your doing...I mean who else takes a weeks holiday and spends it to find a cheaper rear end solution for their buggies. Amazing stuff...your a bloody legend m8.

[@KJRaycing]

You know if I were rich I would have just bought one a long time ago, and if someone had done this before me I would have bought and built theirs. I’ve always been a pretty genuine guy so as corny as saying that stuff is, I really mean it. And I didn’t crack the code on buggy building… just converting atv’s to buggies on a tight budget. Thank you for the compliment, it means a lot. -Kyle

[@la_plata3588]

love the live axle idea

[@KJRaycing]

Cloud 9 when those parts showed up on the doorstep. Thank you.

[@bigbob7008]

The Predator 420's rip. .. Luv the clip of the red kart 😎 Keep up the good work!!

[@KJRaycing]

I’m hoping it will, I know the 212’s will get you going so I’m excited to see what I can get out of this.

[@johnnynewell4379]

Nice! Can’t wait to see the new application and how it works. Thanks for sharing

[@KJRaycing]

Me neither. I’m really excited about this one, but then again I get excited about all of them 😎

[@jackward7646]

Your awesome

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you, sir. I’m happy to share this with you guys.

[@051biohaz]

Looks awesome, can’t wait to follow the build...thanks for the upload

[@KJRaycing]

It is my pleasure! Thank you.

[@TyranisCustoms]

4:32 Is the kart were building. Check us out too!

[@bryanmayes9234]

Awsome man, love what you do for people and as soon as I get moved into and settled into my farm Im purchasing your plans and buying a rougue fab bender. Keep em coming buddy

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you again! I’m glad you found the content. Sounds like you are going to have a pretty sweet place to ride!

[@francopellicori703]

HI from Argentina!! , your crosskart blow my head, they are so nice!!. I'm finishing a project. I can't wait to buy your plans and start making one.

[@KJRaycing]

I can’t wait to see your build! Be sure to post pics of your progress in the facebook group. And thank you!

[@MOE13576]

Exiting for sure !

[@KJRaycing]

I’ve been so excited to share this! I hope this brings good times to more builders.

[@MOE13576]

@@KJRaycing I'm sure it will.

[@Imarookieatthis]

Can wait for the series. Thanks for your service brother

[@TyranisCustoms]

4:32 is my build! Check it out if you dig the 420s!

[@Imarookieatthis]

@@TyranisCustoms I will, love this type of content

[@KJRaycing]

There are more surprises to come. And thank you, I am very proud to serve.

[@Imarookieatthis]

@@KJRaycing same here. I was a 91B (wheel vehicle mechanic) and always had a passion for custom made vehicles (buggys, go carts, cross carts, cafe racers and much more) but I’m not that skilled of a mechanic to also fabricate my own frames. Keep up the good work my Sir.

[@KJRaycing]

I was a 13F for 8 years, now air force aviation for 14 years and running. I’ve wanted to be a GI Joe since I was 4 years old. I bet you got to see some cool equipment and tools in your time.

[@stevenpleasant5834]

Hi there this sounds real good hope you get time soon to get your new Kart project done and thank you for your service how long are you still for. also 1-1/4 axle do not cost much more so guys could use motorcycle motors with your new axle suspension any way great builds and info.

[@KJRaycing]

I hope to get a little time too. There are a couple boys who want to be my testers. I have 22 years in but I love my job so it’s hard to think about leaving. I searched for a while on this, I wanted inexpensive, available and semi easy to build. The 1 1/4 and up stuff I saw was 600 bucks or more, which could easily be used instead to run more power. Thanks for the comment as always 👍

[@hankburton2043]

Can’t wait for that build series brother keep up the good work

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you very much! I can’t wait to get started just see the builds on the fb group. 👍

[@RattleCanCustoms]

Heck yeah dude! Keep em coming!!

[@KJRaycing]

You got it man! We’re gonna make this big!

[@TyranisCustoms]

4:32 That's our kart! Subscribe to see the POWER OF THE 420😤🦖

[@KJRaycing]

So glad you got to see this. I used clips from a few of my favorite builds. I love what you do, man. Thank you!

[@davidmccalman5436]

I built a 600cc on a manco dingo frame. Works great! 1in axle and alot of modifications.

[@KJRaycing]

That is really good to know!! Thank you very much! Do you have it up on the tube or in minibuggy.net?

[@damiensintes3078]

That is Awesome...It will match my polaris predator 500...

[@TyranisCustoms]

The 420 in question at 4:32 is mine! Check out our videos!

[@KJRaycing]

The predator 500 would make a really good donor for this type of build. That Fuji 500 is really quick as you have seen from the black #27... thank you for tuning in 🙂

[@BubbaB43]

I've got a highly modified Murray Kilowatt! Check those karts out! It's a swing arm rear suspension but chassis mounted engine! The driven clutch drives a jackshaft at the swingarm's pivot point. Built 460cc billet everything, 780 Torque Converter, converted front and rear to hydraulic disc brakes ect....

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you! I never realized the motor wasn’t on the swingarm! Awesome, this is going to help a lot, thank you again 👍🖖

[@la_plata3588]

if you find the time can you do a build up series on the go kart and your job looks sick dude

[@KJRaycing]

I’m planning to do a build series for the straight axle. Then get some footage and comparisons of all the machines.

[@tailoredlifestyle481]

Nice

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you 👍

[@tailoredlifestyle481]

I watch all your videos am a Jamaican You inspired me to make one stared getting every thing together just need a engine

[@kendesign3622]

Hey man, good stuff! Just a thought.... your "CLR" radius of your 1.250" bending dies looks to be around 3.5 to 4" 0.065" wall tubing might give you a kinking issue. I use a hydraulic driven JD2 model 32 bender and 1.250 x .095 or .083 dom with a 3.5 CLR is the limit for anything more than 90 degrees. For .065 DOM i use a 5" CLR die and it still has quite a bit of deformation. Love the live axle route, it will make it so much more obtainable to some builders just starting out. Because the axle is so long, 1" steel is going to be a problem. I realize you're trying to keep cost down but an axle out of a micro sprint is usually 1.375 dia 4130 and is almost bombproof. If you made the swingarm as wide as as possible to keep the bearings close to the wheel you might be ok. Keep up the awesome work my friend 👍

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you Ken. I think the Rogue Fab bender will do what I need it to. Not that I for see a lot, but I don’t mind a little deformation because I’m not building a space shuttle, I’m building an entry level crosskart or yard kart if you will. The axle will definitely hold the power of a 420 and an atv engine because it is a heat treated axle. And the swing arm is appropriately designed to keep the moments low. And it will articulate to further reduce the punishment. Thank you for the comment 👍

[@pink_love_cat4928]

I knew you would come up with a cheaper way to do the drive train I would love for your type of karts to be the world's new an improved ATV's

[@KJRaycing]

I really want everyone to be able to experience the fun and thrill of being behind the wheel of one of these, no matter what their skill level and budget is. I can’t wait for jump testing 👍

[@pink_love_cat4928]

@@KJRaycing you and me both. I've almost got my kart together it doesn't look as good as yours but it will do untill I get some more pipe/tubing to start on my next one I keep finding where I made mistakes on this one

[@HARLINSVIKINGLIFELNC]

ThAnk You Man! For making this video for Us MUCH much Appreciated!! I'm in the process of building a go kart for my Son! Mind you, he's a Big stocky 160 pound 11 year old Boy!! So question.. trying to match his size and weight.. how do you feel about the predator 670cc 22 horse power from Harbor Freight? Think that would be enough power? Don't want him to get bored # Concerned Dad . ThAnks!!

[@KJRaycing]

I was going to use a 670, but the 212’s and 420’s are so popular right now. This is my first build with a cvt as I like to have gears, but maybe it will turn out to be something pretty cool! Regardless it will be a new option for the crosskart world! Thanks for tuning in 👍🖖

[@painless_stones5773]

How much did everything cost and where can I find the parts because I wanna start in like 1-2 weeks

[@thunderj176]

Love this project. Ready to build some fun project and you have this in the bag so i had to subscribe. Have you considered adding a track bar to the rear swing arm to accompany the anti sway bars. (Similar to a Jeep Wrangler set up)

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you so much! I’ve been looking at a lot of different suspension options. I want to make it very approachable and somewhat simple to build and align. I’ll have to see where it goes when I have more than paper and CAD to fool with. Build budget is 2k which doesn’t leave a lot of room for a bunch of hiem joints. Track bar was/is definitely in the pocket. Sounds like you have some experience to offer, please consider joining the Facebook Group 👍

[@elibryant2580]

Are you still going to build a 2 seater

[@KJRaycing]

A two seater is definitely in the plans 👍. I’m not a full time youtuber so I won’t have new stuff every two weeks unfortunately. But I will keep doing my best for you guys and try to get something for everyone (I’d really like a two seater too).

[@joshbaker43]

Trying to justify building one, and need more information, approx how much tubing did you use, and what size is it? I plan to purchase the kj Raycing kit from rogue fab and purchase your plans, and using chromoly tubing and a turbo Hayabusa motor make a Texas street legal rocket

[@KJRaycing]

Check the channel, in the description there is a link to the plans overview that answers your questions. There is also a Facebook group full of guys building these that can help answer your questions once you have the plans. Sounds like a cool build for sure!

[@kloud9inetrampolinepark72]

Are there any electric builds ?

[@casperpedersen195]

Where can i buy that rear suspension

[@KJRaycing]

Check. The . Channel. 👍

[@glennladd5481]

I want to built this but with a swing arm setup. I’d bend a solid mounted axle. Think it can be done??

[@KJRaycing]

Watch further in the series, I was going to do the same thing and changed my mind. I think it’s the budget irs build.

[@glennladd5481]

@@KJRaycing I just watched all your vids😂. I’ll be ordering plans from you in a couple weeks or so!!

[@KJRaycing]

Heck yeah man! Welcome to the crosskart movement 🦾

[@sandels3657]

Hey, how long is that solid axle?

[@KJRaycing]

I have endless work and endless plans in the works. I’m shooting for the first week of August to build the solid axle. In the mean time, check this out as a possibility… kzbin.info/www/bejne/pqrCXoZqmaefl9E

[@KJRaycing]

If you meant the axle itself, 54”

[@sandels3657]

@@KJRaycing thank you for that information, your buggy frame are best what i have ever seen

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you so much. I’m really happy to share this with you guys.

[@dezmorganfilms395]

Your Facebook group link is not working. Or I've been blocked somehow.

[@KJRaycing]

We are still getting a lot of new members every day. Try it again if you wouldn’t mind, sir.

[@saszaukrainczyk4959]

is this possible to build for 1000 dolars?

[@KJRaycing]

The thumbnail reads 2 weeks and $2000. This is the least expensive way I could do it paying for readily available parts.

[@la_plata3588]

yo what's up with the yerf dog

[@KJRaycing]

Doing some welding for a good friend, nothing makes you giggle while driving like being behind the wheel of a yerf dog 🖖

[@vintagetintrader1062]

Would a atv axle with wheel spaces be just as good? Just cut off the front of the ATV swingarm and split into a y to attach to each side of the engine cradle mount.. like this ATV axle build kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZouolIuwnK6EmZI (Was planning using a Yamaha Raptor 250 complete rear end that uses a steel swingarm) I’m going to use VW IRS diff centre converted to sprocket in my build as it directly takes common axle flanges, but seriously considered a solid axle from a Raptor.

[@KJRaycing]

I’ve looked at that idea a million times. It can definitely be done as you’ve seen. It is very hard and very expensive to widen a solid rear axle correctly. I didn’t do it as I really wanted irs and a shorter wheelbase.

[@joelmackie9616]

This is a shame it wasnt continued. Real shame.

[@KJRaycing]

It was continued and finished. I drive it way more than the other ones.

[@joelmackie9616]

@@KJRaycing with a solid axle?

[@danielvrana9444]

That’s fine but your cheeping out a cross kart? I think your cheeping your design I feel? But for kids ok I can see that but I feel you have that at the door? Have fun... lol

[@KJRaycing]

No no no. I’m opening the door to more builders, more budgets and using parts more readily available. This design was always meant to to be versatile, so this is the opposite of “cheeping” my design. It is proving it’s concept, purpose and thoughtfulness of the design. And yes, it will be fun. 👍