What's the Best Class for New Karters?

[@maxversthappening8166]

As someone who started on 100cc then went to LO206, I'll give my five cents. If you're looking for a cheap, low maintenance engine that encourages pack racing and precise driving, LO206 is for you. However, it is slower and the pack racing can be a pain. If you want to go faster, run larger events, and be able to polish general kart racecraft, 100cc is better. It is more expensive and much more competitive as these engines are not factory sealed and you have to rebuild them every year if not more. IMO, 100cc is much more fun, but it is much more expensive to maintain. Or you say screw it and run shifter its your money lmao

[@bmwlane8834]

Thanks for your input.

[@sjperkins8249]

Shifter is so my jam. Butnit isn't cheap by any means

[@mossypotato9578]

Yes

[@CJ-ty8sv]

*_"IMO, 100cc is much more fun, but it is much more expensive to maintain."_* *_"Or you say screw it and run shifter its your money lmao"_* Never got into karts myself until now with my son wanting to get into them but have spent nearly 30yrs in Auto racing (IMSA, SCCA and NASA) and if there is one to that holds true there and appears to hold true here in the kart world, its *_Speed costs money, how fast do you want to go and how fast can you afford to go?_*

[@DctrBread]

ngl i just wish there was a 4 stroke shifter category... guess there's 250cc superkarts LOL. RN im too poor for any kart so there's that lol, but in theory i would love a 15-25 horsepower class of shifter karts. 80cc shifter races look pretty exciting to me.

[@strhhswgter]

Thank you VERY much for this video. Ive been driving an LO206 for the past 2 years and have enjoyed every second. Its time for me to switch to something faster.

[@IllegalAlienRacing]

Glad you enjoyed it. I think the KA100 will give you what you're looking for.

[@MOTOPILOT6]

I jumped into karting on a CR125. And I had no idea of the costs of keep this thing on the track. Basically the same as the 100cc with tires and fuel. 6 hrs on the top end and 12 hrs on the bottom end before rebuilding can hurt. Plus I just Grenaded both. Cha Ching!!! But I love driving this fast beast. Great info video, guys. Thanks.

[@IllegalAlienRacing]

Thanks buddy! You’re right, cha-ching!

[@sjperkins8249]

Get a rok. Go racing

[@apollo7063]

This helps a lot. I just drove a kt100 the other day with no prior experience in driving any race kart and it definitely was intimidating.

[@Laurent312]

Hehe, when you tell them the kt100 is about 14-15 hp.... they laugh at you. But like you, its intimidating ... 👍

[@richarddevaottien7724]

​@@Laurent312thought they were about 20hp

[@Laurent312]

@@richarddevaottien7724 hey! i started with, Novice class. Exhaust pipe were short…..

[@itthus9552]

this is such a excellent video! Thank you for making this, such an updated video! Keep up the good work!

[@marcuswallace2097]

In the UK classes are a bit different but in general Rotax is the way to go, it’s more maintenance friendly than X30.

[@AFFMotorsport]

Australia we race both Rotax and X30 in the same class against each other.

[@marcuswallace2097]

@@AFFMotorsport Yeah some club championships do that and there isnt much of a difference but for the big mainstream championships they are seperate

[@Jaionxzz]

@@marcuswallace2097 what's the cheapest possible kart trailer etc for rotax in uk

[@marcuswallace2097]

@@Jaionxzz There’s no specific trailer but most people use box trailers you can’t get them second hand between 500-1500 pounds.

[@haz3racer333]

In Australia, For junior we use ka100 restricted or unrestricted and for the cadet we use vortex mini rok. And Rotax pro tour will be on every year.

[@alvintarrer6914]

I believe the 100cc would a start for me for starter or 125 shifter,one or the other...thanks for info. Keep up the work

[@arrivendrive6831]

Coming from two stroke, there is nothing like running two stroke. The big down side for me was cost. You have to always have to have a fresh chasis and a fresh rebuilt motor. We did L206 but found it too slow. We now run Tilllison, which is also a 4 stroke. The Tillison is much faster and is non expensive. It is a growing motor and more racers are running them.

[@damyanpopov1341]

I am in my 2nd year of go-kart racing. 2nd year in the 206 class at my local kart club. I enjoy being in the 206 class and don't plan on changing class anytime soon. The 206 classes are the most popular at my local club. Some guys racing in KA100 and TAG actually got bored of racing each other every race and have now come back to 206. There are now no classes left really between 206 and shifter. The 2 local tracks we race at, the lap times for 206 are between 27-31 seconds. They are both small, twisty tracks so I don't see the need of ever going to a faster kart because the lap time difference won't even be much. From a financial point of view, the 206 is an affordable class that I can afford to race in no problem. If it wasn't for the 206, I probably wouldn't be racing. Fuel & tires are not a big expense like they are in other classes. The Hoosier R60B tires we are required to run last forever which is nice. I only used 2 sets last season in 11 races and I still have life left in them to use for practice this year :)

[@mrjaybennett80]

So you are saying guys in the faster classes with modifiable engines and multiple setups got tired of going fast and decided that pack racing was more fun? Alrightee then...

[@greapsoho]

​@@mrjaybennett80no, he was saying the races had so few people that the competition aspect of the sport was missing.

[@joestanley1123]

I learned 80% from this video 👍

[@zTheBigFishz]

I started in RMax in 2001 @ age 40. In 2005 or so I finished mid pack in the RMax national finale race in Denton Tx.

[@jamesriddle7345]

Your videos are helpful I have a new track about to open near me so I've been researching on what class I want to start out in. Waiting on the track to open so I can get more information on the rules before I make my decision.

[@AFFMotorsport]

I've raced various classes and engines over the years, currently racing Endurance karts on sprint kart chassis with a L0206 as my main class with entries generally 30-38 per round for a 6 hour race, but sometimes run the twin L0206 class, which runs faster lap times and top speed then a 125cc (Rotax or X30), they are fun to drive. Useless info time the Iame KA100, the KA stands for Karting Australia and this engine was bought in to supersede the Yamaha KT100S engine, but the KA100 class is not very popular here in Australia.

[@teter129]

Great vid. I’ll second that although LO206 is very popular, that doesn’t neccessarily mean they are everywhere. You assume they would be, but that’s not absolute. So call your local track as they might be on something different like a modified 4 stroke class, or a another stock class 4 stroke engine that isn’t LO206.

[@flyingphoenix113]

Yup. In Florida (and the southeast more generally), the Tillotson 225RS class is starting to take over. 15hp (vs. 8.8hp in the LO206) and significantly more torque at about the same price (given the price gouging that is currently happening on LO206 engines)--it's a no brainer. It's not quite a 100cc pace-wise, but it is a nice step closer.

[@AFFMotorsport]

@@flyingphoenix113 The 225RS is a good engine, have driven a few, here the 206 is $1500 cheaper then the 225 :(

[@amalovos]

Another great video, thanks for your work producing these!

[@IllegalAlienRacing]

Thanks a ton, I appreciate that a lot and appreciate people taking their time to watch them.

[@user-rs8zg8ey2b]

For my 3 decades of street bikes, I loved the PJ1 blue label chain lube, AND we always lubed the chain at the end of the ride, warm chain the lube seemed to penetrate better, but then it cools and flings off LESS than lube and go. Simply comparing the chain guard fling off.

[@hungrysurfer9471]

Have you tested a 15hp + Tillotson 225cc RS ? Most have 17hp. Engine lasts all season and lots of testing. $1400 to buy. Just needs a $500 refresh in the winter off season. Or the ID-Engine 200cc 24hp. $1200 per season lease. They also do a 300cc 41 hp Shifter.

[@badgumby9544]

In almost every part of the country. The 206 classes are the biggest. If you're brand new, that's the class to start in. Absolutely the cheapest by far. More entries means more competition. Which means learning racecraft quicker. Also teaches smooth driving. You must drive well to run up front in the 206 classes. Most have a spec tire rule. Where I race. One set of tires will last the whole season. If not more. No engine rebuilds every couple races. The engines are simple and don't require as much tuning as two strokes. If learning how to race is your goal. The 206 class is the best. If speed is your goal. Go 2 stroke.

[@downvisor]

From Australia here. I started racing about 13 years ago. Most people here (in seniors) just go straight to TaG 125 restricted, then progress to unrestricted. KA is here for Juniors and seniors too, but as the costs aren't that much cheaper in KA, most choose the 125cc option. After a few years, some go to KZ shifters... and become broke!

[@alfphx]

Nicely done guys!

[@IllegalAlienRacing]

Thank you Alex!

[@strhhswgter]

I'm new to racing karts but I've raced rental karts for several years before I got my own kart. For me there was a huge difference between racing rental karts and the LO206. I here you all say several times people could get board with the LO206 and I have a hard time believing that. I live in Phoenix Arizona and race at Phoenix Kart Racing Association (PKRA). Our track has 6 different layouts and we run clockwise and counter clockwise giving us 12 different configurations. The layout changes every 2-3 weeks. Thanks for your videos!

[@conor1423]

I also go to pkra. I was there on Friday! Have you ever raced a 100cc? 206 is a lot of fun but it's kinda like spec miata (which I love). 100cc has a little bit more of a pucker factor 😂

[@ScottStClair-dm6vk]

Can you buy one chassis, then move up changing motors ?

[@Laurent312]

10:20 whats the little digital gizmo on the airbox?

[@IllegalAlienRacing]

It keeps track of time the engine has on it.

[@MyTube4Utoo]

I'm pretty lazy and I like comfort. Do they have like an Unlimited Class where I could put some wheels, and maybe a V-8 on my couch and race?

[@gunitindaclub]

I am just getting into it. I was looking for an LO206, but wound up purchasing a KT100 locally. Turns out there's a pretty good KT100 class at our track. I've driven 206, haven't driven KA/VLR, but it seems to me that the KT100 is a bit of an in-between. Faster than 206, not as fast as KA/VLR; higher maintenance, but not a reed valve motor. External starter instead of the onboard battery/starter of the KA/VLR or pull-start of the 206. Definitely an older school 2-stroke class that isn't as popular anymore, but great bang for buck value. I'm loving it so far. Great video, as always!

[@flyingphoenix113]

I started out racing KT100! A great class that teaches you all of the essentials with a very low race weight thanks to a lack of onboard starter.

[@AFFMotorsport]

I started in the 1980's in a KT100J then went up to the KT100S engine, they sure have been around for a long time, still a great engine.

[@Pickle_Kai]

Can you make a video on the different ways to set up a chassis? I am clueless to how that works

[@M3this]

In regards to operating costs. You guys mention the costa for 100cc are higher and cover gas costs but what would you say the average race weekend and annual costs are controlled one another?

[@violinmaster3687]

What is the yearly cost of operation for the Lo206 vs. the 100cc if you did a practice and a race each month of the summer season. So…6 to 10 races total?

[@benpierce61]

finnally Also how fast do you think both of the engines use gas Thanks

[@IllegalAlienRacing]

My experience was that the 206 used less gas than the 100.

[@jaytop3012]

great information. i do have a question. i am looking into a used crg fs4 for the 206 class. if i am ready to upgrade to the 100ccclass am i able to utilize the same chassis?

[@dezertraider]

EXCELLENT,THANK YOU GUYS..STAY AWESOME!

[@theghost6412]

I remember an old freind who raced Nationals here in Australia in the 100cc Reed Light Class always said it was cheaper racing Formula Ford that it was racing Reed Light GoKarts. I am going back 20 something years so it would be interesting what the costs are today. But back then each tyre was $500. And you always had a set of Wets and a set of Drys on you at any time so you could switch them out when the weather turned suddenly. An engine usually last 1 or 2 races max. And it would be pulled down and rebuilt every Meet or every other Meet. That could cost you between $6000 - $10,000 depending on who rebuilt it and how close to the allowable tollerences it was. Biggest pain is that the Marshals had the right to pull it apart if they suspected you were cheating and check. And then would leave you with an engine in a million pieces and a race in 10 minutes and an engine with a broken cable seal which meant it couldnt be used that race. Most racers took 2 engines just in case a Marshal got nasty and tried that. I learnt early on that greasing your chains was a massive no no. You want them clean and dry so that dirt, dust and grime doesnt stick to them and cause them to fail prematurely.

[@nuuttilankinen4906]

I started with rotax 125cc

[@davidp7414]

Thanks for this, it answered most of my quesstions

[@kentwright5346]

Great job guys!!!

[@alexv6620]

I want to begin Karting just for fun, what do you recommend?

[@miked596]

2 Stroke cost for pre mix cancels out because the lo206 has motor oil changes. if i'm correct the kt100 and ka100 dont have an oil sump.

[@sielracing]

Lo206 doesn't exist locally for me in NJ So 2 stroke is the way to go in NJ

[@nightflyer40]

Really enjoyed the vid! subbed

[@IllegalAlienRacing]

Glad to hear it!

[@jl9678]

One big advantage of lo206 is the engine is sealed. So if someone is beating you it's not because they found some sort of advantage by tweaking the engine. With the other classes there is all kind of special magic to make a little more horsepower if you're willing to pay a lot so it may not be an even playing field

[@flyingphoenix113]

This was always my problem with unsealed engines. Once you get to state and national championships, everyone is spending such absurd levels of money on their engines that it sucks out all of the fun. And, "paying for the power" is mandatory if you want to stay even remotely competitive.

[@jl9678]

@@flyingphoenix113 exactly. I prefer to be beat by skill not money.

[@M3this]

Dose the 206 class have the same opportunities to race on a regional and national level?

[@montrez1988]

I'm looking to get into the sport. Who offers classes in GA?

[@Vkrvitya.]

I want to start karting, I wanna start with rotax max. Any tipps?

[@perrinayebarra]

How long does a 206 engine last? If they’re sealed do you have to get a new engine every time the old one wears out?

[@derekb4092]

if you change the oil & filter regularly and do the servicing it will last forever. You can clock huge mileages, 24 hr races.

[@murfenator82]

Is rotax any more expensive than the KA100? I don't see why KA100 even exists anymore, but I haven't been in karting in quite a while.

[@albertbroadfoot716]

Where do you guys buy your Karts from? Who sells the Sadi Karts?

[@My-2-Cents]

In another video you showed how the L0206 is sealed, so all the engines are theoretically equal. This seems important for someone just starting to race, to know they are on a equal basis. With the 100 cc class you mentioned “blueprinting” and I am sure there are other mods, or tricks, or cheats to get a power advantage over the novice. Have you seen much outright cheating? I knew a guy that would pickup his extra weight after the race on the way to the weigh-in.

[@dm17nc17]

Where to look for used equipment in Texas?

[@SOLDOZER]

I dont know about the 100cc engines, but I have been racing motocross bikes (2 stroke) for almost 30 years and have always ran pump gas. Not sure why karts would require $20/gallon race gas.

[@nw1302]

What if you are old, 6' & 245 lbs. have no chance in winning any race and just want to drive in track traffic?

[@nathanwiens108]

LO206 unobtanium class at the moment.

[@AFFMotorsport]

We have had the same issue in Australia with them, actually just saw from my club we will have new engines within 2 months :)

[@TexasCoryAllen]

I turn 36 next month and have been thinking about getting into kart racing? Is that to old? I plan on doing rental league for a bit and maybe move to an lo206 after that. Thanks for any tips or help!

[@IllegalAlienRacing]

Never too old. I started when I was 40.

[@TexasCoryAllen]

That’s awesome man! Thanks for the info. I’m going to jump into a league at either Houston karting complex or speed sportz racing park in the next month or so. Also thought about getting into a karting clinic to get a good foundation.

[@davenickel2448]

I'm 65 and starting in the rental league for now

[@imando7464]

Any kart chassis recommendations for 6’7 260lbs driver? Not looking to be be competitive but for fun. I go to mb2 but they are to small hard to steer because my knees are at the steering wheels and I have to keep my left leg up so I won’t hit the brake pedal

[@sjperkins8249]

You just need a full size frame and an extended front porch

[@badgumby9544]

@@sjperkins8249 Wrong. Too big for kart racing.

[@hammerracing1587]

What kart do you recommend for a heavier driver?

[@sjperkins8249]

100cc all day. Lo206 is definitely a lot less expensive to purchase and run though

[@IllegalAlienRacing]

I do like my 100cc better but I sometimes miss being able to practice a ton on a few bucks worth of gas.

[@madeyoulook2869]

Can i be any weight and race. Thinking about 206 or x30, im a bigger guy.

[@jamesriddle7345]

What are somethings to look for when buying my first chassis I'm 6ft tall and can you run the same chassis in the lo 206 and the 100

[@IllegalAlienRacing]

Yes you can run both engines on the same chassis. I have a video dedicated to what to look for when buying your first kart.

[@jamesriddle7345]

@IllegalAlienRacing thanks I found your video on that and thanks it was very helpful maybe I'll see you on the track soon I'm 4 hrs away

[@jkadel213568]

Are the chassis between the 2 classes the same?

[@RichardM479]

So could you buy a lo206 kart and then switch the engine to a 100cc and still be able to race with the 100c karts?

[@IllegalAlienRacing]

Yes. I've heard of one kart brand that makes a chassis specific for 206 but I don't know much about it.

[@richhalsall488]

What class would you consider the upgrade class to either of these engine classes ?

[@sjperkins8249]

World formula is the modified Lo206. Pushes 14-15hp from the factory 10. The 2stroke is a whole different engine package. 100cc the ka and vlr are similar, about 22hp Faster than that is a 125cc TaG kart. 27-35hp depending on package specifications

[@markanthonypetra]

How bout some prices??? When you have to consider a racing budget, engine costs, rebuilds, clutch maintenance and parts....I'm coming from vintage karts.

[@badgumby9544]

New shop prepared Lo206 - roughly $1100. New shop prepared KA100- roughly $2700. The KA requires fairly frequent rebuilds. Fuel is way more expensive. Requires tuning knowledge. And goes thru tires way more than 206.

[@Bsmith26067]

Anyway to get a lo206 with a 2k budget

[@IllegalAlienRacing]

Yes but don't expect a kart in really good condition.

[@BenFreedmanRacing]

This video is very useful

[@thegouse]

what is the best class for switzerland?

[@imshaneandnothingelse1887]

If your a kid 10 to 16 go for x30 or rotax

[@flyingphoenix113]

Any liquid-cooled 2-stroke is just that much more expensive to prep and run. I think any liquid cooled kart is too big of a jump for a beginner.

[@s0k4rting93]

@@flyingphoenix113 I did it look at my channel😂

[@vaughan9238]

@@flyingphoenix113 rotax is one rebuild a season, easy tuning, much more simple than KA100 ive worked with both

[@reyortiz5197]

nice video.

[@atharva.bkarting33]

I personally think, 125cc engines instead are great for both beginners and experienced karters…

[@christianbuczko1481]

A 125cc can be abit much for a beginner. My 1st time with a rotax was terrifying then the powerband kicked in.. the x30 is more linear in acceleration so easier to manage. Costs are not cheap, more than a few thousand to set up with a few thousand in yearly running costs for casual drivers, race teams can spend 100k+ im told easily. The 4strokes are far cheaper in every way, and alot of fun when racing similar karts and ideal for a start before you go nuts on the 125cc and shifters.

[@pappaduck1]

How can I get intouch with you?

[@IllegalAlienRacing]

[e-mail]

[@AlexRooney-i3l]

What engine should a 12 year old have

[@kart-raceralex8859]

Rotax max senior is the best way to start

[@takemebacktothen]

I think somebody should put a drz400 engine in a kart and make a new class

[@billymanilli]

Why specifically a DRZ400? They have shifter kart classes already with much better engine choices...

[@takemebacktothen]

@@billymanilli because it's cheaper to run and maintain. A Duke 390 could be a good choice too

[@loopie007]

IMHO: LO206 is not too popular in our area. Fewer people to race and practice with. They are the slowest karts on the track besides rentals. As I have gotten better, I am bored with the slowness of the kart. I like the four-stroke engine, but it's so slow compared to everything else. 100cc is on the shopping list.

[@Okzide.]

Y'all blink alot.

[@Juiced2528]

Damn you for pointing this out

[@syme71]

Thanks for vid. 100cc class it is …

[@joepacelli9713]

Comer 50 is the best place to start but if your not 5-8 years old u ain't fitting lol

[@LSam-ux5rz]

OK....ok now

[@tallishyeti2756]

Obviously shifter. Duh

[@benpierce61]

lol

[@flyingphoenix113]

Why start with a shifter when you could start with a 250cc superkart?

[@tallishyeti2756]

@@flyingphoenix113 you right

[@naomiwebb2937]

Well this channel named didn't age well

[@anajeemcfarland1548]

😂😂

[@anthonyfrattaroliracing]

Another tip is do NOT buy an intrepid haha

[@JSKart23]

I love racing my Vortex Rok GP(TAG)on road courses. 100 mph racing wheel to wheel.

[@sulleysaad3266]

Unfortunately we don’t have good race tracks in Michigan 🥹