Crosskart: Small Budget, Big Performance

[@KJRaycing]

Plans to build yours at kj-raycing.dpdcart.com and info at kjraycing.com . Enjoy the build 👍

[@cohentheblue]

With your building skills, I'm surprised you're not building snowmobiles / snow karts. Snow has generally lower friction in ideal conditions and would probably allow for greater speed and slides with the same power. EDIT: as in vehicles on skis and propelled by tracks.

[@RobboGaming078]

Do these plans come in metric measurements at all I'm in australia and would really like to build one of these carts

[@davecarnevale8017]

@@cohentheblue If it were winter year-round here that might be a good idea, but we get all four seasons and occasionally we get winters with too little snow for sleds

[@lukehill6395]

I don't have the money, time, nor space to build one of these right now, but i love what you are doing man. I can tell you aren't in this for the money, but rather the passion of doing it. These karts are so badass, It's definitely not a sierra car but it's also not the price of a brand new porsche cayman. Keep up the good work, i love the content.

[@KJRaycing]

This is the best compliment ever, thank you so much. I share the excitement of new builds with all the guys jumping in. It is the coolest thing ever.

[@JacopoSkydweller]

The longer I live the more I think this is the sweet spot for reliability, low cost, safety and fun. Dirt bikes are awesome, but not something most people can easily ride/fit on unless you have a bunch of bikes. Pre runners are sick, but to make them safe and fun, you're going to spend SO much time and money getting the suspension built, dialed, frame stiffened, then you need more power etc. side by sides are sweet but the ones that are really fun to drive aren't exactly cheap at all. With these you've got a full cage and super low center of gravity, very unlikely to roll and way safer than say a quad if you roll it. Way easier to fix than a proper vehicle that weighs 4 or 5000 lbs with a cage in it too.

[@KJRaycing]

You said it man!!

[@jebediahnightlinger6357]

Stumbled across this video...This is so cool! Hats off to a guy designing and building these racing karts! Thanks for the video, definitely gonna go watch more!

[@RattleCanCustoms]

This right here is why we love the vf1! Solid, adaptable, and fun in any form!

[@KJRaycing]

Your face when you drove it out of the trailer… I wish we could do that every weekend!

[@RattleCanCustoms]

@@KJRaycing same brother!

[@williamfawkes8379]

A jeep cj2 has theoretically 60 hp max and weighs 1250 pounds. They top out at 50mph. You are right in the sweet spot here. Fun > Speed. Simple > Broken.

[@terryenyart5838]

The most fun I ever had was 5 hp go carts. A 1100cc motorcycle engine might be fun, but you might also hurt yourself. Chasing speed thrills is a never ending addiction. Just engine the simple fun.

[@Theoriginalbubbafett]

I remember driving a friend’s go cart with 8.5 hp when mine was only 3.5, I thought that thing was scary! 😂

[@notyouraveragegoldenpotato]

A Honda pilot (the 397cc 1 man dune buggy/utv) was an absolute RIOT. Stupid fast, and you could go around corners sideways 3x faster than you'd ever imagine possible😂 those were a freaking riot

[@nope1808]

im planning on doing a crosscart build with a 05 rx8 2 rotor engine, i think its a great idea

[@b789har]

Yeah, but the difference is the fact that crosskarts have inline four motorcycle engines not lawnmower engines. That's why they don't exist in America. Best drivers in the world are from Finland and that's where the majority of crosskarts are. They are not toys like this. This looks like it could be a great time but in no way is it a crosskart

[@b789har]

​@@notyouraveragegoldenpotatoI love how the Honda Pilot and Odyssey used to be insane 2 stroke monsters. Now they're family vehicles 🤣 SUV and minivan

[@TheMaddcrash]

Very cool kart ….. I am currently homeless right know going through a hard time myself, when I get some money and settle down. I plan on getting your plans to keep my mind busy and recover. This will be a good project for me. Keep up the good work.

[@Russell_and_Rosko]

Never give up!!

[@bogdanfranco1014]

I hope your situation works out for you.

[@4legdfishman]

Great inspirational talk! I'll be starting even smaller with 212 predators go karts for the grandchildren then moving up from there. I got your plans a couple years ago but definitely plan to use them for my own buggy in the near future. Thanks for sharing your knowledge and talent!

[@jasonpinnix1905]

46 MPH is plenty of fun . And yes High speed off road is fun but I have come close to death doing just that . I have broke most of my bones over the years doing it . Stay safe and keep on going stay safe .

[@ftcentrepreneur]

Awesome little build! If I can make one suggestion... put in a firewall, top to bottom. I watched one of your other videos, great build, but it had a radiator on top... if a hose breaks/leaked while you were riding, odds are you'll be in the icu. The firewall doesn't need to be fire proof, it just needs to keep the the stuff separate from you. Great content. New sub. Thanks for sharing!

[@DaCaveman84]

Sounds like a great recommendation!

[@KJRaycing]

Couldn’t agree more, that’s why I did it and showed you how: Crosskart Build: Firewall KJ Raycing VF-1 kzbin.info/www/bejne/gaqmoWl9i5qDhLs

[@ArnoldsDesign]

Great looking machines. I build an all terrain cart back in 1999, but no top cage. It just had a 5hp B&S with CVT. That's what a lot of carts were using then, and the B&S had a lot of aftermarket parts available. It's still sitting in my shed. It was a lot of fun, and would go just about anywhere I wanted. Not as fun as these designs though.

[@caseymyers6178]

I appreciate all the work you put into this for us and I look forward to my building journey.

[@twisted_12_b82]

I love the passion you show for the experience to be had.

[@Meatsweats_o_O]

simple. reliability. is king.

[@Skiridr22]

Love that dude he knows his engines

[@kevinstauffer9846]

So cool!! Love the ghost rider shot.

[@MiniMadness08]

I swear I come back to this video at least once a month wanting to drive that thing so bad.

[@calhiser8265]

Many years ago my dad's neighbor built a mid engine corvair 6 cyl. With a VW bus trans. sand rail using muffler pipe. He made up templates from luan plywood for all of the bends, And the muffler shop did all of the bending . He did the wielding at home. And like you he built several of them. The muffler pipe was fairly larg in dia. And thin walled. altogether I thought it was brilliant.

[@robj5780]

I love your passion and this kart's design and execution. I know this probably won't be popular, but having this in electric would be awesome. It doesn't need a big motor or battery as you don't drive long distances. Any kind of maintenance would go away and it would of course be quiet. The center of gravity would probably also be even lower. Then of course there is the low end torque and the fact you don't need any kind of clutch.

[@KJRaycing]

Stay tuned 😁

[@grafja]

100% agree but you know how these rural folk hate all them new fangled gizmos.

[@John_Redcorn_]

@@grafjawe hate the poor range. Its not uncommon for me to ride my sxs 60-70 miles in a day.

[@synshenron798]

​@@grafjaits not that I hate electric stuff. Its more just that people treat it like its solving every issue with internal combustion engines when its not. It solves some yes, but electric stuff has its own set of draw backs to it. Thats where I and many others draw our grievences from

[@bobm203]

*Love* your builds & your style…. but the “Budget” kart is the best…. Will be building one with one of the industrial engines, maybe a vtwin…. May try upgrading to a Max Torque CVT… thanks for the plans & the IRS designs… Anyone even remotely interested in Buggies & Karts should go this route.

[@1975normal]

Just found your channel Super excited In the past I built another type of cart with no suspension and a cage. This gives me a new goal ⚒️🛠️🤔👍🇺🇸

[@craigengelman1369]

i live in ct and get snowmobiles all the time for 500 or less so it makes more sense to use them . plus nothing sounds better than a triple 2 stroke !

[@John_Redcorn_]

A snowmobile engine on this would rip!

[@davecarnevale8017]

Sled-powered VF-1s have been built by a few folks already

[@EcoSpeeder]

6:53 Agreed. 50 mph is more than adequate. Great work here.

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you 👍

[@AuditMadness]

Great video. As soon as I purchase my house I look to start hobby building Go-karts with my son. Thank you for making these videos brother.

[@davidray5791]

I absolutely love videos like this. Keep em coming. Thanks 👍

[@rattlecan13]

Great video! Lots of good info. Everyone thinks if it's not alot of HP it's no good. 18 to 20 HP can be alot of fun.

[@KJRaycing]

After going to busco with it I was sold on how fun these little motors can be. And a lot of them are upgradeable too!

[@bradwinter156]

You can get plenty hurt with big smiles with 5hp

[@LuIsSaNcHeZ510]

Great video man. So many KZbinrs will talk about a build and just end the video with out showing at least clips of testing it.

[@Blackeyed_dragon-bm6kj]

I would love to make one of these but I'm not capable of making one of these but in the future I will never forget this info and make one it's incredible.

[@zpbeats3938]

I have an old Katana 600 sitting around and I'm INCREDIDBLY tempted to make one of these with that motor....

[@AFFMotorsport]

Good to see an Aussie build in the vid :)

[@kivenwalters7507]

I live for this and this channel is Wicked cool!

[@bertchristofferson1032]

Hi were new to the Cross Cart seen But your video'S have gave us alot of information an Knowledge to work with and cant wait to get started . Thank you Bert and Bill Christofferson

[@jimwilson8879]

Very cool cart, an all time favorite is the MG midget, 85mph on back road feels FAST. Your cart reminds me of that

[@dmitriciccarelli4082]

I would have loved this as a kid.

[@vancemacd6315]

One heck of a build. Phenomenal work

[@michaelmendoza1818]

Pretty cool. I just started looking at these go karts that seat two and kinda similar looking. I figured the prebuilt frames with being able to do a motor swap could be ideal. Don’t have to worry about welding myself.

[@GoPowerSports]

Looks like a ton of fun!

[@frogonthoughts]

i'm sure it's like 500 pounds at most it sure doesn't look that heavy but whatever

[@DaneSaysStuff]

One of these with a Geo Metro drivetrain would be absolutely sick for a 2 seater. I can't wait to get my garage done, definitely building something.

[@mikeharner3977]

So much inspiration. Can't wait til I knock a few projects off and can base my VF750 build on this concept.

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you. But you don’t have to base it on this concept, you can actually build this frame and use it, there have been so many VF-1 builds all over the world 👍 check the description.

[@timjohnston2191]

That is awesome. I would put a reliable Honda 600 XR engine in it. Make it a 5-speed with a clutch pedal really cool build 👍

[@davecarnevale8017]

If you watch his other videos you will see he has 500, 525 and 600cc powered karts with manual gearboxes already; the goal with #14 was to make a fun kart everyone can drive and experience

[@SupernaturalBeingsofEarth]

Great welcoming over intro 😊

[@usnchief1339]

That kart is so sweet! I have way too many interest. Thanks for the video.

[@dandahermitseals5582]

I've got snowmobile engines with the CVTs all over my place. Would definitely be using one of them.😅

[@bobbysweeney5377]

That’s so awesome that you let people try this out like that Did it bring you business with some builds?

[@212caboose]

Put a built 670cc v-twin motor in it... It would probably give that little extra bump in power w/o going overboard, and keep it light and easy to maintain... I'm diggin' it!!

[@thomasd9237]

Very cool 👍👍 I want one ☺️

[@RevelSun]

I had a 150cc hammerhead and took in through every inch of Busco Beach. Damn I miss that thing!

[@alistairfurnell126]

A Fan of Red beard, your the man to see

[@bulletproofpepper2]

On the farm as a kid all the kids around us had carts my two cousin and myself salvaged rebuilt carts. Our family kids work odd jobs and /or cash crops to pay for parts and upgrades. Every Saturday all the local kids came to our farm were we had built a track. The track was on the shape of kidney beam and was around three acres. We work our job in the day and carts at night to get things ready for Saturday. Kids started paying us to work on their carts.

[@110welding]

This is something I would love to build.i am just learning how to bend tube now.

[@chriscolley2229]

Just found your site 😮 Very Cool ❤

[@Gokartsandstuff82]

Had to be the coolest thing you did man letting everybody drive your stuff. I would love for you to take mine for a ride if you can fit.

[@Gokartsandstuff82]

I can’t wait till I have the money to build one 😊

[@Sunspot-19]

40 horises worked with baja bugs. Later, we were building 1835's and stuffing a Norris cam between the case halves, while stacking a Zenith 2 bbl on top. Micro rails look like a hella good time to be manufactured by a little dirt rail with an imagination, um, dimwit driver/fabricator with an imagination. Look, it takes two to tangle!! Just think, a mini dirt rail with a Polaris 780 triple and appropriate transmission can get stupid power going. More or less, a Chevy big block in a wheelchair!! From what I have seen in these videos... A buncha big kids at Toys R Us!! Having too much fun fabricating and rampin' some damn nice builds... Doesn't get better than that!!!

[@THE-BZILLA]

Man can't wait to start my build. Just need plans😁. Gona start with 250 quad motor

[@OnefiveRc]

unpopular opinion-feeling fast is better than actually being fast

[@madmarkstoys]

sweet brother love the independence suspension

[@89sirmonk]

Totally agree on the power and speed thing. I'd like to have a version with a 650 or 750 bike engine. Really, just for having the additional shifting gear experience. One of each, be nice.

[@davecarnevale8017]

On a short course or trail situation, a 525 Polaris ATV powered machine would mop the floor with those; low-end torque is where it's at

[@shanepowell5115]

Wow that's AWESOME

[@jolonsweeney8387]

brilliant looking cart great design I think you're 18 horsepower is a perfect idea for people that are learning I personally would have a 450 engine like a CRF450x engine not highly strung but will definitely go fast on road and dirt lol

[@davecarnevale8017]

The downside of a dirt bike donor is no reverse; the KTM 525 out of a Polaris Outlaw is pretty much the best donor around

[@boringman6491]

I LOVE THIS❤❤❤

[@A304-j9w]

I agree fun factor is key

[@bobbysweeney5377]

Man this is so cool.

[@ketutwijaya4133]

When going offroad its best to have torque rather then horse power type of engine, choosing the right engine for the project build its the very first priority for builder, because its also lead to money cost later.

[@rhadiem]

Looks fun, would love to see an electric version for the torque and quiet version. Plus nobody likes carbs. :D

[@paulwisconsin456]

Awesome build ! What were the tires on it when you were talking about the new engine? They looked much bigger/taller ?

[@TinMan-HVAC]

Original plan for mine was a small simple crosskart... but it didn't stay that way. Now we are building a V8 305 powered two seater oversized side-by-side! We went big. The majority of the frame is finished fabricated, I was thinking of making some videos on it... but I'm not a very smooth talker! haha We shall see.

[@John_Redcorn_]

Big is the only way. Anything worth doing is worth over-doing.

[@Techhunter_Talon]

Legit makes think of the Lunar-Tech Treefrog from the MotorStorm series. It's a dune buggy that is a tad smaller than the others within its class, compact too.

[@buggynutzoffroad5866]

Have you ever thought of making plans for say a 50-60% scale version of this? One that would use something like a 212 cc motor for kids? If so I would be interested in buying the plans!

[@KJRaycing]

I was working on a kids version that was smaller but instead made the seat and pedals adjustable and bought an off road booster seat. My daughter has been driving a VF-1 since she was 8 years old 😎

[@buggynutzoffroad5866]

@@KJRaycing I hope to be starting a build for my winter project. Maybe I can work out plans for a 1/2 scale version using 1 & 1.5 tubing that can utilize a smaller engine. :)

[@SuperTylerjames]

Hey KJ what video covers the 3 inch stretch?? I just bought a set of plans and I’m 6’4” and will definitely need the stretch lol. I love your videos btw!!!

[@KJRaycing]

Hey!!! Thank you! The video that covers custom lengths is in the description 👍. YT used to make the descriptions easier to read. Enjoy!

[@garywinkel1831]

Very cool!

[@jermainephillips5179]

Those cross karts climb some hills?liking the idea of long travel but thought about making a 4x4 version?more work though...

[@getinthespace7715]

I always wanted to build a crazy little go cart. Pick up a used motorcycle, maybe an old 4 cylinder 900cc. 50+ hp, with a clutch and transmission.

[@KJRaycing]

Check out the channel… this was the 4th one I built and the only auto 👍

[@curtissiwak5349]

my 2005 honda trx 450 r started with 31 hp and did 74 mph stock, it now has about 35 hp and does about 81 max speed

[@chadnikolic3509]

thats sick AF

[@ned619]

Full Throttle Life💯

[@opie7afe]

I'm thinking about a sxs and this popped up gives me ideas to find a wrecked atv or sxs make the cart have more ground clearance and use the 4wd drive train for it...

[@CB-jc6vb]

Love to see this with taller tires low gears for rock 🪨 crawler Love speed but rock crawl awesome.

[@bruisedspartan4870]

I was curious if you had considered using side by side parts, it appears that some of the side by sides I've seen have a similar rear end setup to the Polaris Outlaw. Though I believe they use a driveshaft.

[@KennethAutio-b2f]

I'm getting material today thank u for saying it slower is funner in the beginning lol

[@carloscorona6649]

I'm diggin the new intro

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you, they are so fun to put together!

[@StoryOfJames.]

New camera? This video looks great!

[@KJRaycing]

Just used cinematic mode and good lighting 😁. Still looking for cameras. But thank you!

[@daviddalton5851]

Ok you have just about talked me into this. I have 3 boys and these would be great. I've worked fabrication for over 20 years and I plan to purchase your prints. Does the plans cover the jig dimensions I've seen you using? That's where the knowledge is at lol. You seem like a cool cat and you got some fab skills. Nice work!

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you so much! I bet you could build some very cool VF’s 👍

[@fernandorosales2418]

I'm planning on building one of these, but I'm gonna have to stretch the frame a little bit to drop in a stroked LS1 with twin 88mm turbos. I'm just not sure if 1500HP is going to be enough.

[@KJRaycing]

Dude; For real how small can it be?

[@johnfm2731]

It would be really cool to see something like this with 4 wheel motor on hub electric setup for adults as well as down sized for kids.

[@АлександрВолчков-ю6м]

Great

[@shrugger1]

After seeing the build week Kart with only 45hp and what it could do. I've reevaluated the unsane ZX-12R I was considering. I also have a Raptor 700R engine I've bumped up to about 60hp. I think this would be plenty...for now.

[@KJRaycing]

700r would be sick!! EFI means turbo options!

[@johnjoenks8114]

i would rather drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow think about it i had a vet and a miata both were good cars but the vet at 80 felt like 30 the miata at 80 felt like 200

[@KJRaycing]

So hard to tell the people who don’t understand this. Right on brother thank you!

[@mattbarrett41]

That’s truth. An old Harley doing 50mph will pump up your adrenaline far better than a super bike doing 100mph

[@Plutouz]

Baja SAE uses 10hp (really like 8 or 9) and its still a very competitive competition!

[@xClyptox]

Still waiting for the day someone builds the frames and sales them. Thought they were cool with the bike motors but now we got the mini bike motors on em? Yea, interested.

[@KJRaycing]

First kits are being manufactured right now 😎

[@xClyptox]

@@KJRaycing Like actual welded, ready to go frames? If thats the case, Id like to be on the mailing list.

[@KJRaycing]

No you still have to weld, but you would have to weld to mount suspension, engines, seats, steering… Get a welder and start practicing. 👍

[@samj1185]

that torquey engine does a great job. Plus you wouldn't have had 50 successful test rides w/ a shifter Crosskart! W/o some shifting/ignition gizmos you'd have a shredded transmission. Question...what purpose does the 'U' linkage and tie rods on the rear suspension serve? It seems the heim joints have the rear A arms under control. Great looking build and really nice work.

[@KJRaycing]

Very true! Those engines may not have a lot of power but they can run. I put a rear anti-sway bar on the back to give steering back to the front and prevent rollovers. I get them for $15 off ebay from parted out utility atv’s. Thank you so much!

[@samj1185]

@@KJRaycing Ahh, gotcha. so when the compression side moves 'up' the sway bar pivots, transferring upward force to the other arm causing it to compress slightly and reduce overall body roll, correct? Looking forward to more builds.

[@Steven-gv1ke]

You should start a company making kits for us amateur metal fabricators. I can weld but no way i could bend and get all those angles right. However I would absolutely buy a parts kit from you and weld it up myself. Just an idea...

[@KJRaycing]

The first kits are being manufactured right now 😉. Everything I’m doing is to help the builders. Oh and you could definitely bend and notch some tubing, it is a very short learning curve. Watch the budget build series and you’ll see.

[@veterantraveller-dq4re]

A lot of people want to build a 1 off or maybe 2. My local steel suppliers only want to sell 10 or 20 feet of steel that isn't as popular. Perhaps you could sell the a arms and axle tubes for people who don't want to invest in a tubing bender

[@KJRaycing]

CNC pre bent and laser notched kits coming soon! You’ll need the plans for assembly so study up!

[@skoal022]

What's the steering radius like? I had a edge barracuda years ago with a Hayabusa engine. Loved it but it was built for a track or desert, steering radius sucked for where I like to ride, tight woods riding and hill climbing.

[@PartyCrewCoolPAD]

The #Norwegian_prius is called #t_tops 🚘 I'd rather see Go Kart builds And fly kart builds along the way then just another boat haul Good luck great upload Thanks

[@IvecoSuzuki]

Looks so funny dude=)!

[@Synergy7Studios]

Has anyone done a cargo mod with cargo cells on the sides or rear? These would make sick camping rigs. Also a place for a second guy to stand and clip in on the back would be a cool mod, dudes could mount a rifle to the roof and go hug hunting. The military did something similar with sand rails, which these remind me of.

[@brandonschreiner3273]

Love the video! I have a 16 HP Briggs and Stratton I want use when I build mine. What kinds of clutching options do I have?

[@KJRaycing]

Thank you! I used a 44 magnum and 40 series. There is a video on it 👍

[@magarj]

Someone should start selling a kit for this that all you have to do is bolt it together. I don't have the time to do all the fab work.

[@RandomLombax37]

I've been looking for ideas for an interesting fabrication project to cut my teeth on. I think I've found an idea.