Do you plan on building your own go-kart?
Go-kart building is a fun project that you can tackle on your own or with your family.
Do go-karts really cost as much as they claim?
Building your own go-kart can cost you anywhere from $400 to $860, depending on whether you purchase used parts or brand new ones. You can spend $400 to build a go-kart that works for pretty much any budget.
You can find below a table that summarizes the costs of each part and the total price of the project.
What is the Cost of Each Go-Kart Part?
You should examine the price of each component now that you know how much it costs to build a go-kart. This lets you adjust your budgeting and figure out where you want to spend more or save more.
Go-Kart Frame
Your go-kart’s frame is its foundation. In one way or another, almost every object will have some interaction with the frame. Go-kart frames cost about $200 for a new model.
Typically, these frames also come with the required mounting brackets, hoops, and mounts for go-karts.
For approximately $75, you could find a used frame on Craigslist or eBay. Steel bars and plates are also available for a budget if you are willing to weld them together yourself.
You have to keep in mind that this method will only work if you are knowledgeable about it. Getting a used or new cheap go-kart frame is advisable if you are relatively new to building go-karts.
New Go-Kart Frames: from $200+
Used Go-Kart Frames: from $75+
Go-Kart Steering Kit
We’ll assume you already have a steering hoop welded into a go-kart frame. Therefore, you must budget for tie rods, a steering rack, steering column, adjustable shaft, and a steering wheel.
It’s possible to buy each component separately or get a complete go-kart kit that includes all the steering components.
It costs about $90 for a new set and $35 for a used one. Amazon and eBay are good places to find them.
New Go-Kart Frames: from $90
Used Go-Kart Frames: from $35
Go-Kart Wheels
Different types, sizes, and shapes of go-kart wheels are available. Buying four of them for $60 ($15 each) is a bargain since they are relatively inexpensive. Make sure you have 4 of them, 2 for the front and 2 for the back.
The price of four used go-kart wheels starts at $25 on the internet. For a modest price, you can buy them from eBay or Craigslist.
New Wheels: from $60
Used Wheels: from $25
Go-Kart Tires​
Go-kart tires are relatively expensive when compared to second-hand or used go-kart tires. New kart tires have more profile and will last much longer, whereas used kart tires have less.
If you are on a budget, it may not be necessary to buy go-kart racing tires for your own kart. Non-racing and off-road tires are more affordable if they are not racing tires.
Four used go-kart tires cost about $30, while four new ones cost about $100.
New Go-Kart Tires: from $100+
Used Go-Kart Tires: from $30+
Go-Kart Spindles
You can purchase a pair of go-kart spindles on eBay or Craigslist for about $15. Although you can find these on both eBay and Craigslist, they were more abundant on Craigslist.
Prices begin at $35 for a pair of new ones. Make sure to get one for your left side and another for your right side.
New Spindles: from $35
Used Spindles: from $15
Go-Kart Pedals
There are a number of used electric guitar pedals for sale on eBay at affordable prices. Their prices start at $10 for a pair.
One was on the left side for the brake pedal and one on the right side for the gas pedal.
You can get a basic set of pedals for about $15 if you buy them new instead of used.
New Pedals: from $15
Used Pedals: from $10
Go-Kart Seat
If you are building your own kart, you don’t have to look for a seat that is specifically made for go-karting. It does not have to be mountable for you to build your go-kart.
It’s about $35 for used seats, which you’ll probably need to refurbish. An average new seat will cost about $60, and a high-quality one will cost about $100.
New Go-Kart Seats: from $60+
Used Go-Kart Seats: from $35+
Go-Kart Sprocket
New go-kart sockets should be around $20 to $30, so you shouldn’t have a problem picking one up. On Craigslist or online, you can often find sprockets for half the cost.
Additionally, make sure that the chain is the correct size for the sprocket you are looking for. You might want to get a chain and sprocket set if you need it.
New Go-Kart Sprockets: from $20+
Used Go-Kart Sprockets: from $12+
Go-Kart Chain
It is necessary to purchase a chain separately if the kit does not include a sprocket. Chains start at about $12 for a brand new one and from $5 to $8 for a used one.
Make sure your chain fits your sprocket. You can severely damage your go-kart if you use a chain that is the wrong size.
New Go-Kart Sprockets: from $12+
Used Go-Kart Sprockets: from $5+
Go-Kart Brake Kit
There is no standard disc brake kit for go-karts, but they usually have a master cylinder, calipers, a fluid reservoir, and a brake line.
Although it’s possible to buy each component separately, it’s recommended to buy them as a set to make racing more convenient and enjoyable.
The price range of a new set of brakes starts at around $70. Used brakes will likely cost you between $40 and $50.
New Brake Kit: from $85
Used Brake Kit: from $40
Go-Kart Throttle Cable
For go-karts, you can select various lengths of throttle cables. Be sure to measure correctly to get the correct length.
It is good to know that throttle cables come at the same price regardless of length. You can get a new pair for about $3 or a used pair for about $1.
New Throttle Cable: from $4
Used Throttle Cable: from $1
Go-Kart Live Axle
A brake kit requires only a live axle, so you don’t have to buy it separately. It is also possible to get brake kit parts with live axles.
The price of an axle can vary depending on the manufacturer. It costs about $25 for a new live axle. Second-hand units will cost about $15 if you choose that option. You might also find used parts at garage sales.
New Live Axle: from $20
Used Live Axle: from $15
Go-Kart Bearings
In most cases, a vehicle won’t need the cost of axle bearings or wheel bearings. You must get four tires for your go-kart. It is not uncommon for used bearing sets to cost as little as $2.
Buying brand new sets will cost you upwards of $6. As a matter of fact, higher-quality bearings begin at about $20 each for a set of four.
New Bearings: from $6
Used Bearings: from $2
Go-Kart Engine
Engines for go-karts come in different specifications. If you were to buy a brand new entry-level engine for a go-kart, you would expect to pay around $150.
Go-kart engines can easily cost more than $300 if you are looking for high-performance models.
Engines cost about $100 for entry-level models. It may be possible to find them discounted at yard sales or scrap dealers.
For your go-kart, you may also use the engine of an old lawnmower. Several factors will determine the cost of an engine for a go-kart.
New Go-Kart Engine: from $150+
Used Go-Kart Engine: from $100+
Other Required Components
In addition to the go-kart engine, there are other components necessary to construct a go-kart. Tools, equipment, and accessories excluded from the final price include these items.
The reason for this is that we usually have these tools in the garage that we can reuse.
Can the Cost To Build a Go-Kart Rise or Fall?
If you choose to go for higher-quality parts, the cost of building a go-kart will likely be higher. Nevertheless, it may cost you less to build a cheap go-kart if you can get most of your parts for a lower price or on sale.
Working backward is always the best solution if you are concerned about costs. Research all the prices of the parts and set a budget. You’ll be able to arrive at an accurate cost estimate when you calculate the cost.
Where Should You Buy New and Used Go-Kart Parts?
Go-kart parts come in many varieties, so you have plenty of options in an affordable price range. Parts purchased locally are easier to find since people usually want to dispose of them, and you don’t have to pay to deliver them.
The process of finding parts at a yard sale or scrap dealer may take more time, but you are likely to save some money. You can find these items on Amazon or eBay, depending on whether you want brand new or used items.
Where can you buy used parts?
- eBay
- Craigslist
- Garage sales
- Scrap dealers
Where can you buy new parts?
- Amazon
- eBay
- Online retailers
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for go-kart parts, you have A LOT of options to choose from.
It is cheaper to source components locally because people usually want to dispose of these parts. And you do not have to pay shipping and handling fees.
Despite the longer time investment, it might be more economical to source parts at a yard sale or scrap yard. In addition to racing go-kart, you need other components to survive on the go-kart track.
This would include items such as tools and equipment that are not in the total price. We will likely be able to use these tools again since we keep them in our garage.
