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I have some questions for the AutoX knowledge around here.  I am looking at getting into F125 but I want to learn before dropping the big bank on new kart, engine, etc...also given my area finding a 125 shifter is really difficult.  I have never driven a shifter kart before, but have raced TaG karts in the past.

 I found a great deal on a 80cc engine on a 125cc chassis (front brakes and all) Shifter, turnkey package tons of spares, stand, gear everything for under $2k.

 Will a 80cc shifter be miserably slower than a 125cc?  Would this be a good platform to learn the driving, the lines, etc...on before upgrading the 80cc motor to a 125cc later on?

 Any advice will be greatly appreciated

Hey Eric,

As much as an 80cc would be a good way for a newbie to learn, you've already got karting experience in something faster.   Although I haven't personally driven an 80, I do know they're significantly down on power and torque to a good 125.

The "great" deal is something to be careful of.  If you have first hand knowledge of the kart and it's local, you might be fine, but otherwise, I wouldn't do it.  If the former is true, you will have a great start to simply picking up a 125 motor for $1-$1.5k and you'll be set to go.

So you know, my wife started karting in a strong 125 shifter and she's doing fine.   She did get a little indoor track experience first, but not much.  You can always drive the 125 slower, rather than be restricted by the motor.

To give you a comparison, around here there are a couple of nice karts, already setup for F125, for $3000-$3500, total package.  So, consider that when you're looking at the 80cc.

What year chassis is the 80cc?  What is "tons of spares"?  How's the kart been kept up? 

To me, the bottom line is that you don't "need" to start with an 80cc, so unless the chassis is beautiful and you could simply throw the motor out and buy a 125, I'm not sure I'd go that route.

Brian

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**3Generacing**
Craig: STX MINI Cooper S
Jane: A Stock Boxster S
Brian: F125 CTS/Champion Honda
Lisa: F125 CTS/Swedetech Honda
Julian: Intrepid Cadet/KT100
Carson: Top Kart Cadet/K80

I second the "buy local, check everything out at least twice" thing.  My "steal" of a deal kart was $1200 with spare rear gears, wheels, enduro tires, and body work.  Then I found the cracked fuel tank ($50), cracked rear hubs for the 1-3/8" rear axle ($unobtainium, I found 1 hub in Az and he's helping me look for another but they haven't been made in a solid decade), the radiator on it was too small ($200 for a new rad from Margay, new rad mount that the found for it $dunno), new nerf bars ($120), new clutch cable ($35), and new tires ($thanks Brian!) and I'm starting to wish I had bought something newer/more complete.  Then again, I can't be too mad since I got a running CR125 with it.  *crosses fingers*  Still trying to find another rear wheel hub, but I should be racing in October.  Maybe.

 
I also think you'll be fine starting with a 125cc since you already have experience.

 

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2007 Toyota Tacoma
Buy my kart! Check the Classifieds!

Never run out of ideas, traction, and real estate at the same time.

Thanks for the responses!

 I've decided to wait and find a 125 shifter.  Once I started adding things up like a 125, new seat, mychron, etc...it turned out it wasnt quite the deal I thought it was.  I am hoping to find local, but being in BFE Kentucky thats not always easy.  If anyone knows of a kart for sale in say Indy, Nashville, St. Louis, etc, any links would be greatly appreciated.

This one seems like a good deal, particularly for an '03 chassis:

http://www.ekartingnews.com/viewtopic.php?t=60798

Of course, you'd probably want to find a fellow SCCA F125r to go check it out.  I do have somebody in mind that might be pretty close if you want to dig into it a little. 

You can buy out of town, just do what I suggest above, as well as a LOT of good clear pictures from all over the kart.  Close-ups of brakes, motor, and chassis should be requested, annoy the owner with requests.  Plus, speaking to them on the phone, you can find out how good of a seller they are.  If they get annoyed, don't buy from them, you want a pleasant buying experience...just like a car dealer.  They should be willing to help post-sale.

Brian

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**3Generacing**
Craig: STX MINI Cooper S
Jane: A Stock Boxster S
Brian: F125 CTS/Champion Honda
Lisa: F125 CTS/Swedetech Honda
Julian: Intrepid Cadet/KT100
Carson: Top Kart Cadet/K80