The 4 Best Shifter Kart Engines of 2019

The purpose of this article is to look at four of the better shifter kart engines, as determined by price, speed, weight, and utility. The best shifter kart engine is an important investment. After all, it’s going to be the core of your kart and make a huge difference in terms of that kart’s lifespan.

4. X-Pro Dune Buggys 110cc Engine Motor

Overview

Sometimes, all you need out of an engine is the ability just to hit the road. This is the best shifter kart engine for someone who wants something that just works – it’s not a fancy engine, but it works very well. With good maintenance and a bit of extra care, this is the kind of kart engine that you can keep working for a long time. Fortunately, it’s also the type of engine that can provide enough power to your kart so you can have a great time.

This high-quality engine does fit most go-karts. Therefore, you shouldn’t have any worries after your purchase. You’ll get a reasonable amount of torque and horsepower out of the engine as well. This is enough to guarantee a good experience on the track or off-road. While there are other engines that certainly do more, there are few that can give you a smooth ride with little effort from your part.

3. Briggs and Stratton 13R232-0001-F1 Engine

If you’re looking for a good shifter kart engine, Briggs and Stratton is a good company with which you can start. Well-known in the engine game, its shifter motor is one of the best you’ll find. Lightweight and easy to install, this is perhaps the best shifter kart engine you’ll find at this price point. While there are certainly others that have more features and more power, you’re not going to find them with the same kind of brand-name quality backing them up. Simply put, this is a great engine for go-kart fans.

The best part about this engine is that it is designed for an extended lifespan. That means that you can amortize the cost across a longer period of time. On top of that, you should hopefully be able to avoid some of the more troublesome maintenance problems that tend to show up with lesser engines. Finally, this model is also backed by a great warranty, so those problems that you do have shouldn’t end up breaking the bank.

2. Honda GX160 5.5HP General Purpose Engine

Overview

Honda has made some great engines for cars and motorcycles, and that trend continues for their go-kart engines. A strong contender for best shifter kart engine, this one stands out because of how well-engineered it seems to be. Honda has clearly put a lot of work into making sure that this engine can achieve maximum power with a minimal amount of effort, helping you to attain higher speeds without wearing the engine out.

The best thing you can say about this engine is that it starts on the first pull every time. Being dependable is an underrated quality, especially from a manufacturer like Honda. Even with that said, though, dependability isn’t the only great thing going on here. The overall construction of the engine is incredibly reliable, with very few reported major problems. If you’re looking for a way to keep your kart going for years, this is a great place to start.

1. DuroMax XP7HPE Start Engine

Overview

Generally speaking, it’s a bad idea to judge a book by its cover. In the case of this engine from DuroMax, though, first impressions really do mean something. Possibly the best shifter kart engine currently available today, it looks as good as it runs. If you’re attempting to get a new engine for a new kart or if you are looking for a replacement, this is definitely where you need to start.

DuroMax prides itself on making a safe engine, especially for those who are looking to run go-karts in heavily regulated areas. Engineered to pass every test, you can rest easily knowing that you’ve got a great engine powering your kart. Whether you are looking for something that can run a quick kart or just something that’s going to last, this is a great shifter engine for your go-kart.

Bonus Read: Best Karting Helmets

Go Kart Maintenance Overview & Tips

While a go kart might seem like it has a lot in common with a car, the truth is that it requires a lot more maintenance to keep running. These vehicles are much more delicate than they look. Therefore, you’ll have to continually work on your kart to make sure it stands up to the punishment the track or the woods will put your vehicle through. Fortunately, there are a few very basic tips you can follow in order to make sure that you keep all the most important parts functioning.

The first, and most important, bit of go kart maintenance you can do before driving your kart is a walk-around. If anything looks like it’s loose or dented, your kart may not be safe to drive. From there, you’ll move on to looking at anything that moves when it is not supposed to. All wobbly parts should be checked for wear-and-tear and lubricated regularly. Once you’ve got that done, it’s just a matter of checking fluid levels, looking for cracks, and putting your kart away carefully.

Conclusion

The four engines above all work as the best shifter kart engine for a certain type of consumer. Whether you are looking for speed, dependability, or just a solid engine, you’ll find it there. These are not all the engines out there, though, and you may have encountered engines you think are even better. If this is the case, don’t keep that information to yourself – make sure to get in contact with us today.