Chinese kids ATV for cart build?

catscratch

I'm a nube at this stuff so please be patient. I've been reading the ATV build threads and got on Craigslist to price some ATVs. What I've found is the 125cc - 250cc Chinese ATVs are pretty cheap. So now I'm wondering how one of these would work as a suspension and drivetrain donor. How would the hp of these compare to a stock cart? Would a spring change and arm extensions make them acceptable suspension donors?

Would my idea work or should it be shot to pieces?

Thanks!

BGW

__________________
This advertising will not be shown in this way to registered members.
Register your free account today and become a member on Buggies Gone Wild Golf Cart Forum

slonomo

It's a nice idea but I don't think you'd have much success. Here's why. Those atv's weigh in the neighborhood of 200-300 lbs for the kids sizes. The full size quads in that engine size range are around 400-450 lbs. If you take that powerplant and put in in a 600-800 lb golf cart, you'd be way underpowered. The 125cc 4 stroke atv engines are usually in the 5-6 hp range, 250cc 4 strokes are in the 10-12 hp range. Most stock golf carts are in the 9-12 hp range. Your best bet is a clone engine swap. It's going to cost money to get it done right not matter how you look at it. Suspension? No way, those little quads are meant for 50-100 lb riders, with an occasional 150 lb kid. I had a small atv for my son, it was quick, but it only weighed 200 lbs or less. When I sat on it, the suspension was fully compressed. You put that suspension on a golf cart and you'll likely be worse than stock.

teecro

No pretty way to say it, but those Chinese made A TV and motors are junk! Parts support is also very spotty at best....

catscratch

Thanks for the info. Didn't want it sugar coated, tell it straight! I just had the idea that it could be a cheap suspension/engine package (with some mods). I also didn't know if the Chinese stuff was different than the clones that everyone likes, kind of figured they would be the same...

Unforgiven

I bought 2 Kazuma go-karts. (they supppose to be the top of the line chino-cart) Man that was a greek nightmare. I can't explain the work that had to go into keeping them running. Little 110cc honda clone engine ran great. It was the metal in the frame, kept breaking, the hubs and wheels would break out, the roll bars would break. I don't know what kind of metal they was made out of but was impossible to weld.

I wished i would have weighed my cart in stages of the build. The atv all I used was the motor, rear end, and part of the frame. Used a 300ex front supension. The cart i removed batterys, rear end, front axle. I really only used the frame and body. I'm at the stage now that i'm getting worried about weight. But the 350cc is plenty motor. All in all stay away from the chino-atvs

stuff4mason

Yea man. I agree with these guys. I bout a 125 Kazuma atv for my son. That thing was the biggest piece of sh!t I've ever had. Rebuilt the motor TWICE and spent tons doing it. Now, it sits behind the shed wasting away. As far as the suspension components - they are also junk. We had another china 175 ATV for my older son. The front ball join of that one popped out on him while he was doing about 35 mph. Front end dug into the trail and sent him flying over the front of the bike. He was lucky he didn't get too hurt. stay away from this idea. It's a bad one.

coolpool

I think you get the point, cat, run away from those things. there's a reason the local adds are full of them for sale.

catscratch

Lol, I get the point.

I'm also thinking that unless I find a full size atv really cheap then I'm money ahead to just buy the upgrades I want on the cart and build it. I don't imagine that spending $3k to $5k on a donor vehicle that I have to modify to fit would be cheaper than Jakes long travel and a clone...

battlecat7

Built mine out of a 450cc foreman 4wd atv. Need to sell

Attached Images

image.jpg (129.4 KB, 0 views)